Formerly known as John Hancock Observatory, the view from 360 Chicago’s 1,000-foot-high perch allows sweeping views of Lake Michigan, four neighboring states, and Chicago’s dazzling downtown. Its new Tilt attraction angles visitors outward 30 degrees from the building to provide a hair-raising view of the street below.
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360 CHICAGO (formerly John Hancock Observatory) is pleased to announce an epic new attraction that will forever change the way visitors see Chicago. TILT debuts this spring, providing the ultimate window to the Windy City.
A one-of-a-kind experience, TILT is an enclosed, glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once safely situated inside, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago – from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile®. TILT gives thrill-seekers an exciting and safe way to take in unsurpassable views of the city, from a never-before-seen angle.
“We had a vision for elevating the experience, and providing memories for guests that will last a lifetime,” said Patrick Abisseror, CEO of Montparnasse 56 Group, the owner of 360 CHICAGO and the leading operator of observation decks. “TILT is yet another example of the innovative and forward-thinking vision of Montparnasse 56 Group,” whose assets include the Observation Deck at Montparnasse Tower in Paris, France and the iconic Berliner Fersehturm/TV Tower in Berlin, Germany.
“Chicago has long been a pioneer in architecture. As the birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago continues to be the leader in innovative architecture and TILT furthers that tradition,” said Nichole Williamson, General Manager of 360 CHICAGO. “Visitors to Chicago will soon be able to experience unsurpassable views while in motion on TILT.”
"Chicago continues to be an international travel destination and I congratulate 360 CHICAGO for ensuring this innovative attraction is in Chicago for both residents and tourists to enjoy," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. "Since taking office I have been focused on tourism as a key driver of our economy and our tourism is at a record high while we continue to grow. Attractions like TILT will attract thrill seekers from around the world to our city."
To make this architectural achievement possible, Montparnasse 56 Group chose Thornton Tomasetti – an award-winning engineering firm - to develop TILT. Cupples, a leading high-rise façade specialist, is fabricating and installing. Also are Turner Special Projects as general contractor and Gensler as architect of record.
“Bold thinking supported by aggressive strategies is essential to growing visitation to Chicago,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO, Choose Chicago. “Chicago is heading in the right direction and at a precipitous pace. As Choose Chicago works to increase annual visitation to Chicago to 55 million by 2020, new and aspirational attractions such as TILT will bolster Chicago’s standing among leading global destinations.”
TILT is located in the 360 CHICAGO’s south area, allowing guests to experience both south and westward views of Chicago. The cost will be an introductory rate of $5 per experience, plus the cost of general admission to the Observatory. Special group rates are also available and reservations made 72 hours in advance are required. TILT tickets can be purchased online or in person at 360 CHICAGO.
TILT is an enclosed glass and steel moveable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once guests are safely situated, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago - from one thousand feet up. TILT gives thrill-seekers a stimulating, safe way to take in unsurpassable views of the city, from an never-before-seen angle.
The cost will be an introductory rate of $5.00 per experience, plus the cost of general admission to the observatory. Tickets can currently be purchased in person at 360 CHICAGO and online in the upcoming weeks. Special group rates are also available and reservations must be made in advance
In Spring of 2014, the best observation deck in downtown Chicago got even better when we introduced TILT, providing the ultimate window into the Windy City. Thornton Tomasetti’s expert team engineered this new attraction that leans outward from the building’s exterior. Since then, thousands of visitors have chosen TILT to see the whole expanse of the city in a new and different way. TILT allows observers to check out the south and west views of Chicago at a never-before-seen angle. For just $7, visitors can experience the lean-forward, fully glass based architecture to enjoy the views up, down, left and right.
You can purchase your ticket for TILT on the observation deck on the 94th floor at the TILT desk. Chicago CityPASS also offers TILT as an add on activity to visiting the observation deck as a whole. Visiting TILT during summer months allows you to get a clear and green view of the city. We also recommend coming to view the city through TILT during the sunset hours.
Seeing the Chicago skyline during sunset is like nothing you’ve seen before. Make sure you check out what time the sun sets, and then head over to 360 Chicago to watch the sky go from bright to starry through views you cannot get anywhere else. Even if you don’t make it in time for sunset, seeing the Chicago skyline at night is incredible as well.
With summer finally here, make sure you plan to check out the best observation deck in downtown Chicago
John Hancock Observatory is pleased to announce an exciting transformation in 2014, including a vibrant new brand identity and a multi-million dollar renovation. This March, the observatory will be re-introduced to the world as 360 CHICAGO.
With a tagline of "Best Views. All Around ," 360 CHICAGO aptly describes the comprehensive guest experience at the 94th floor observatory. From the moment they step off the elevator, visitors are awed by the breathtaking, 360-degree views of Chicago (and the ability to see as many as four surrounding states). The observatory takes it a step further, providing interactive learning opportunities at every turn.
"The observatory has long been a place of discovery for visitors and locals interested seeing the views, and who also share a love of history, architecture, and even urban planning," says General Manager Nichole Williamson. "For us, the entire new system identity - 360 CHICAGO - reflects the vibrant experience of what one can find here."
