Top Illinois Arts & Design - page 4

Chicago is famous for its architecture, but it takes an expert to decode its various styles. See all that the Windy City has to offer—from Gothic Revival, Art Deco, Modernist, and more—on this guided walking tour. Enjoy stunning lakefront views from Millennium Park, then catch century-old landmarks along the Magnificent Mile.

Enjoy a budget-friendly way to explore Chicago—and see the sights that interest you most, all without following a large tour group around—with this cost-savings Chicago Attractions Pass. Enjoy discounts of up to 50% on an array of top Chicago attractions, including the 360 Chicago and SkyDeck observation decks, the Field Museum, Chicago River cruises, and more. Four different pass durations are available when booking.

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.

There’s so much amazing architecture in Chicago but wandering around alone can leave you overwhelmed, and unsure of what you’re looking at. Check out some of Chicago's most important new buildings on an architecture walking tour. The tour is focused on the area around the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), beside the Chicago River, so you don’t get overwhelmed exploring the whole city. Admission to the CAC’s galleries is also included.

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.

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.

Learn all about the history beyond one of Chicago’s best-known thoroughfares—and spot numerous architectural icons as you go—on this small-group walking tour of the Magnificent Mile. Meet your guide at the Chicago Architecture Center and set off to soak up the street’s ambiance, and discover highlights like the Wrigley Building, John Hancock Center, and more. Entry to the Chicago Architecture Center is also included, so you can extend the experience.

Discover Chicago architectural treasures—and immerse yourself in the Windy City's history—on this small-group walking tour. Your focus is the iconic stained glass pieces crafted and designed by the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Following your guide from the Chicago Architecture Center, visit four late-19th-century landmarks that contain glass works by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his contemporaries. This in-depth, insider tour is a must-do for history and architecture fans.

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.

Discover the Art Institute in a unique way that blends art, storytelling, and photography. After a warm welcome, we'll head inside with tickets included & begin an immersive journey through the galleries. Together, we'll explore the museum's most celebrated highlights, featuring masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Dalí, Warhol, Hopper, and more. I'll share fascinating stories that bring the art and its creators to life, revealing the hidden meanings and personal histories behind. Along the way, I'll capture beautiful, candid photographs at the best photo spots. Using your phone or my iPhone 14 Pro, I'll guide you with simple posing tips and angles to ensure you receive stunning, professional-quality images perfect for memories or social media. Anyone looking for more than just a museum visit, you'll leave with gallery-worthy images plus knowledge that transforms how you experience art—an unforgettable blend of photography, storytelling, & culture. Looking forward to hosting you!

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.

Leave behind Chicago’s buzz and see the Windy City as it used to be, some 150 years ago. The Oldtown Triangle—one of the most beloved ‘hoods in the city—survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, and it still stands today as a beacon to history. With your guide at the helm, you’ll witness fantastic architecture, national landmarks, and hear stories of the city’s often wild past.

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.

Explore the architectural extravaganza of Chicago downtown and discover the most amazing and captivating facts about the first high-rises, city planning, and construction history. Get a unique chance to combine touring by foot and by L train, and see the city’s most iconic landmarks like The Rookery Building, Chicago Cultural Center, First Arts Building, and more 19th and early 20th-century masterpieces. Be ready to see the City by the Lake from a new perspective and get to know it even closer as you stroll down its streets and travel by train. Enjoy the small-group experience and don’t miss a thing as you travel Discover the downtown and historical building together with your local knowledgeable guide Marvel at architectural landmarks of the City by the Lake and get to know the stories behind them Combine a walking tour with a train to see more landmarks and iconic sights on one tour.

