Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour

For this architecture walking tour, you’ll step inside magnificent lobbies, corridors, and the underground Pedway system for an in-depth, personal approach to a Chicago architecture walking tour downtown.

The Loop Interior Architecture Walking Tour takes you on a creative route that weaves through buildings and secret short-cuts. 95% of the tour takes place inside, making it great for any kind of weather.

Tour guests share iPads with archival images of maps, historic photos and documentary video clips while the tour guide shares stories of Chicago history. Our fun and passionate tour guides are highly trained professionals with degrees in architecture, design, art history and history. They know how to connect with a group, spark imaginations, and communicate new concepts in relating to architecture.

Looking at the outside of buildings, such as with architectural boat tours, can be a great first step in engaging with Chicago architecture. For the next level of connection with Chicago architecture, go inside of the buildings. You will appreciate Chicago architecture from new perspectives. From the interiors, you can truly experience architectural space rather than from the more isolated perspective of a downtown sidewalk. 
Interior Architecture Walking and Pedway Tour Highlights

• Church in a Skyscraper with Stained Glass Windows

• The “Chicago Picasso” Sculpture

• Chicago Underground Pedway System

• The Contemporary Block 37 Development

• Marshall Field’s Department Store

• Sparkling Tiffany Mosaics

• Chicago Cultural Center

Stories and Ideas

• How to read Chicago architecture to understand history

• Stories of corruption and generosity

• Why the “El” is elevated

• Design psychology behind interior space

• A surprising history of shopping

• Religion and social diversity

Includes

• Engaging tour guide commentary
• Shared use of iPads with video & photos
• Professionally printed Chicago Pedway Map
• Special Chicago gifts
  

Link to meeting point map

MEETING POINT - We start INSIDE the Southeast entrance of Chase Tower, 10 S. Dearborn St. Please arrive 10-15 minutes in advance for check-in. Tour ends inside the Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. PARKING - If you are driving, Chicago Detours offers our guests a special discounted rate for parking at the Grant Park North Garage, accessible from Michigan Avenue at Randolph Street. Rate is $15 ($38 value), valid up to 12 hours. Upon check-in for the tour, ask the tour guide for a voucher for the discounted rate. This is four blocks from the tour meeting point, and right at the tour end location. 

Walking Distance: 0.5 miles

Duration: 2 hours