Top Chicago Arts & Design

Get a front row perspective on the exquisite buildings that line the Chicago River during a 45-minute architecture cruise. Hear live commentary about the history and architectural heritage of Chicago on this family-friendly tour, which highlights landmarks such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower. Sit on the open-air top deck or the sheltered bottom deck for the ultimate view of Chicago.

Discover the hidden gems of Chicago’s Loop area on a walking tour that showcases the best of the neighborhood’s stunning interiors and architectural must-sees. Step behind the facades to explore beautifully designed interiors—from art deco spaces to stained glass mosaics—as you follow a carefully curated route led by a guide. Along the way, learn about the city’s architecture, art, and history, and experience a side of Chicago often missed by travelers, all from a local’s perspective.

Step aboard a boat for a comprehensive cruise that details the history of Chicago's architecture. Enjoy views of the Chicago skyline accompanied by architecture-focused commentary that points out each of the landmark buildings. As you cruise through Lake Michigan, snap photos of you and your party against the stretch of Chicago's 26-mile shoreline.

Chicago is famous for its architecture, and the best way to see it is on a cruise down the Chicago River. Glide by historic and modern marvels like the Civic Opera House, Wrigley Building, and Willis Tower from the comfort of an open-deck boat. Live narration reveals each building’s fascinating history, so you'll learn more than you would just observing on your own.

Discover one of downtown Chicago's highlight museums, and explore the works of leading artists across myriad media and genres, when you book tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Choose from multiple entry times throughout the day, make your own way to the museum, and get ready to explore. Exhibitions are ever-changing, but you can expect to see works by artists the likes of Kara Walker, Jasper Johns, Cindy Sherman, and beyond.

Voted the #1 Immersive Art Experience in America by USA Today readers in 2024, Color Factory Chicago celebrates the joy of color. Guests embark on a bright and colorful journey through 14+ immersive installations that inspire joy and human connection, expand boundaries of perception, encourage play, and engage the senses in unexpected ways. Fun for all ages, each visit includes surprise giveaways, sweet treats, and complimentary digital photos. From the lobby to the gift shop and every colorful moment in between, our spaces are as inclusive as they are dynamic and celebratory. Each room is designed in partnership with an exceptional roster of local and international artists and collaborators. Jump into color with us! Please note: At least ONE person's ID must match the name on ONE ticket. If no one in your party has an ID matching the name on one ticket, you will not be allowed entry. Minors under the age of 18 will not be allowed inside without a parent or guardian.

Housed in the only remaining building from the 1893 World's Fair, Griffin MSI is a Chicago must-see. When visiting the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, you'll experience a 40-foot tornado, climb aboard a World War II German submarine, take a run in a human-sized hamster wheel, descend into an Illinois coal mine, board a 727 hanging from the ceiling and much more! Griffin MSI is not a place where you walk around quietly and observe. You get involved in the fun — and learn — by doing. Just a few miles from downtown with convenient underground parking.

Enjoy a quintessential Chicago experience—and see more of the city's highlights in less time—on an architecture-themed boat tour of the Chicago River. Pick from multiple convenient start times, and board your vessel directly from the Chicago Riverwalk. Thanks to your trained docent guide, receive a rich introduction to the Windy City’s history, key landmarks, and architectural highlights—and spy landmarks like the Marina City towers and Navy Pier from the water’s edge.

Admire some of the Windy City's most iconic views—and enjoy a time-saving, relaxing way to sightsee—aboard this pet-friendly Chicago River architecture boat tour. With commentary from your onboard guide, watch the spectacular skyline glide by, including dozens of notable buildings, like the Wrigley Building and the John Hancock Building. In just one tour, you cover multiple branches of the Chicago River and learn insider facts and stories you'd otherwise miss.

