Top Chicago Arts & Design - page 3

Discover the vibrant essence of Chicago with a self-guided tour through the Loop, the city’s historic downtown. This journey unveils a blend of striking skyscrapers and hidden architectural gems, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Uncover the rich history from the Great Fire of 1871 to the architectural masterpieces that define the skyline. Stroll past renowned theaters, museums, and captivating public art pieces that contribute to the city’s creative spirit. The Loop offers a unique perspective on Chicago's past and present, whether it's your first visit or a familiar stroll. — Self-guided exploration of Chicago’s historic Loop area — Learn about the city’s architectural innovations and history — Visit iconic landmarks like the Art Institute and Millennium Park — Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned Chicagoans alike

The Field Museum of Natural History is one of Chicago’s most-visited museums—and this package deal offers a way to beat the crowds and see its top exhibitions without stress. Secure your tickets before you travel, arrive an hour before the galleries open to the public, and explore in the company of a museum docent. You’ll see collection highlights like Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet, and much more.

Get a fresher perspective on the Windy City—and a traffic-free one—with this Chicago River architecture cruise. As you pass by some of Chicago's most notable buildings, you'll dine on a 3-course lunch, listening to onboard narration about the city's architecture and history along the way. Unlike your standard walking tour, you can expect comfort, great food, and endless photo opportunities.

Get the most out of your trip to Chicago as you enjoy discount access to five of the city’s top attractions with the CityPASS®. This easy-to-use mobile ticket grants you free entry into top-tier sights including the Chicago's most famous aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, plus your choice of admission to three of the following attractions: Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium, or Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture River Tour.

Explore the sights and skyscrapers of Chicago’s spectacular Riverwalk on this private, 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 forever. Set off at a time that works best for you: see highlights like the Merchandise Mart, Wrigley Building, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and much more.

Experience360 by the Illinois Holocaust Museum memorializes the lives and stories of Holocaust victims and survivors in a way that guidebooks can’t match. With this admission pass, engage with holographic stories and virtual reality experiences, reflecting on the somber lessons taught by one of modern history’s most important and traumatic events.

Chicago is renowned for its wealth of spectacular architecture—and this small-group tour gives you the special chance to discover building interiors that most visitors overlook. In the afternoon, meet your guide in Downtown Chicago, and get ready to discover the interiors of five of the city’s most striking art deco skyscrapers. As you go, soak up the skyline views, and learn more about the city’s unique architectural history.

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.

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.

Travel through architectural history on this express, small-group walking tour, which covers Chicago's most famous buildings in chronological order (and which is speedy enough to cater to the most time-pressed travelers). With a guide in the lead, there's no need to fuss over maps or worry about directions. Simply stroll along and listen to the in-depth commentary on Chicago's architectural history; you'll learn about each building, and will have plenty of chances to stop for photos.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 wonders of the Field Museum with general admission that covers all open general exhibitions, including the Griffin Halls of Evolving Planet & SUE the t. Rex. Enjoy unique access to the Grainger Hall of Gems and the engaging exhibit, Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories. As part of your ticket, select three tastings from a curated list featuring Field Museum Gin, Vodka, Rye, and Pseudo SUE Beer, all inspired by the museum's historic botanical collections. This experience is perfect for those 21 and older, combining education with a delightful tasting adventure.

Get an insider’s introduction to one of Chicago’s most distinctive neighborhoods during this half-day private tour of the South Side. Learn about Hyde Park’s blue-collar history and rich African American heritage. See where the atomic bomb was developed on the University of Chicago’s campus. You’ll also pass through Mexican communities in Pilsen, as well as Little Italy and Greektown.

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.

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.

Sample some of the Windy City's tastiest donuts—and head to locals-loved dessert destinations that most visitors miss—on this one-of-a-kind walking tour. With your guide in the lead, head to a number of Chicago’s tastiest donut bakeries, all while exploring the city's vibrant downtown Loop neighborhood. All tastings are included in the tour cost, and vegan, gluten-, and nut-free options are also available upon request.

Discover one of Chicago’s most picturesque, historic neighborhoods—and learn all about the buildings that make it an architectural standout—on this small-group walking tour of Wicker Park. Meet your guide in the morning, and set off on foot: you’ll discover the 19th-century workers’ cottages that fill the neighborhood, will admire local landmarks like mansions and historic baths, and will learn all about the city’s architectural history.

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.

Enjoy an immersive way to discover Chicago's more recent architectural heritage with this small-group walking tour. Led by your architectural expert guide, you'll discover many of the Windy City's modern, postmodern, and other newer structures, including works by architects like Mies van der Rohe, Bertrand Goldberg, and beyond. As you go, your guide will point out the buildings many visitors overlook, and share stories from their history you wouldn't otherwise hear.

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.