Amazing walking tour with an amazing docent! Definitely recommend the CAC for all Chicago tours. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Carbide and Carbon Building - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Silvia was a delightful tour guide. I loved the history surrounding the different buildings old and new. She had a great personality and you could tell she was very proud and passionate about telling the story of Chicago. read more

The CAC river tour is hands down my favorite thing to do with out-of-town guests. I have taken the tour no less than 8 TIMES over the past decade or so and I enjoy it every single time and always learn something new. It is such a beautiful and unique vantage point of this wonderful city and makes me fall in love with Chicago all over again every single time. All of the docents are wonderfully engaging and demonstrate such a passion for architecture and Chicago's rich history. It is always the first (and sometimes only) thing I recommend to people as a "must-see" attraction when they visit Chicago for the first time. You can't go wrong with this tour. read more

Informative walking tour! My boyfriend and I went on the 90 minute Modern Tour yesterday (Sunday) and we both enjoyed it very much. The tour was very affordable and it was easy to book our tickets online. Our guide was very knowledgeable but also was able to explain the architecture terms in a way that was understandable for novices. You receive a comfortable ear piece so you can hear the tour guide quite clearly. We walked to several different places and our guide pointed out several examples of Modern and Contemporary Modern architecture and public works of art including the Calder and Picasso pieces. I would recommend signing up if you are an architecture fan! Also make sure to check out the gift shop and 3-D printed model of the city. read more

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Best river tour in the city!! Tim was informative, funny, and his speaking rate kept pace with the boat's progress perfectly. We also took advantage of the small extra fee to visit the Chicago Architectural Center as well. Great information there as well. Highly recommend both. read more

This is the most fabulous way to encounter Chicago no matter whether for the first time or for the eightith. It made me really proud to be a resident here and I learned enough to make it a regular stop when I introduce people to the city. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Today (June 14) I took the Architectural boat tour with the amazing guide Lance Friedman. He was just perfect: with a great knowledge, passion and humor. I learned a lot about Chicago and it´s treasures. THANKS for such a fascinating experience!!! Monica Unikel, Mexico City read more

Ding ding ding ding. It stopped me in my tracks! Located in lobby of the Santa Fe (Railway Exchange) Building, the "Chicago Model" is an incredible sight. I'd seen this awhile back and apparently, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is adding and experimenting with visually displaying data via the model. (The architecture foundation shop is in this building, entrance on Michigan and is how we originally meandered into it.) I was talking to a volunteer the other day and he said it took 60 hours to 3D print the Sears Tower. (I think someone is calling it "Willis" now; not sure about that.) Anyway, the whole thing took about 1600 hours to print. The scale is 1" = 50'. This made skyscrapers more detailed than most other models. It's true - the detail is incredible. Once you get over the breathtaking size and scale of this model -you can dig deeper into even more of what it's about: What role has data played in Chicago's architecture and planning history? Who's turning city data into action? What does your personal data say about you? But most importantly: "Where are all the potholes?!" (One of the illuminations and it's funny because it staggers in purple otherwise the whole thing would be purple!) If these are the questions keeping you up at night or you just want to stay warm while taking in a new perspective on the city...visit the "Chicago Model." Free, too! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Energy consumption shown - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have yet to take one of the Chicago Architecture Foundation's many affordable and intriguing tours. I have heard so many good things about their tours I look forward to learning more about Chicago's diverse architecture. I did happen to wander into the Foundation shop while on Michigan Avenue and left with no less than two bags full of unique stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts. Their shop veers away from touristy crap and into artsy ornaments, art books, books on architecture, one-of-a-kind kitchen utensils (a flamingo whisk?) and office supplies (a walking Triceratops pencil sharpener?), puzzles and educational toys. You'll also find many items bearing the stamp of Oak Park's favored son, Frank Lloyd Wright. So, be the unique uncle or auntie that's always buying cool toys at Christmas and stop at the Foundation! Or just give 'em socks and underwear yet again...yeah, that's "cool". read more

This was a great architecture cruise. Well worth of the cost. Bob was so knowledgeable of the history of Chicago. Will definitely do again

I went on the Northwestern University tour yesterday. The guide, Mitch, was very good. We saw quite a bit of a very large campus on a 2+ hour tour. Some of the areas of campus were unexpectedly closed for an event when we were there, and Mitch worked around the closings to include as much as he could of his normal tour. He provided us with a lot of interesting information about the architecture and history of the campus. I have been on several walking tours now with the Chicago Architecture Center, and they have been uniformly good. Very impressed with the knowledge and dedication of the docents who lead them. read more