Skip the hassle of planning your Chicago itinerary with this convenient hop-on hop-off tour, covering the city's must-see sights. With multiple strategically located stops, explore the Windy City at your own pace, hopping off to visit top attractions like the iconic Art Institute and famous skyscrapers. Enjoy insightful audio commentary as you cruise through the city, learning about its rich history and vibrant culture. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour offers flexibility and ease, ensuring you don’t miss any of Chicago’s highlights. Book your ticket today and experience the best of Chicago hassle-free!

Discover the architectural gems of the Windy City from an ideal vantage point—and learn insider facts and stories about the city's top attractions—on this Chicago River cruise. Travel in comfort aboard a boat equipped with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Covering more than 130 years of architectural history, this tour is the perfect opportunity to see a huge area of the city without the hassle of taxis and public transit.

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.

Enter a land of sugar and adventure with admission to Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world of interactive exhibits, including sprinkle-filled pools, whimsical selfie spots, and exclusive ice cream sampling stations offering seasonal flavors. Whether you’re an art lover or a dessert enthusiast, this playful, family-friendly experience promises fun and memories for all. Avoid disappointment by booking your preferred time.

Skip navigating around the city with a map and guidebook and explore Chicago's iconic landmarks in just a few hours on this sightseeing tour led by an expert guide. Board a comfortable, large-windowed minibus and explore Downtown and North Side neighborhoods, stopping to visit several locations and hear about the historical and cultural factors that make Chicago unique. Upgrade your tour with a popular open-top boat tour on the Chicago River that focuses on the city's renowned architecture.

The Sloomooverse combines delicious scents (birthday cake, fresh berries, cotton candy), sounds that energize as well as soothe, an invigorating palette, and a feast of visual and tactile wonders. Plus, you’ll design your dream slime at our DIY Bar. Over 4,320,000 unique combinations! Play, connect, enjoy!

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.

Take your architecture spotting off the streets and inside some of the most iconic buildings in Chicago with this unique Art Deco-themed tour. Get up close and personal with the glamorous style of the early 20th century as you delve beyond the downtown facades to explore glorious interior spaces from the 1920s and 1930s, with their ornate brass and marble details, mosaics, stained glass, and other treasures that most architecture tours miss.

Experience Chicago like a true insider on this top-rated walking tour that blends the city’s most iconic food, awe-inspiring architecture, and rich history — all in one unforgettable day. From deep-dish pizza to legendary skyscrapers, you’ll taste, see, and learn what makes the Windy City a world-class destination. Led by expert local guides and limited to just 12 guests, this immersive, small-group tour is the perfect way to discover the real Chicago — not just the tourist spots.

Delve into the world of natural history with admission to Chicago’s Field Museum. Choose general admission or upgrade to visit one or more special exhibits. Spend as long as you like exploring the museum's extensive collection of artifacts. Get to know SUE, the world's largest T. Rex, or stroll through the sparkling Hall of Gems. Also take advantage of daily tours led by knowledgeable Field Museum docents, free with admission.

Maximize your Chicago sightseeing on a river cruise—and travel aboard a unique historical vessel, which other tours don’t offer—on this one-of-a-kind excursion. Pick from different departure times and board a classic Chicago fireboat, which served the city’s fire department from 1937 to 1981. As you sail Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, view architectural highlights including the Wrigley Building and Chicago Lighthouse, and chart the boat’s firefighting history via the on-board displays and commentary.

Explore the architectural genius of Frank Lloyd Wright on a private, fully personalized tour in Chicago, home to the world’s largest collection of his buildings. Travel in comfort with your English-speaking driver, who shares insights into Wright’s life, ideas, and influence on modern architecture. Begin at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, where he lived and developed many revolutionary designs. Continue through the Oak Park to admire beautifully preserved Prairie School homes and early residential works. Visit Unity Temple, one of Wright’s most celebrated modern religious buildings, then return toward Chicago to see The Rookery Building with its grand lobby and intricate design. Conclude at Robie House, a masterpiece of Prairie School architecture showcasing Wright’s signature horizontal lines and integration with the landscape. This flexible experience offers architecture enthusiasts a relaxed way to explore Wright’s legacy and the evolution of modern American design.

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.

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.