Top Illinois Arts & Design - page 3

First-time visitors to Chicago seeking a quick overview of the city will enjoy this 90-minute small-group walking tour. Your guide will take you to some of Chicago’s most beautiful and interesting buildings, including the Tribune Tower, the Art Institute, the Willis Tower, and more. Learn about Chicago’s architecture, history, and culture while getting your bearings.

Relive this city’s most remarkable historic events while visiting the towering buildings, fascinating sculptures, and beloved public spaces built by generations of Chicago laborers who brought to life the ingenious ideas of some of the world’s most influential designers.

Discover one of the Windy City’s most spooky, gruesome destinations when you book advance tickets to the Medieval Torture Museum. Perfect for Halloween—or any other creepy-crawly occasion—this museum includes a wealth of information about medieval torture practices and devices, plus realistic models to add a macabre edge. Book tickets before you travel for a seamless visiting experience, and make use of an audio guide and included ghost-hunting app.

Discover Chicago's world-renowned architecture during this sightseeing cruise. Board a comfortable riverboat for a trip down the Chicago River, viewing landmarks like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower while listening to in-depth commentary from your guide. Then board a speedboat for an exciting ride up the shore of Lake Michigan for views of Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and other top sights.

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore Chicago's top attractions is through a Chicago Explorer Pass by Go City. Save money compared to buying individual attraction tickets, and create your own sightseeing itinerary by choosing from among more than 35 top sites, including the Skydeck Chicago, a sightseeing cruise, a hop-on hop-off Big Bus tour, Navy Pier, and more.

Immerse yourself in American literary traditions, and enjoy a wide range of interactive exhibitions, during a visit to Chicago’s one-of-a-kind American Writers Museum. Conveniently located on Michigan Avenue, the museum was established in 2017, and is one of the city’s newest highlight institutions. Guarantee your admission, and prevent any travel hassles, by securing your tickets in advance. Once inside, you’ll have time to explore at your own pace.

In the beloved 1980s teen comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” the Art Institute of Chicago plays a starring role—and on this immersive, small-group tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Ferris and his friends all while visiting the museum’s best-known masterpieces. Meet your guide inside of the museum in the Modern Wing (tickets own expense). You can look forward to seeing masterworks by Chagall, Seurat, Cassatt, and more, all while hearing behind-the-scenes stories.

What do the artists Picasso, Chagall, Miro, and Kapoor all have in common? Incredible public art hiding in plain sight amidst world famous architecture. Tour Chicago in a small group perfect for busy sidewalks and get up close to monumental art! Join one of our expert guides on this unique and exclusive 2.5 hour guided walking tour of Downtown Chicago. Highlights Include: Edward Kemeys’s “Lions” Juame Plensa’s “Crown Fountain” Anish Kapoor’s “Cloud Gate” (The Bean) Eduardo Kobra’s “Muddy Waters” Pablo Picasso’s “Untitled” Joan Miro’s “Chicago” Alexander Calder’s “Flamingo” Marc Chagall’s “Four Seasons” Louis Comfort Tiffany Art Glass Creation Augustus St. Gaudens “Abraham Lincoln” Marcel Francois Loyau “Clarence Buckingham Fountain”

Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture—and this small-group walking tour offers the ideal introduction to its iconic buildings, its architectural eras, and the starchitects who have left their impression on the city. Meet your guide at the Chicago Architecture Center and set off on foot: you’ll discover highlights like the Wrigley Building and Marina City, will see works by Renzo Piano and Frank Gehry, and will learn all about Chicago history.

A visit to the Field Museum unlocks a world of discovery with access to captivating exhibitions like the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet and the iconic SUE the T. Rex. Explore the Grainger Hall of Gems and delve into Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories. Enhance your experience with a choice of one virtual reality adventure upon arrival, either 'Drop in the Ocean' or 'VR Transporter'. This ticket promises an enriching day filled with knowledge and wonder.

Chicago dogs, deep-dish pizza, brownies, and craft beer are all sampled on this half-day bike tour through the Windy City. Cover about 13 miles (21 km), following your guide at a moderate pace through Chicago neighborhoods. On the day tour, ride through Wrigleyville, Old Town, Lincoln Park, and Gold Coast. On the night tour, visit Chicago’s Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain and the Lakefront Trail. As you go, stop for generous food and beer tasters.

Chicago is renowned for its architecture—and this immersive walking tour offers the perfect way to discover its highlights. Pick from a wide range of start times, meet your private guide right in the Loop, and set off on foot. In between seeing renowned landmarks like the Chicago Cultural Center, public art by Picasso, and other heritage buildings, you’ll learn all about the city’s history.