This was probably one of the best tour stops on the trip. I had such a fun time through this 90 minute cruise to learn all about the innerworkings of Chicago skyline and all the amazing historical and new architecture that has since adorned the skyline of Chicago. I never knew how culturally rich Chicago was, and this tour really showed me what I was missing. This tour does mainly go over architectural marvels but even more, it's a history lesson on Chicago itself. It's entertaining, fun, and the tour guides are extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of Chicago history beyond the architecture themselves. It's an easy going cruise that will allow you to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time, probably less than what you would pay for a taxi to go to those places too! This is probably one of the most recommended to-do list items for me if you were to visit Chicago. read more

This review is for the Parks and Boulevards bus tour. Thanks to Maurice for guiding is through this tour. He did a fantastic job! On this tour we visited: --Douglas Park --Field House --Flower Hall & Garden --Garfield Park --the Bandstand from 1896 --Independence Park --Garfield Park conservatory --Humboldt Park (we walked around to the lagoon and the boathouse) --Logan Square/Palmers Square --we drove by many Jewish temples and Norweigan churches --we drove by a skating park located under a freeway overpass (totally shocked this even existed!) --Diversey Parkway --Lincoln Park --Cafe Brauer --Lily Park (docent lead) This tour was so awesome because we went to areas I never knew about, or even if I knew about it, I would not go alone. I learned a lot of history about these neighborhoods and Chicago. We received docent lead tours for the Lily pond and was able to check out the inside of Cafe Brauer even though a wedding was scheduled for that night. The tour is five hours long so bring something to eat and drink. We drove by a lot of food stops but never stopped for food. Plenty of bathrooms on the stops and on the bus. EXCELLENT TOUR. Highly recommend!!! Bring comfortable walking shoes. There is moderate amount of walking. Picking up tickets was easy. Just head to the TOURS area to check in for your sticker (which is your ticket to the tour). Tickets were about $36. I got my tickets half off at Goldstar https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F123738RP read more

The Chicago Architecture Foundation was founded in 1966 as the Chicago School of Architecture Foundation, to save H. H. Richardson's Glessner House, one of Chicago's oldest residences. In 1971, it began to offer lectures and volunteer-led tours to the public. The Chicago Architecture Foundation is located within The Loop's historic Santa Fe Building and conveniently across the street from the Art Institute. It offers exhibitions about architecture, infrastructure, cities, and design. Lectures, panel discussions, education programs, architecture tours, and digital experiences are also featured. The Gift Shop is also worth some extra time due to its engaging and unique subject-specific selection. The Chicago Architectural Foundation is the most interesting and educational way to see Chicago. Hands Down. When I come here, you'll find me on one of the boat tours, as that's one of the more interesting and efficient way to see Chicago and learn a little history as a bonus. However, I'd recommend any of their other tours, as I don't think there's a clinker in the bunch. The volunteer Tour Guides are also top notch and with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm that can be contagious. And every time I'm in Chicago and I have time - I'm Back! read more

This tour sounds boring...but I was completely hooked for 90 minutes. Not only is it a great way to see the city but I feel informed about the architectural history and have a great deal of respect for the Chicago landscape now. I would make this a must see. Definitely worth the money. My ONLY criticism is I hope you guys stop partnering with Ticketmaster. I have no problem paying you $45 but I hated paying $2 to print my own ticket and $8 in fees to them. I would gladly support the foundation but the partnership with Ticketmaster has got to go. My two cents. read more

