Walk a 90-minute loop from the Chicago Architecture Center and encounter the city’s modernist milestones—from Mies’s glass planes to Bertrand Goldberg’s Marina City. This guided tour pairs close-up examinations of façades with the civic stories that shaped downtown.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The river breeze off the Chicago River cuts between glass and concrete as your guide gathers the group at the Chicago Architecture Center on E. Wacker.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be able to walk about 1.5 miles and stand for short periods.
Wildlife
History
Postwar economic growth and new steel-and-glass techniques drove a wave of modernist construction—figures like Mies, Goldberg and firms like SOM reshaped Chicago’s civic and corporate architecture.
Conservation
The Chicago Architecture Center is a nonprofit that promotes preservation and education; guests are encouraged to use public transit, respect public art, and avoid touching delicate façades.
Reserve your spot on the Chicago Walking Tour: Modern Architecture today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Buy tickets in advance
This tour has limited capacity—purchase or reserve your spot ahead and arrive 15 minutes early to collect tickets at the CAC box office.
Wear supportive shoes
The route is flat but involves about 1.5 miles of walking on sidewalks and plaza surfaces—sturdy footwear keeps you comfortable.
Watch the weather
Chicago wind and sudden showers can make the walk chilly—bring a lightweight windproof or rain jacket, especially in spring and fall.
Use public transit
The CAC is well-served by CTA and Metra; a transit card saves time and reduces the need for downtown parking.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes for sidewalks and city surfaces keep feet fresh through the 90-minute loop.
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Protects against wind and rain common in spring shoulder seasons.
spring
Sunscreen and hat
Open plazas and reflective glass increase sun exposure on summer walks.
summer
Refillable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important—water fountains and bottle refills are available at the CAC.