What do the artists Picasso, Chagall, Miro, and Kapoor all have in common? Incredible public art hiding in plain sight amidst world famous architecture. This 2.5 hour small group (12 Guest Maximum) guided walking tour is perfect for busy sidewalks and getting up close to monumental art! 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”

Discover the heart of Chicago’s architectural legacy on this guided walking tour through the historic Loop District. Step back in time as you explore some of the world’s first skyscrapers and venture inside a collection of the city’s most influential and iconic buildings. Your expert local guide will share captivating stories about the rise of Chicago, the Great Fire, and the visionary architects whose bold designs shaped the skyline we know today. This tour offers the perfect mix of history, design, and city energy—a must for architecture lovers and curious travelers alike. - Explore the birthplace of the modern skyscraper - Step inside landmark buildings like The Rookery and the Palmer House - Learn about the Great Chicago Fire and its lasting impact on the city - Enjoy a relaxed pace through Chicago’s vibrant downtown Loop

Explore the new Old Post Office Building, whose early 20th-century design has been adaptively reused into a beautiful, modern Class A Office building. It once seemed as though the stunning architectural details of Chicago's Old Post Office would be lost to time while the building sat vacant for almost two decades. But the 2.8 million square foot building, completed in 1934, recently went through a monumental renovation and now serves as a modern multi-use event and office space that meets today's need for large, light-filled workspaces. See how historic artifacts and building details have been creatively incorporated into the Old Post Office's design including the conversion of the roof to a 3.5-acre urban rooftop park. Old places can become new spaces when a developer with vision collaborates with an award-winning architectural team.

Enjoy a flexible way to explore Chicago—and combine your sightseeing with a fun-filled scavenger hunt game—with this two-in-one smartphone excursion. Upon booking, receive access to the game on your smartphone, and set off at a time that works best for you. In between admiring highlights like the Chicago History Museum, Standing Lincoln Monument, and Lincoln Park Zoo, you’ll solve clues and participate in challenges.

It would take days to visit all of Chicago’s famous sights, but who has that kind of time? Cover the highlights of the Windy City during this private half-day walking tour. From the Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park, you’ll tick off top attractions while your guide fills you in on Chicago’s history. Finally, enjoy panoramic views overlooking the city from Hancock Tower’s Observation Deck—admission tickets included.

Discover the stories, styles, and spirit that built Chicago into the architectural capital of the world. On this walking tour through the Loop, you’ll explore the birthplace of the skyscraper, visit landmarks like the Chicago Theatre, the Pablo Picasso at the Daley Plaza, and Millennium Park, and see how the city rose from the Great Fire to define modern design. Led by a friendly local guide who’s passionate about Chicago’s history and architecture, this tour brings the skyline to life one building, story, and photo stop at a time. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or a curious local, you’ll walk away seeing Chicago in a whole new way.

Step into the birthplace of the modern skyscraper on this immersive walking tour through Chicago’s historic Loop. Discover the stories, innovations, and hidden details behind the buildings that shaped the modern city. What makes this experience unique: • Small-group tour for a more personal experience • Story-driven guiding that brings Chicago’s architecture to life • Focus on early skyscrapers and hidden architectural details • Visit iconic landmarks in the historic Loop • One complimentary copy of my book, Chicago Beyond the Bean, is included per booking.

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!

Step into the shadows of Chicago’s past on this adults-only haunted pub crawl, where ghost stories, historic landmarks, and legendary nightlife collide. Beginning near the iconic Palmolive Building, this guided experience takes you through the city’s Gold Coast and beyond, uncovering the eerie aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire and the restless spirits it may have left behind. Along the way, you’ll visit a curated mix of historic sites and local bars, blending chilling storytelling with time to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere. Adults 21+ only, must have valid I.D.

Explore the surprising beauty and history of the Windy City with this combo tour of Chicago’s Millennium Park and Riverwalk! Snap a picture by the famous Cloud Gate sculpture and get away from the hustle and bustle in the city’s most iconic park. Then, stroll along the picturesque riverside, admire Chicago’s totally unique architecture, and learn the fascinating stories behind the city’s skyline. This combo is the easiest, best way to get to know this complex city! After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.