The "Historic Skyscrapers" walking tour was excellent. Our terrific volunteer docent, Craig, was an engineer/urban planner by trade. So he knew a ton about different buildings' foundations, supporting structures, materials... For example, he described the differences between steel frame structures vs. masonry, and their consequences for construction costs, building height, window design. He also explained how different engineers solved the problem of how to build on Chicago's originally marshy land... The tour entered several lobbies to admire Frank Lloyd Wright's gold-on-marble columns in the Rookery, Cartier Wall clocks in the Field Building, the Tiffany mosaic in the Marquette Bldg, etc. All really interesting. The "Highlights By Bus" tour is billed as CAF's most "comprehensive," covering almost 30 miles of Chicago architecture. Our tour guide, Jean, was like an encyclopedia of facts and dates and names for dozens and dozens of buildings. Tip: Get there early and grab a window seat. You'll see important landmarks on both sides, but it felt like the left (driver's) side got slightly more action. My favorite stop was the IIT campus - Mies Van Der Rohe's minimalist glass box, Crown Hall; Helmut Jahns's soundproofed wonder, a dorm adjacent to the El tracks; and Rem Koolhaas's shiny and colorfully-lit student center. The bus tour's only downsides are that it can be hard to ask questions from the back of the bus, and that your photos from the fast-moving bus will end up blurry with odd reflections. I took the "River Cruise" several years ago and loved it too. The river is a fine vantage point to appreciate the skyline's mix of old and new, and especially how the newer skyscrapers echo and reflect their surroundings. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had a friend in town last week. This was his first time ever being in Chicago, so he wanted to do some of the trendy touristy things while here. One thing that I had never done and thought would be interesting was partaking in a walking tour in the Loop. We went to the Chicago Architecture Foundation and purchased our tickets for the Historical Skyscrapers Tour. This might have been the best $15 bucks (including a bottle of water and granola bar purchased b4 the tour) I have spent in Chicago. I took something like 140 pictures. Our docent was amazingly knowledgeable. The buildings were magnificent. It is now my goal to attend each and every tour the Architecture Foundation offers. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is for the review of the CAF store and the scale model they have in the building at 224 South Michigan. The front of the store currently has some scaffold as the building is under minor renovations however the store sign is clearly visible as they have a temporary sign. The store itself has a lot of souvenirs but by the entrance they have a lot of Chicago architecture and wall art which is a lot like what they have at the Tenement Museum in NYC. Lots of different books, skyscraper things and things like that while the south part of the store has puzzles, Lego, toys and books for the kids. It's a cool store. I love buildings, architecture and things of this nature. If you take the door at the back of the store you will enter the building's large middle open area where the CAF has a large 3D model of Chicago's skyline. It was made with 3D printers and costs about 750k to make so far but most of the money has come from donations/foundation etc. I have to say this model is way cool and amazing. If you're a fan of architecture and this sort of thing you have to see this model as it's just something to see. I don't know what the scale is exactly but Soldier Field looked to be about a foot long or more. read more

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We did a walking tour on Chicago skyscraper history. That mightn't sound particularly interesting but trust us when we say that it really was fantastic. We're not the type of people to generally wander around in a tour group but this was done in a small group, with little earpieces so that we could easily hear the guide, and it was truly insightful and interesting in a way that really impressed us. If you're at all on the fence about this, just go! Highly recommended. read more

I didn't use their service for tours, but I did/do love their store. They have lots and lots of quirky little things. Many different artists and architecture related gifts available in the shop. I love the play sets for kids and the jewelry for adults, amid the house ware items, you can find just about anything related to the architects in Chicago. read more

Took the "Architectural Highlights by Bus" tour, since the weather outside didn't seem conducive for a walking tour. The tour had about 18 people on board a large tour bus, so there was plenty of room to sit about and stretch. The tour itself was great in terms of area that we covered in downtown and the surrounding areas, places I probably wouldn't have time to see since I did not rent a car. However, the tour guide was pretty dry, and not at all lively. Although she seemed to know what she was talking about, there were countless times were she would pause mid-sentences. and then proclaim "Sorry, I just lost my train of thought". There was also a portion of the tour where her access card did not work, and we left having to peer into the building from the outside. The tour lasted about 3 hours, and it went through a lot of parts in downtown that I was planning to visit. It was nice to have some background information or facts about the area, so when I revisited them in the days ahead I had some context and was able to enjoy the areas a bit more. In all, it's worth it if you want to see Chicago in a short time. read more

This is the BEST river cruise in Chicago - oh, if you actually want to learn something. I had an out of town guest this summer who is obsessed with architecture, so it was something of a no-brainer to do this cruise. The docent was talking as fast as she could to get in all the information about the architecture visible from the river. Really worth it, the woman who gave the tour was on her game 100%. My friend even chatted with her after and got more information. It was interesting to me to see the changes along the riverfront. I'd taken this tour about 10 years ago, and then again this summer. Ya la teeeef, what changes this city has busted out in that decade! The people running the tour were very accommodating as well. We went up to get tickets, but hadn't pre-reserved, and there was only ONE ticket left. A plaintive wail "But she's from Amsterdam!" and one of the workers had our back - she sold us one of her tickets that she had access to as a worker there. Hm. Maybe I shouldn't have divulged that secret, but I'd definitely take this tour again. Even for native me, architecture dilettante, it was tremendously informative. My brother is an actual architect here in Chicago, and even he learns things when he takes this tour. read more