Gensler, an award-winning firm with 46 offices worldwide, created the new brand identity for the observatory. Specializing in design, architecture and planning, the agency's creative team presented a look rich in blues and greens, meant to celebrate the natural land, sky and water elements seen from the observatory.
"The color palette for the brand has been directly derived from actual observation deck views," says Gensler Principal, John Bricker. "Generating sophisticated, deep colors, the range of what is available within the brand is reflective of the range of perspectives one can get from the 360 CHICAGO experience. The palette speaks to the versatility of Chicago and looks to provide a dynamic representation of the city as a whole."
360 CHICAGO is also undergoing an exciting new renovation that will be completed at the beginning of spring of 2014. These improvements will enhance the overall experience as well as elevate how guests view the city, allowing them to take in the sights from a whole new angle. The observatory continues to welcome guests every day to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Located on the cusp of Lake Michigan, 360 CHICAGO sits in the heart of the city, a thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile.® With unparalleled views of the lake and the city skyline, it delivers a unique perspective of Chicago. Guests can enjoy 360-degree views spanning four states, as well as interactive learning opportunities, all accessed by the fastest elevators in the country. 360 CHICAGO is open every day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 360 CHICAGO is owned and operated by Paris-based Montparnasse 56 Group.
John Hancock Observatory announces a brand new way to take in the amazing views from over 1,000 feet up as it welcomes the installment of 18 new interactive and educational screens created by de pinzi. Since 1991 de pinzi has been creating interactive experiences in the realms of leisure and education with the aim of “immersing” the participants into a truly interactive context.
Visitors to John Hancock Observatory now provided with panoramic touch screens featuring 360 degree views of the Chicago Skyline, historic architecture and Lake Michigan, along with an interactive, educational experience curated by the official mascot, Seemore Miles. This new, user-friendly multimedia tour is free of charge for any guest entering with an admission ticket.
The screens have been strategically placed to provide visitors with multi-touch software; enabling guests to view the city and learn about highlighted hot spots, allowing each visitor to zero in on their favorite buildings and points of interest with the touch of a finger. These interactive touch screens integrate into seven different languages and offer the highest definition views as seen from the 94th floor during both day and night. This even offers the opportunity to see the city panoramically, even when the weather is inclement.
Eight additional info kiosks lead visitors on a sequential educational experience hosted by an animated Seemore Miles. The kiosks are organized as a treasure hunt, where the public is invited to discover one station after the next, answering challenges along the way and receiving a score at the end – even qualifying for the chance to enter the Hall of Fame. Seemore Miles entertains guests in seven languages. The first seven monitors welcome guests to answer trivia, play games, learn about city landmarks, and discover architecture all through touch screen navigation. The tour commences at the eighth and final screen, where the guest poses to create a customized electronic postcard with a choice of six different background city images. Guests may receive their e-postcard via email or by “liking” John Hancock Observatory on Facebook.
Not only will visitors find unbeatable views of the city when traveling up to the 94th floor of the Observatory, but now, an education component to match awaits. Guests at this top Chicago attraction have the opportunity to gaze upon their favorite views and easily, and most importantly, interactively, learn about the sights – from every angle imaginable.
Montparnasse 56 Group, a global leader in observation deck management, has acquired Chicago's 1,030-foot-high John Hancock Observatory, a venue universally acknowledged to offer the best and most panoramic view of the city and its environs.
The prominent observation deck is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue on the 94th floor of John Hancock Center, America's sixth-tallest building. The Observatory, situated on Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, offers an 80-mile, 360-degree, four-state view of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Paris-based Montparnasse 56 Group attracts more than 2.5 million visitor to its three European tourism sites annually.
The company has been evaluating growth opportunities associated with a number of major attractions and tourism venues in the United States and elsewhere around the world.
"After a history of successful operations and growth in Europe, Montparnasse is pursuing a strategic expansion initiative," said Patrick Abisseror, CEO of Montparnasse 56 Group. "We are aiming to acquire and operate exceptional sites both here and abroad, and maximize these venues' potential as world-class destinations."
"Supported by superbly qualified operating and consulting teams," said Eric J. Deutsch, head of US operations for Montparnasse 56 Group, "Montparnasse is ideally equipped to ensure the long-term success of John Hancock Observatory as a tourism venue and as a thriving business.
"A well-managed observation deck contributes significantly to the image and global standing of a great city," he said. "Moreover, successful observatories that attract large contingents of national and overseas guests deliver major economic development benefits. Montparnasse 56 Group has the practical experience and know-how to achieve these valuable goals."
"We at GNMAA are delighted to welcome such an experienced and accomplished attractions operator to The Magnificent Mile," said John Chickow, President and CEO of the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association in Chicago. "Montparnasse 56 Group's proven approach to international tourism is not only going to elevate the Observatory as a renowned tourist attraction, but it will also add to the evolving world-class reputation of The Magnificent Mile and Chicago as a whole. Their global sales offices m
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