Art Deco: Landmark Lobbies

  • Interior view of brass elevator door.
Step out of the cold and into the lobbies of three Art Deco skyscrapers that showcase the prosperity and optimism of the Roaring 20s on this 1-hour version of Art Deco Skyscrapers: The Riverfront.
  • Interior view of brass elevator door.

Discover the bold style and rich detail of Art Deco architecture while learning the answers to questions like: What defines Art Deco? Where did the term come from? And was that green skyscraper on Michigan Avenue really designed to look like a Champagne bottle?

Duration
1 hour
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

Chicago Architecture Center 111 E. Wacker Dr.

All of the buildings on this 1-hour tour are located within 1½ blocks of the Chicago Architecture Center. Their faithfully restored lobbies feature floral borders coated with silver leaf, walls clad with Greek marble and bonze elevator doors that contemplate the passage of time. Offered only in fall and winter, this compact tour provides less exposure to the elements and more exposure to the glamour and history inside some of Chicago’s best Art Deco buildings.

Know before you go:
  • This tour is a shortened version of Art Deco Skyscrapers: The Riverfront, covering the first three buildings from that longer tour.
  • This tour includes two brief visits to second-floor balconies accessed only by stairs.

Tour Reviews

    • When I lead this Deco tour, I get a kick out of seeing guests’ faces light up when they go inside the lobbies -- buildings aren’t designed with glitzy ornament like this anymore!
      Bill CoffinCAC Docent
  • Ornate golden elevator doors in building lobby

    Carbon and Carbide Building

  • Interior view of 2-story building lobby with large US map on the wall

    Hampton Inn Chicago Motor Club

  • Looking up through oval-shaped multi-level stairwell with dark wood banisters

    Hampton Inn Chicago Motor Club

  • Mosaic tile domed ceiling in gold and copper tones

    LondonHouse Hotel Lobby.

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Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your walking or bus tour.

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