5 Art Deco Tours in Chicago Worth Flying For

1.Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Loop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · from $35Our pick

Walk through Chicago’s Loop with a Chicago Architecture Center certified guide, spotting Art Deco details at 30 N LaSalle, the Rookery, 135 S LaSalle, 1 N LaSalle, and the Board of Trade. Expect a small group of up to 10 people, selected interior visits, and gallery admission at the Chicago Architecture Center.

“This tour is a must on a visit to Chicago... so much of the city's earlier 20th century history is captured in this tour of the moderne art deco architecture. One does not tend to appreciate these gems hidden among the neo-classic buildings and glass high rises, but once seen, a lasting impression that will keep us looking in the future. Leaves one with the question if in 80 years people will be making glass and steel tours. Somehow, one doesn't get the feeling of enduring beauty as one does with Art Deco.... The detail work on the interiors of these amazing buildings is beautiful, and quite lacking in anything…”

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2.Chicago Architecture Walking Tour: Incredible Art Deco Interiors

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Spend about two hours exploring Chicago’s Art Deco buildings, with several interior stops most city tours skip. Guides such as Henry and Hilary explain the style, history, and details in an engaging way. The group is capped at 15, begins near a metal horse sculpture at 425 S Financial Pl, and ends near Pendry Chicago on Michigan Avenue.

“Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Guide was interesting and fun to listen to. Educational even for an Architect.”

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3.Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $35

Walk from the Chicago Architecture Center to THE MART, stopping at five Art Deco landmarks along the riverfront and in the Loop. You may enter grand lobbies at the Carbide and Carbon Building, former Chicago Motor Club, Trustees System Service Building, and Merchandise Mart, though access can change. Guides such as Mitch, Ron Roman, and Marcia add history and sharp detail.

“This is a wonderful walking tour. We visited a lot of landmarks like the Mart and the carbon and carbide building. Our guide, Ron Roman, was approachable, professional, and above all knowledgeable. We learn so much from the tour. ArchitRead more”

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4.Chicago Art Deco Madness Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $45

Walk through Chicago’s Loop with Ronnie Frey, an interior designer and architecture guide who points out about seven Art Deco buildings, striking interiors, public sculpture, and Roaring Twenties stories. The 1-hour-45-minute tour is limited to 10 people and includes the Board of Trade, Macy’s, and the Carbide and Carbon Building.

“It was terrific! The art deco is so beautiful and cool, but the histories behind the buildings and architecture made it even better. Excellent experience!”

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5.Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 28 reviews · 1h 30m

Meet your Chicago Architecture Center docent at 30 N LaSalle Street for a small-group walk through five Art Deco skyscrapers near the Chicago River. See geometric interiors, learn about 1920s design, and finish at the Merchandise Mart. Your ticket also includes admission to the Center’s exhibits.

“A lovely man, funny and knowledgeable about his subject!”

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