Top Chicago Arts & Design

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.

- Explore the Art Institute with your ticket and an audio tour - all in one WeGoTrip app - Marvel at masterpieces of Van Gogh, Picasso, Hopper, Matisse, and others - Get inspired by the best of the world's arts — from Chinese artifacts to world-known paintings - Learn the stories behind the greatest artworks and details to pay attention to - Go through the museum like you have an invisible yet knowledgeable curator with you

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of how a muddy Midwestern outpost transformed into the global capital of architecture. Experience everything from early, classically inspired European styles to bold American Art Deco and Modernist innovations to today’s Contemporary designs that continue to set the pace for world-leading architecture. As you journey through Chicago’s spectacular skyscraper canyons and stunning interiors, you’ll see how economics, technology, creativity, and gritty determination shaped Chicago’s ever-evolving skyline. Whether you’re a visitor or you’re a Chicagoan who has never explored the architectural masterpieces you see every day, join us today on this enlightening adventure.

Take a time travel journey inside Chicago's best-kept secret: a 125-year-old architectural marvel. This extraordinary building was envisioned by renowned architect Solon Spencer Beman, famous for designing the town of Pullman and the iconic Pullman Palace Car Company. Get ready to be transported through time and history as you explore the legacy of this architectural genius and the fascinating stories hidden within these hallowed walls. Join us for an unforgettable adventure into the past and witness the living testament to Beman's architectural prowess.

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.

Make the most of your visit to the Art Institute of Chicago with a local, Chicago-based company that knows the museum inside and out. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a beginner, this opportunity lets you learn about the museum and its pieces through the eyes of an art historian guide without the crowds. Enhance your visit by hearing the stories behind major works.

Explore a range of interactive exhibits at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago—one of the largest science museums in the country. Rather than simply viewing displays, enjoy hands-on experiences that bring engineering, technology, and natural science to life. Housed in the last remaining building from the 1893 World's Fair, the museum combines historic significance with immersive exhibits, making it an engaging attraction for visitors of all ages.

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.

There are lots of ways to take in Chicago’s architectural sights, but most tours don’t mix things up by teaching you about the city’s dark criminal past. On this combination architecture and true crime walking tour, explore with a local guide and listen to intriguing stories as you explore downtown landmarks such as Chase Tower, Palmer House, and much more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Admire the ornamental facades and intricate interiors of the Windy City's art deco buildings during this in-depth walking tour of the vibrant Loop. This small-group tour will introduce you to some of the city's highlight architectural landmarks and its rich history, all in a single excursion. As you go, get an up-close look at landmarks that many other tours overlook—and learn insider stories from your architecture-expert guide.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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!

Let’s take photos at one of Chicago’s most famous spots - the bright red CHICAGO sign at the Chicago Theatre! During this 30-40 minute photo walk, I’ll help you pose and feel comfortable while taking high-quality photos using iPhone, optimized for social media. You’ll receive about 50 digital photos, including 5 professionally color-edited images, delivered via a private online gallery. Please download your photos within 14 days after receiving access, as the gallery link will expire.