All That Glam: Chicago’s Art Deco Masterpieces

Get inside the most stunning Art Deco buildings in downtown Chicago!

This tour is the answer to many requests for an Art-Deco-specific tour because — let's face it — we all LOVE the elegance, glam, and glitz of the 1920s. This 2-hour walking tour explores the interiors and exteriors of gorgeous buildings from this surprisingly brief architectural period in Chicago, with some interesting details and stories about life in that era. Flappers, gangsters, jazz, speakeasies — we'll pepper those throughout our larger exploration of Chicago's magnificent Art Deco buildings in order to truly set the context for you!

Though the Art Deco style throws us back in time, it’s actually a futuristic style — it’s meant to make people of its time think of the future. The gleaming materials, the perfect precision of the details… it’s the epitome of glitz, glam, and elegance. On this tour, you’ll walk in the footsteps of those high on the potential of the future, before the infamous Crash of ‘29. We’ll explore several stunning interior spaces within the Loop and near the Chicago River, going inside not only the great Art Deco buildings of the Loop, but also a few buildings you’ll recognize from popular boat tours. But the great thing is that you’ll go where most boat tour guests won’t ever go: inside these gorgeous Art Deco buildings, where you’ll be amazed by the beauty that people don’t know is right there behind closed doors.

Let Inside Chicago Walking Tours take you back to the Chicago of the Roaring ‘20s!

Duration

2 Hours

1.5 miles on foot

Highlights of the Tour

• Access stunning interior spaces that throw you back to the Roaring '20s in Chicago;
• Learn about the culture of the time -- flappers, jazz, Prohibition, Route 66, and more;
• See the popular Art Deco style through the eyes of the people for whom it was brand new and a symbol of a promising future;
• Touch the gleaming materials and intricate details that you can only see up close and inside!

Tour Details

• Runs rain or shine! We will be in touch in case of severe weather.
• **Meeting Location:** We meet in the plaza outside of 425 S. Financial Place, next to the metal horse sculpture.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Camera
• Umbrella if needed
• Bottle of water if needed
• Extra cash for gratuities for your guide (optional, but appreciated!)

Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Your guide will be carrying a binder.

Tours generally run rain or shine, but are possibly canceled in case of extreme weather -- we will call customers the day of the tour if weather prohibits an enjoyable experience, and offer them either a reschedule or refund.