Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Tour the lobbies of five opulent Art Deco skyscrapers built near the banks of the Chicago River during the business boom of the Roaring '20s. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament. Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now Pendry Chicago), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn) and the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower)—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.

Pets are not allowed.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center

Narration by a professional and certified guide

Coat check

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Storage for luggage or strollers

What To Expect

Chicago River

Discuss buildings built in the Art Deco style along the riverfront

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

View the exterior of the building

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Art Deco Riverfront

Reviews

4.92

79 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Learn to identify the details of an Art Deco era building.
stephendA7075TP,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour, learned so much about these Art Deco buildings. I have walked by these buildings hundreds of times and didn't even notice the details until they were pointed out.
Mary Ann
paulinesF6971DK,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful experience learning about the beautiful art deco building the great city of Chicago has. The tour guide, Mary Ann was very knowledgeable, informative and answered questions.
Awesome walking tour
457jenig,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such interesting history in this city taught through the beautiful architecture. Cynthia was an excellent guide. I learned a lot and really enjoyed it.
Fair, but not first choice walking tour.
hoby1kanobee,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
It was ok, not great. Took quite a while to get rolling with much talk outside the building. Docent's microphone failed mid tour and much of end was near trains so hard to hear. Maybe this was shared but would have been good to know finishes at Merch Mart which would have led to more strategic parking location. I'd recommend sky scraper tour and other art deco ahead of this one.
I see the buildings in Chicago with a new appreciation
460debran,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Cynthia was great. A wealth of information and a trooper given the rainy day. I look at buildings in Chicago with a new appreciation and understanding. Thanks to Cynthia’s informative commentary.
Great art deco tour!
183bernardg,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a wonderful walking tour with Cynthia Bates. She was so informative and gave a very organized presentation. I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in Art Deco architecture.
Great tour with knowledgeable guide
T162HJsheilar,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sandy was an excellent docent and provided interesting details about the buildings and could answer any questions. The walk was at an easy pace and we were able to enter most of the buildings on the tour to view lobby designs.
small group tour - interesting buildings - great tour guide
J8270PMlisas,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I went on the Art Deco Skyscrapers - loop tour with a friend who was in town for business - we were celebrating her birthday. It was an excellent experience, despite the drizzly rain. The tour guide, Cynthia was very knowledgeable, worked hard to make sure everyone could hear and answered our many questions. I'm glad the tour was 1.5 hrs - I felt like we really got to see alot. I love art deco and architecture and learned a ton about the history of the period and the style. Enjoyed this immensely. I'm glad it was a small group outing and would love to do another tour in the future.
Great walking tour
JPWCHI,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thanks to Ron Roman, our tour guide, for giving our group a great tour of art deco buildings! I’ve lived in Chicago for decades and still hadn’t seen many things on the tour.
For the art deco lovers
katherinemV384SR,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A wonderful tour with the knowledgeable Alison! A must for those who love art deco architecture. We will definitely take another CAC walking tour on a future visit.