We've attended two incredible events held by the Chicago architecture foundation. First one was the Open House in October where we can see the certain areas of specific buildings that aren't normally opened to the public. Second one was the Engineering Fest in March for children ages 5-12 where they learn architecture terms, see what parts make a building, design a building on paper, or construct one with Legos or metal pieces with nuts and bolts. We had a blast at both events and am excited to see what else they have in store. The building itself is beautiful with its glass ceiling in the lobby, an open atrium where you can see all the floors, the vintage decorated elevators, and pictures of other buildings and the miniature model of downtown Chicago in the lobby. read more

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Chicago is an architectural treasure. It has many world-class, innovative buildings, but I was clueless about many of them until I became a member of CAF. Since joining CAF three years ago, I've turned into an architecture junkie of sorts. I always recommend the famous Chicago river cruise because it's so much fun. It gives an overview of Chicago's history, plus an introduction to many of the buildings you can explore later on other tours. The docents on the river cruise (and on all of the other tours) have a wealth of information to share. I've taken over a dozen walking tours, including the Board of Trade, the Rookery, the Monadnock Building, the Cultural Center... and yes, even Trump Tower. My favorite bus tour is the Devil in the White City, about both the Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the doctor who was a serial killer (read the book first if you get a chance). Highly recommend the Holiday Lights heated trolley tour, which was a big hit with visiting relatives last Christmas season. CAF has a great website with detailed information about all of their tours. There's a fabulous exhibit and gift shop at their tour office on Michigan Avenue. And if you love architecture and design, you won't want to miss Open House Chicago in the fall, which lets you explore 150 buildings across the city... and it's free! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Union Station tour (staircase in The Untouchables movie). - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

These tours definitely seem to be hit or miss. My family took a boat tour a few years ago that was amazing and informative. Then a friend and I took a walking tour yesterday in the Loop where the tour guide persisted in running a half block ahead of the entire group (she said, "Sorry, I walk fast" -- well, don't race across the street and leave half the group behind! Some of the people were older...Also at one point near the end she said, "We need to get you some of those Segways," which seemed kind of snide). She also kept turning off her microphone (we all had listening devices so we could hear on the street), causing it to blast static into everyone's ear, even after we asked her not to. For $16 it wasn't too bad of a tour, but I felt like I'd learned more from the Geoffery Baer PBS specials about Chicago history. To avoid the "running to keep up" problem, a bus tour or boat tour would probably be a better idea. The CAF offers a variety of interesting tours on various themes that would be worth checking out, but after yesterday's death march I don't think I'd try one of those again. It's hard to enjoy the information and sights when you're literally dashing through the streets to keep up with your tour guide. :( read more

Whether you lived in Chicago your whole life or you're a tourist passing through, if there is anything you need to do while your in Chicago, CAF's First Lady Architectural tours are one for the lists! The First Lady is a beautiful boat that delivers a 90 minute Chicago river cruise traveling through the heart of downtown Chicago. You can't predict the weather here in Chicago but the day we went, the weather gods were smiling down on us! The views on this tour are picture perfect and there are tons of spectacular opportunities to get great pictures of the City and its Skyline. There are two levels, the lower interior deck and the upper deck. If you're paying nearly $40.00/ticket why would you sit on the bottom deck? Take advantage of the great seats at the top and enjoy the view :) read more

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This is it! The place to discover Chicago Architecture, to buy tickets for architectural tours led by erudite volunteers. Fantastic exhibits are available for a few. Souvenirs of every variety are available for purchase in the store. If you want something to remind you of Chicago in a unique way, this is the place to shop! Taking the Chicago Architecture River Cruise has been on my bucket list for over 40 years. Finally today I did it!!!! I was not disappointed. I highly recommend the Architecture River Cruise. Everyone, including Chicago residents, suburbanites and tourists from near and far, should take this tour along the Chicago River. Purchase your tickets at the Chicago Architecture Center at least one hour before the beginning of the cruise. read more

i just went in the Architectural River tour and it was amazing!!! Mary Jo, the guide, was so well knowledgeable and throughly entertaining. I learned a ton and highly recommend, even if you're not a fan or architecture. read more

Great new location and name. Love the city model and show. More to do and discover here than you think, when you add all the off-site tour choices. Excellent gift shop of Chicago and design books and gifts. read more

