Top Illinois Arts & Design - page 2

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.

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.

Chicago’s “L,” or elevated train, is an icon of public transportation and a major feature of the Loop neighborhood. On this interactive tour, you’ll learn about the railway’s history while experiencing it as a rider. Meet your guide in the morning and set off with just a small group for company. As you ride between stops, you’ll also view Chicago icons like the Willis Tower, and will learn about the city’s architectural history.

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.

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.

Explore the Loop's famous architecture—and learn insider facts and stories that you wouldn't encounter if exploring alone—on this small-group walking tour. Led by your Chicago Architecture Center–certified guide, you'll discover some of the city's oldest skyscrapers, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Admire the Rookery building, see the Marquette building, and much more, all while soaking up the city's ineffable energy.

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.

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 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!

Take the best ghost tour in Chicago! Go inside 6/8 old buildings, learn about what makes them haunted and what also makes them cool! Learn from expert guides what makes Chicago one of the spookiest places in the world!

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.

Get an insider's introduction to Chicago's most celebrated buildings during this architecture-focused walking tour of Michigan Avenue, State Street, and the vibrant Loop area. Revisit the heyday of the skyscraper and visit stunning, art deco-era interiors, from the Palmer House Hotel to the Chicago Cultural Center. Admission to the Chicago Architecture Center is included, with an introduction by the docent.

The Art Institute of Chicago houses one of the finest American and Impressionist painting collections in the world, but it can be overwhelming to explore on your own. Remove the guesswork and maximize your time inside the museum on a private tour that covers major highlights by Picasso, Chagall, Warhol, Hopper, and others. Plus, there's no waiting to get inside, as the tour includes a skip-the-line ticket.

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.

Discover a side of the Windy City that many visitors overlook—and immerse yourself in its vibrant street art scene—on this urban walking tour. With your art-expert guide in the lead, you can focus on soaking up the city's ambiance, and spotting artworks and murals you may not have discovered on your own. As you go, listen to in-depth commentary about the artists and artworks, and explore some of the city's hippest neighborhoods.

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.

Discover some of the Windy City’s spookiest ghost stories—and step back in time to the era of gangsters, bootleggers, jazz performers, and more—on this small-group walking tour. Meet your guide in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, and set off after dark. You’ll visit supposedly haunted former burial grounds, pubs, theaters, and more—and will hear about macabre legends and unexplained happenings as you go.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Pilsen, one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its colorful street art, rich Mexican heritage, historic architecture, and thriving local culture. This locally led Pilsen walking tour offers an authentic, insider experience beyond typical Chicago sightseeing. - Pilsen-based experts with 40+ years of combined experience - Explore iconic sites like 16th Street murals, Thalia Hall, and local cultural landmarks - Official Pilsen tour partner of the Chicago History Museum - Bilingual tours available in English and Spanish - Multiple routes and flexible options, including walking, running, or biking tours -BOOKING: Please note the tour guide will contact you to schedule an exact time for your tour after you have completed the booking. There is no option to pick a start time.

Immerse yourself in one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods—and head off the tourist trail to discover sights and bites many visitors miss—on this small-group Chinatown food and walking tour. With your guide in the lead, learn about the cuisine of different regions of China, and discover the history of Chicago's Chinatown. Along the way, enjoy a generous array of tastings, from dim sum to Sichuan cuisine and beyond.

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.

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.