Chicago: Art Deco Skyscrapers Walking Tour
ID: GYG159692-250391
Category:
Country: United States
Duration:
01:30 hours
Description
Art Deco's lavish materials and geometric ornament epitomized the prosperity and optimism of the Roaring 20s. Learn the history and characteristics of this modern decorative style while touring some of the city's most beautiful skyscrapers.
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.
Art Deco abounds in Chicago. The style made its way to the city in the 1920s, after it was showcased at an international art exposition in Paris. It was widely seen at the 1933-1934 Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago as well.
Influenced by Cubism and the art and architecture of the ancient Middle East, Art Deco can be found in popular motifs like zigzags, octagons, sunbursts and flowers. Art Deco reflects the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornaments.
Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now the St. Jane Hotel), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn), the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower) and the Engineering Building—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks. This tour ends at the Merchandise Mart.
Highlights
- Learn the origins of Art Deco and discover its popular motifs
- See how Art Deco enhances the soaring exteriors and opulent interiors of some of the city's most extraordinary skyscrapers
- Delight in the beauty of the interiors of 5 opulent Art Deco skyscrapers
- Learn from your local expert guide, trained by the Chicago Architecture Center – the city’s leading authority on architecture
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• All tours are given by Chicago Architecture Center certified volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training about Chicago’s architecture and its history. They are storytellers and Chicago experts
• This tour is unable to provide secure storage for luggage or strollers
• Unfortunately, there are no refunds due to the weather. Tours depart rain or shine
• Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You are required to bring and wear a mask
Masks are required while indoors
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure at 30 N LaSalle Street, and have your confirmation at hand. The docent will check your name off a list of attendees.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
