Chicago has a lot to brag about, from its sports teams and delicious cuisine to its summer events lineup—to name a few. However, one thing that gained Chi-town global recognition since its earliest days (and continues to create buzz) is the city’s architecture.
Known as the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago architecture is world-renowned and the city skyline is iconic. A visit to the city isn’t complete without learning about its unique architectural styles and viewing its famous sites. This is your guide to some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings to check out while in town.
Now known by its address, this building for decades was named the John Hancock Building. The structure is easily recognizable by the large ‘X’ shapes on all four sides. However, these were built for more than aesthetic purposes. The architect, Fazlur Khan, pioneered the “trussed tube” structural system used in the building; the ‘X’ bracings help the skyscraper withstand the city’s strong winds while distributing the lateral loads. ‘X’ marks the spot, so stop by and take the elevator up to the 94th floor 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city’s architectural wonders from atop perhaps the most famous building in Chicago.
This building is considered one of the masterpieces by the architectural firm of Burnham and Root. The Rookery was completed in 1888 and was one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time of its construction, at 12 stories and 181 feet tall. Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the interior public spaces between 1905 and 1907, including its stunning lobby with an emphasis on light. The Rookery is a historic landmark located in the heart of Chicago’s Financial District that has been meticulously restored and maintained through the decades.
What makes the 1920s Wrigley Building so distinctive, besides its prominent location right at the start of the Magnificent Mile, is its Beaux-Arts architectural style . You can see the influence of Spanish Colonial and French Renaissance architecture in its ornate detailing, the clock tower reminiscent of the Giralda of Seville, and the intricate sculptural elements. Plus, its noteworthy shimmering white facade is the result of hundreds of thousands of glazed terra cotta tiles in six different shades of white and cream reflecting the sunlight.
Back in 1922, the Chicago Tribune held an international design competition for their new headquarters, and the winning entry, designed by architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood, was this stunning Gothic Revival masterpiece that you can view. Its distinctive crown-looking top was originally designed to house a radio broadcasting studio. While the studio is no longer there, the crown atop the Tribune Tower remains a signature element of the Chicago skyline.
When it opened in 1897, it was the city's first permanent central public library and was designed to be a people's palace. Its breathtaking Tiffany stained-glass dome in Preston Bradley Hall is an architectural masterpiece. At 38 feet in diameter and containing approximately 30,000 pieces of iridescent glass, it's the largest stained-glass Tiffany dome in the world! Beyond its architectural splendor, the Chicago Cultural Center has played a vital role in the city's cultural life. After the library moved out in 1991, this building was reborn as a free arts and culture hub, hosting countless exhibitions, performances, lectures, and events.
When it opened in 1930, The Merchandise Mart (known locally as The Mart) was the largest commercial building in the world–and still is. It is so massive that it even had its own zip code for a while! This wasn't just a building; it was practically a city within a city, designed to house wholesale showrooms for all sorts of merchandise. Buyers from all over the country would come here to stock their stores. Designed in the Art Deco style, its strong vertical lines, the geometric ornamentation, and the impressive scale of the structure truly command attention. Today, it's a vibrant hub for technology companies, showrooms for high-end furniture and design, and even television studios.
The Frederick C. Robie House is a pivotal example of the Prairie School of architecture and is arguably the most famous of all the houses designed by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright called the strong horizontal lines that dominate the design the "prairie line," meant to echo the flat, expansive landscape of the American Midwest, while its open floor plan creates a cohesive and harmonious living environment. Take your time touring this home that represents the enduring vision of Frank Lloyd Wright and has influenced generations of architects.
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world when it was completed back in 1973, commissioned by Sears, Roebuck and Co. The famous Chicago landmark looks like nine separate towers clustered together, which is its distinctive bundled tube structure that the structural engineer Fazlur Khan pioneered. This design allowed building to incredible heights while using less steel than conventional designs, which was a game changer for skyscraper construction. You can go to the 103rd floor to take in a quick view from Skydeck Chicago.
Completed in 2020 and originally known as the Wanda Vista Tower, The St. Regis Chicago is a fantastic example of modern design making a bold statement. Designed by the acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, it's the world’s tallest structure designed by a woman and is instantly recognizable for its interconnected, undulating towers that seem to ripple and curve as they rise upward. This multi-use, 101-story building is home to luxury condos, restaurants, and a luxury hotel, so you can stay in the architectural masterpiece for luxury-level prices!
Designed by the same architect behind The St. Regis Chicago, Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, Aqua’s construction was completed in 2009. What makes Aqua so special is the uniquely shaped balconies. Each floor has a slightly different configuration, with some extending out further than others. This creates that signature wavy appearance and also provides residents with varied views and a sense of individuality. This is also a mixed-use building, housing apartments, a hotel (Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel), and retail spaces. Its location offers fantastic views of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding cityscape.
The Chicago Board of Trade, founded way back in 1848, is one of the oldest and largest futures and options exchanges in the world, and this iconic building, completed in 1930, has been its home for nearly a century. The building's stepped design, culminating in that distinctive sculpture of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, is a perfect example of the grandeur and optimism of Art Deco architectural style. Its prominent clock face is one of the most iconic chicago buildings as well as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
Architect Bertrand Goldberg's concept behind his design was a city within a city. Think of it: residential apartments, parking for your car right in the building, office space, a theater, restaurants, even a marina right on the Chicago River! Marina City was designed to make urban living convenient and self-contained. The complex originally included a bowling alley, a skating rink, and other amenities, aiming to create a vibrant community hub. Today, the two towers and commercial space are home to condo units, bars, restaurants, a hotel, upscale bowling alley, and more.
So, before you begin meandering through downtown Chicago to marvel at its iconic architecture, head to 875 N. Michigan Ave., take the elevator to the 94th floor to 360 CHICAGO. Here you can kick back, relax, and get the lay of the land while enjoying panoramic vistas of its famous skyline. Lean into the urban landscape on TILT. Then toast the mastermind architects behind these structural gems with drinks at CloudBar—the highest bar in the city.
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