Buildings of Chicago

Chicago Architecture: one story at a time

Chicago has long been a laboratory for architectural innovation and experimentation. Discover the stories behind some of the city’s most significant skyscrapers, museums, theaters, bridges, homes, schools, houses of worship and parks.

Explore Our Building Database

Featured Building of Chicago

Transitions in architecture

Built in two phases, the Monadnock Building demonstrates a visible shift from load-bearing construction to skeleton frame construction—a change that happened throughout the city in the late 19th Century.

Monadnock Building

53 W. Jackson Blvd.

As you pass by the Monadnock Building in Chicago’s Loop, you may not recognize it as a transitional…

Building Details

Toggle Info

Explore the Buildings of Chicago

Browse By Collection

Filter By

Your selections are: C.F. Murphy Associates

Crown Hall

3360 S. State St.

Crown Hall is widely considered to be the finest work of Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe.

Building Details

Toggle Info

Richard J. Daley Center

50 W. Washington St.

Mid-Century Modern buildings in the International Style are sometimes referred to as “skin and bones…

Building Details

Toggle Info