Chicago Walking Tour: Art Deco Skyscrapers Riverfront
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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. Learn how Art Deco reflected the era’s fun-loving optimism with lavish materials and geometric ornament. Discover the origins of Art Deco while admiring buildings like the Carbide and Carbon Building (now Pendry Chicago), the Chicago Motor Club Building (now the Hampton Inn) and the colorful, but often overlooked, Trustees System Service Building (now the Century Tower)—all of which are designated Chicago landmarks. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change without notice due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
Pets are not allowed.
What To Expect
Chicago River
Discuss buildings built in the Art Deco style along the riverfront
View the exterior of the building
Options
Art Deco Riverfront
What‘s Included
Admission to the Galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center
Narration by a professional and certified guide
Coat check
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Storage for luggage or strollers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
98 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Art Deco Walking Tour
Kerry Connell a... G,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the art deco walking tour with CAC. We had a wonderful guide, Betsy J, , who was enthusiastic and extremely well informed. Betsy and the tour far exceeded our expectations. She moved the tour along at a brisk pace but stopped to explain architectural details and answer questions along the way. Highly recommend. Thanks Betsy!!
Fantastic Tour
jeanerSF,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour led by knowledgeable volunteer who takes you inside architectural treasures!
Art deco delight
IsolaBella88,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent way to explore Chicago and learn more about its history and architecture. Loved our guide (Jennifer) who took time to show us big and small details. The weather was perfect (with the right amount of wind to remind us we are in Chicago) and left the tour wanting more. We were given headsets before the walk started which meant we could hear our guide even in the bustle of the city. One other comment about the tours organised by the CAC: the guides all volunteers who love their city and enjoy sharing it with others. None of them accepts tips. This deserves a special shout out. Strongly recommended.
Worthwhile tour
CruiserSeattle,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was really good, particularly after the boat tour as we got to go inside the buildings. Mary Jane was very informative and easy to talk with.
Fantastic Tour - Worth the time and money
U8658KMmaureenc,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I grew up in Chicago and had family visiting from out of town. We took a walking tour with the Chicago Architecture Center. The tour guide was fantastic. While I already knew a lot about Chicago history, I never toured the buildings we saw. I learned so much more about Chicago’s rich history and architecture. If you have a few hours, the tours are worth the time and money.
Great walking tour
allison2298,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mitch was our guide and he was terrific. He got us into great places to view the. Buildings out of the pouring rain! He was informative and very conversational, had lots of info, and asked for questions at every stop
Art deco tour
Katie S,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour and guide! Amazing to get into the buildings and see and earn about the details
For the Art Deco Lover
momoduff,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this tour. I knew a little bit about Art Deco but learned a lot. It’s a nice, compact tour and our guide managed to get us through the crowds downtown on a gorgeous day. I really appreciate the sound system they use. The tour does not end back at CAC so we missed their fabulous gift shop!
Educational and enjoyable tour of art deco buildings
IvanC4760,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sandy was passionate and knowledgeable Very pleasant experience Learned a lot and I now have more appreciation for the art deco buildings in Chicago. Highly recommend
Incredible tour! History/art enthusiasts will love this
933eshanp,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an incredible tour! Our docent Betsy was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely lovely. We covered 333 N Michigan Ave (now a Chicago Blackhawks storefront), 68 E Wacker Place (the former home of the Chicago Motor Club), the Carbide & Carbon Building, Century Tower, the Merchandise Mart, and several smaller Art Deco gems along the way. I left with a deep appreciation not only for Chicago's architecture and the Art Deco movement, but even more so for the Chicago Architecture Center and people like Betsy, who pour such passion and energy into sharing these historically rich, culturally resonant stories. Kudos to this spirit!
Related Experiences
Operated by Chicago Architecture Center