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Chicago's First Skyscrapers

  • Interior of 2-level building lobby with 12 elevators and bright mural

    Marquette Building. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

Chicago is home to some of the world’s first skyscrapers. Get an up-close look at these 19th Century marvels.
  • Interior of 2-level building lobby with 12 elevators and bright mural

    Marquette Building. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

Get an up-close look at these 19th century marvels—including three stunning interior lobbies. Learn about the design innovations used to create this revolutionary new building type that transformed cities forever.

Duration
1.5 hours
Site Type
Neighborhoods
Location
Downtown
Architects and Styles
Meet

410 S. Michigan Ave., outside the Fine Arts Building

Today, 9 of these historic early skyscrapers are proposed UNESCO World Heritage sites—and 7 of them are on this tour. As Chicago rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire, pioneering tall office buildings began to rise up in the 1880's and 90's, designed by renowned architects Adler and Sullivan; Burnham and Root/ Holabird & Roche—and the father of the steel-frame skyscraper, William Le Baron Jenney.

Highlights of the tour include Burnham & Root's Rookery (1888), a Moorish castle on the exterior with a stunning interior atrium redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright; Adler & Sullivan's Auditorium Building (1889), whose groundbreaking design includes an interior filled with Louis Sullivan's signature ornament; and Holabird & Roche's Marquette Building (1895), with a lobby filled with art including a rare Tiffany mosaic frieze.

Notes:
  • Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
  • Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours.
  • Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.

Tour reviews

    • The Chicago’s First Skyscrapers tour revisits that fantastic era when Chicago was transforming herself from a marketplace for meat, corn and wheat trading into the business and cultural capital of America’s west. The most visible image of that transformation was Chicago’s new downtown, rebuilt after the great 1871 fire, filled with the tallest office buildings in the World. When I give the tour I can’t help seeing the buildings through the eyes of Chicagoans of that time – the first to magically rise straight up into the sky— and thereafter define the future of their City.
      Deborah GarberCAC Docent
    • Deb was an absolutely incredible guide. Even though it was a bit rainy, she was enthusiastic and SO informative. Not only did I love learning all the details about the development of skyscrapers in Chicago, I gained so much knowledge about the architecture and the history of Chicago. This tour was so worthwhile!!!!
      Angie D.Tour Attendee
  • Exterior of brown building with three columns

    Marquette Building. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • Interior building lobby with elevators and mural.

    Marquette Building lobby

  • Exterior of grey stone building on city street corner

    Auditorium Building

  • Exterior of grey stone building on city street corner

    Second Leiter Building

  • Exterior of brown stone building with bay windows

    Manhattan Building

  • Exterior of brown stone building with bay windows

    Monadnock Building. Photo by Peter J Sieger.

  • Exterior of brown stone building with United States flag

    Rookery Building. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

FAQ

  • Essential walking tours depart from the center at 111 East Wacker; they are free for all CAC members. Premier walking tours depart from other locations across Chicago, including neighborhood tours. Premier tours are discounted for individual, dual and family memberships and free for Deco level and above.

  • The CAC welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone. Learn more about accessibility options.

  • Many of our tours depart from the CAC at 111 E. Wacker. Your ticket (regular or print-at-home) will indicate the departure location. If you have any questions about your tour’s meeting place, give us a call at 312.922.TOUR (8687).

    For tours that don’t begin at the CAC, please consult the individual tour webpage, or call 312.922.TOUR (8687) for details on the meeting location.

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Buildings on This Tour

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Group & Private Tours

CAC offers discounted rates and customized options for groups and tour operators. Learn about options here.

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Skyscraper GallerySkyscraper Gallery

Free Center Entry with Your Ticket

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

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