This tour was absolutely fantastic. After living in Chicago for 20 years, I'm not sure why during this pandemic I decided it was time to take the tour, but wow am I happy I did! We came on a Saturday afternoon and the boat looked socially- distanced full. Chairs were spaced far apart and there was plenty of space between. Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided lots of fun tidbits of Chicago history along with all the architectural information. The tour was just the right length (about 90 minutes). It was cold and windy on the top of the boat but still the tour was very enjoyable. Pricing at ~$50 seems a little steep for a group tour, but in the end I was very happy we did this. read more

This tour is a must do for any architecture lover! I chose to do the boat tour through the Architecture Foundation, and they did not disappoint. Although the view at the sky deck of the Sear's Tower was breathtaking, I would still say that this tour was one thing I enjoyed the most on our trip as far as arts/museums/tours are concerned. There is so much beauty and diversity in the Chicago Skyline, and you learn so much and get to see it up close going up and down the river. They also take you out on the lake so you can take it all in at the end as well. I got more than my money's worth on this tour. You will not be disappointed! read more

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We took the River Cruise on Sunday afternoon. Candace, the docent, gave an outstanding, humorous and informative narration of the buildings, architects, and Chicago. I've lived here for 50 years and heard for the first time some fascinating historical facts. I high recommend this tour. Marcia F read more

The kids had a blast last weekend when they had free hands on activities like building structures and creative arts. Awesome exposure to budding designers and engineers!! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Free workshop for kids @ the Chicago Architecture foundation - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went on one of their architectural boat tours and it was great! The docent was so knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. And he told great stories about the history of the buildings, what makes them unique etc. just make sure to bring sun screen! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great boat tour. Sold out, had to buy tix in advance. Guide was a bit repetative with pointing out the green glass and ode to river theme. Do not go if you ate a huge breakfast, and get seasick. I felt nauseated, and it wasn't the tour's fault. Just me for being stupid. I should have done the walking tour instead. read more

I booked a tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation for a work event for some visitors to the city. We had a blast! The tour guide was informative and fun and made sure to answer questions throughout. Being from Chicago, I thought I knew everything there was to know about some of these buildings...boy, I was wrong! A great tour and at a great cost as well! Also check out their boat tour which rocks as well! read more

When I told my friends I was visiting Chicago for the first time I kept hearing how I had to do the Architectural Boat Tour. I strongly encourage that you order tickets well in advance. We arrived in Chicago on a Saturday and the only tickets left during our trip were on our last day there. Tickets cost about $50 for an adult. The boat is very open and has a nice bar and multiple tables on the first floor. My wife and I ordered our drinks and went to the top deck which had plenty of seating. The man giving the tour had a vast amount of knowledge and pointed out things on most buildings that I would've never noticed or paid attention to. We had a great time and we both felt that we saw a great amount of the city and the different eras in which the buildings were built in. Chicago really is an incredible city with a long, interesting history. The boat tour ran about an hour and a half which was a little longer than I expected but we soaked in so much information during this time. I definitely recommend this to any tourist looking to learn more about the city. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - View of the Trump Tower as you just start the boat tour - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ok, I have to admit that architecture isn't really my thing and I found the tour itself to be a little snooze worthy, but I liked it for a few reasons: 1) You still get see the gorgeous Chicago skyline from the Chicago River and learn about a lot of Chicago's history along the way, 2) Although the docents were somewhat boring, I could appreciate the amount of study and hard work that it takes to become one, and 3) If you really find it boring you can sleep comfortably on the boat, haha. #2 was most impressive to me, especially because the docents are volunteers. I'm still not sure if the price of the tour is worth it. If you really like architecture then it's a must. Otherwise, I don't think you'd be missing a lot if you didn't take this tour. read more

My husband and I took the architectural boat tour. It was one of the things we were most excited about while visiting Chicago. Our guide was wonderful. He was funny and very informative. You could tell he had a real passion for his job and it made our trip even more enjoyable. It was a nice touch that there was a bar on board the boat to enjoy some adult beverages while we toured the city. The bartender actually makes a mean Bloody Mary! I was a little worried as we were starting our trip because it had begun to rain and the forecast showed it only getting worse. We looked up the refund policy for weather and there are no exchanges or cancellations due to weather. They depart rain or shine. Which is fine because the boat does have an inside with tables but you go on the tour because you want to sit outside and see the sights. I understand they can't control the weather and it is a business so they have to do what they have to do. They did sell ponchos at the bar for $3 which was nice to find! read more

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Very poor customer service! I advise you to go with another tour company - lots of better options in Chicago!