This short but sweet and unique adventure will take you on a 2-hour walking tour by the interiors of the most iconic buildings of Chicago downtown. Dive into the extravaganza of splendid hidden gems of the city as you explore the details that no mainstream tours can offer. The itinerary is thoroughly designed by a professional local guide who knows every corner of the Chicago skyscrapers. • Get beyond the famous facades to experience the surprising interiors of the neighborhood • Follow your local guide to discover what’s hidden from most of the tourists • Be provided with fun and surprising facts about the destinations • The tour is interesting for the Chi guests as well as for the residents.

Enjoy the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at one of the Windy City's most storied venues on this insider tour of the Chicago Theater. Let your guide lead the way, as you hear about the theater's architecture, history, and famous performers throughout the years. Stand on the famed stage and take in the atmosphere, and see artist signatures from notable performers, including Frank Sinatra and Dolly Parton. A great activity for fans of music and live performance.

Follow a self-guided adventure during this special smartphone-based game in Chicago’s Millennium Park. Learn about the city’s iconic works of art and architecture while enjoying views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Play anytime you’d like, seven days a week, with no data or Wi-Fi needed.

Chase away your Monday blues with Chicago’s coolest concert at sea! Hop aboard the historic Tall Ship Windy for a 2-hour live blues music cruise on Lake Michigan, featuring city skyline views and a rotating roster of top local and international artists. With a full-service bar and plenty of space to move, relax, and dance, this floating music event blends unbeatable atmosphere with legendary sounds—perfect for date nights, group outings, or music lovers looking for a summer highlight. VIP boarding upgrades and kid discounts available. Book early; these shows sell out fast!

Experience Chicago in Style with Our Luxury City Sightseeing Minibus Tour. Indulge in the ultimate Chicago adventure on our top-rated, luxury sightseeing minibus tour. This 2-hour, expertly guided experience takes you through the vibrant heart of the city in a sleek, climate-controlled minibus designed for comfort and class. Marvel at iconic skyline views and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan from panoramic windows, and enjoy curated photo stops at the city's most breathtaking landmarks. With engaging stories from your private guide and an intimate, upscale atmosphere, this tour offers an unmatched blend of elegance and exploration. Please note, infants 0-3 years old must sit on a lap.

Eat your way through downtown Chicago on a walking food tour. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel, and other city landmarks and taste quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and chocolate brownies. All food tastings are included, and the tour covers an easy 1.5 miles (2.4 km) suitable for most fitness levels. A bike or kayak rental is also included in the tour cost.

Explore the sights and skyscrapers of Chicago’s spectacular Riverwalk—and enjoy the most budget-friendly and flexible sightseeing experience around—on this self-led, smartphone walking tour. Upon booking, download the app and receive a password to access your tour; once it’s on your phone, it is valid for an entire year. Set off at a time that works best for you: see highlights like the Merchandise Mart, Wrigley Building, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and much more.

Get to know Chicago’s Latino Pilsen neighborhood better on this fun-filled private two-hour tour. The itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and needs, but expect to enjoy a range of artistic and culinary attractions. Pilsen has a lot of colorful street art, which your guide will show you. Stop at a local artist’s studio too, if you like.

Tower above the Windy City’s world-famous skyline with pre-booked admission to 360 Chicago—a great way to avoid long ticket lines. Ascend one of the tallest buildings in North America aboard its lightning-fast elevator, and be rewarded with bird’s-eye views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. You can also upgrade to the Sip and View ticket, which includes one drink at the newly renovated CloudBar. Once onsite, you can purchase tickets to TILT, 360 Chicago's top attraction.

With so many of Chicago’s most popular landmarks so spread out, it can be tough to see them all on foot or by public transport. On this private driving tour, listen to facts about the city as you’re delivered to Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center, and much more.

Discover Chicago like never before with complete freedom to explore at your own rhythm, lingering at fascinating locations or moving swiftly through others as your interests guide you. Our expertly crafted audio experience unveils exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that even longtime residents don't know, transforming you from tourist to insider as you uncover the authentic soul of the Windy City. Unlike rigid group tours that rush you past remarkable details, you'll have the flexibility to choose which attractions captivate you most, creating a personalized journey that matches your curiosity and schedule perfectly. You'll experience the city as locals do – unhurried, authentic, and deeply connected to the stories that shaped this magnificent metropolis, all while enjoying a superior experience that combines the convenience of independence with the depth of expert knowledge.

Experience Chicago in a new way on this small-group Segway tour. Visit Chicago’s "front yard," and see more of the sights in less time. Glide along the fragrant floral paths of Grant Park to the famous Buckingham Fountain. Then, travel along the banks of Lake Michigan to the Museum Campus for top-notch views of the city’s iconic skyline. Guided Segway training and helmets are included, making this a beginner-friendly tour.