Chicago Art Deco

Tour Creator

Wendy Bright is passionate about sharing the beauty and wonder that is Chicago. She has an MA in Art History with an emphasis on architecture. For over 25 years she…Read More Bio »

Tour Type:

Architecture

Art

Chicago

GPS-directed

Remote Tour Included

1hr

1km

Chicago is world-famous for its architecture from many eras. The Art Deco style coincided with the biggest building boom in the city’s history. We have a rich collection of buildings from that era and in that extravagant style. In Chicago’s densely packed Loop we will explore eight key examples of Art Deco architecture.

From one of the earliest examples of Art Deco commercial buildings to the fully mature skyscrapers, from modest buildings to massive, iconic structures, we will experience the grand sweep of the Roaring 20s and its heady manifestation in architecture. On our tour, we will enjoy some of the most beautiful Art Deco buildings in the world in Chicago’s historic downtown.

Avoid the Crowds

Allows you to explore without having to be shoulder-to-shoulder in a large tour group

Expert-created Tour

Written by a long-time Chicago tour guide with a Master of Arts

GPS Directions

Easy-to-follow GPS directions to get you from one point to the next on your tour

Highlights include:

The Starck Piano Company Building, One North LaSalle Building, and Trustees Systems Service Building

Remote Tour Included

As with all our tours, a remote tour is included that can be enjoyed from home

Itinerary

Chicago: Art Deco

  1. Starck Piano Company Building - Introduction to Art Deco and Starck Piano Company Building: We’ll begin to explore what Art Deco was about and its context in Chicago as we take in this early architectural example.
  2. Field Building (Exterior)  - We discuss how this skyscraper came about, even during the Depression, and how it exemplifies the Art Deco style.
  3. Field Building (Interior)  - We will explore the features and meaning of the Field Building’s elegant lobby.
  4. Chicago Board of Trade Building (Exterior)  - We will discuss the history, architecture and design program of this iconic building.
  5. Chicago Board of Trade Building (Interior)  - We will explore the opulent lobby and explore its rich materials and ample symbolism.
  6. One North LaSalle Building (Exterior)  - We will explore the architecture and sculptural program of the exterior before entering the lobby.
  7. One North LaSalle Building (Interior)  - We will experience one of the most beautiful interior spaces in Chicago and discuss its components.
  8. 33 N. LaSalle Building - We will take a brief look at this quintessential LaSalle Street Art Deco skyscraper and the meaning of these buildings.
  9. ComEd Substation - We will examine what this odd little building is, the meaning of its relief sculpture, and more about what was going on during the Art Deco period
  10. Trustees Systems Service Building - We will explore this unique and artful example of an Art Deco skyscraper, featuring work by renowned artists.
  11. Merchandise Mart - We will explore the iconic Merchandise Mart, its history, mind-boggling statistics, and current life.

Check out a free sample of this tour!

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