Chicago Architecture, History and Culture Loop Walking Tour

Explore Chicago’s historic Loop through the prism of its architecture. This three-hour trek will cover defining moments from 350 years of Chicago’s history, including the first Europeans to come through here, the Great Chicago Fire, the origin of the skyscraper, the 1893 World’s Fair, Prohibition and the creation of Millennium Park. Along the way, you’ll discover some of the Loop’s most beautiful interiors, found in buildings that thousands of people walk past every day, completely unaware of what’s inside…And how things created inside those buildings shaped our current world for the better. You’ll hear the stories of the men and women--including Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Daniel Burnham, Potter and Bertha Palmer, and Muddy Waters--who made Chicago what it is today, and those, like Jeanne Gang, who are defining Chicago’s architectural future.

1. 1

   Pioneer Court

   10 min

   The DuSable Bridge on Michigan Ave. is where Chicago’s story begins, and so does ours! We’ll discuss how and why this particular spot on the shores of Lake Michigan became one of the world’s most important cities.

2. 2

   Carbide and Carbon Building

   5 min

   A beautiful Art Deco skyscraper that exemplifies how to repurpose buildings. Plus, its design has a secret story!

3. 3

   The Chicago Theatre

   10 min

   The dazzling marquee is one of the most famous signs in Chicago (second only to Wrigley Field). We’ll learn about the ups-and-downs of this grand movie palace and find out about a secret symbol to look for throughout the rest of the tour.

4. 4

   Marshall Field And Company Building

   15 min

   Now a Macy’s, we’ll stroll through the massive store, see its Tiffany stained glass mosaic and atrium while talking about the innovations created within that are still in use in modern department stores.

5. 5

   Chicago Cultural Center

   20 min

   Opened as Chicago’s first library in 1897, the Cultural Center boasts arguably the most beautiful interior of any publicly accessible building in the city. And yet, many Chicagoans have never set foot inside it, making it the ultimate hidden gem in the middle of downtown.

6. 6

   Millennium Park

   30 min

   Millennium Park transformed 24 acres of railroad tracks and parking lots into the city’s centerpiece. We’ll explore the park’s highlights, including Pritzker Pavilion, Crown Fountain and, of course, the iconic Bean.

7. 7

   Palmer House Hilton Historic Lobby

   15 min

   The Palmer House traces its origins to pre-Fire Chicago, and was once the largest hotel in the world. Its lobby remains a marvel of Jazz Age decor.

8. 8

   The Picasso

   10 min

   Pablo Picasso’s sculpture in the heart of downtown polarized locals when it was unveiled in 1967, but has since become a source of pride. We’ll talk about how Picasso, who never visited Chicago, came to create a piece for the city, and try to figure out what it is.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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