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Lights, Camera, Architecture!

  • Looking across bridge and river at large white building. Several pedestrians and flags on bridge.

    Wrigley Building.

Stroll through cinematic history on Chicago’s streets, visiting buildings featured in famous films and learning about the city’s film industry.

This tour currently has no scheduled dates.

  • Looking across bridge and river at large white building. Several pedestrians and flags on bridge.

    Wrigley Building.

Chicago’s unique architecture has co-starred in movies with Ferris Bueller, Batman and the Blues Brothers, among other famous big screen characters. See some of the buildings featured in these films and more!

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

Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Chicago might not be the first town that comes to mind when discussing film capitals, but it still has a rich history with movies. This 90-minute walk unveils the story behind more than a dozen buildings that have made an appearance in films shown around the world. You'll learn why movies are filmed here and how the city's economy has benefited from the industry in recent years.

Know before you go:
  • This tour ends at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.


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.
  • Exterior of grey gothic building

    Tribune Tower. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • View of lower level beneath bridge near busy city street.

    DuSable Bridge. Photo by Eric Allix Rogers.

  • Exterior of two identical cylindrical residential tower buildings with scalloped balconies

    Marina City.

  • Interior of cylindrical atrium with glass ceiling

    Thompson Center

  • Exterior of tall white building with pointed roof and blue sky

    Wrigley Building

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.

All walking & bus tours FAQ

Buildings on This Tour

See All Buildings of Chicago
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Group & Private Tours

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

See Group and Private tours
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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