The BEST Chicago Architecture YOU Have To See!
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Architecture is often an afterthought, just a collection of tall buildings, another on the long list of a city’s forgotten features. But architecture is so much more than simply sets of buildings. They’re gorgeous, handcrafted works of art that make up the soul of the city. Architecture is what gives a city life and personality. It isn’t an afterthought; it’s the most pivotal part.
Chicago is a city that recognized the importance of architecture from a very early stage and continues to innovative year after year. Chicago architecture tells a story centuries in the works. A story of destruction from the Great Fire and subsequent rebirth of a new architectural age. A story of experimentation and architectural adventure in a way to entice people to live in the undesirable downtown. A story of inspiration in creating a new high standard for each successor to build off.
Chicago architecture is an ever changing museum of the city itself. A glorious skyscraping evolution of the Midwest displayed in an architectural identity that can’t be disrupted or replicated. Architecture is the most essential part of a city, and the Best Chicago Architecture is a prime example.
1.) Rookery Building
Built
1888
Address
209 S. LaSalle St
Style
Romanesque and Art Deco
A hallmark of the stunning Chicago architecture to come, the Rookery Building may be the most important building in Chicago. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of the great Chicago fire, the Rookery Building carried with it a new architectural explosion of masterful experimentation. Its metal framing, large glass roofed light court, and intricate spiral staircase were all revolutionary ideas for the 19th century.
Although there have been many significant renovations throughout its existence, continuously morphing into different styles and added layers of personality, one thing has managed to stay the same. The exuding class and fine craftsmanship of the Rookery Building is utterly unmatched.
2.) Wrigley Building
Built
1924
Address
400-410 N. Michigan Avenue
Style
Spanish Colonial Revival
A founding father of iconic post-fire Chicago architecture, the Wrigley Building is a finely crafted feat that has inspired spectacular architecture across the city. At the heart of downtown, this terra cotta-covered building was the first skyscraper in the city and the first Chicago building that laid the foundation (sorry, couldn’t resist) for all of the great Chicago architecture to come. Originally a one tower building with a clocktower design based on the elegant cathedrals of Spain, this work of art wasn’t truly appreciated until the completion of the second tower, turning this beautiful building into a city icon.
Sitting on the banks of the Chicago River, the Wrigley Building and its bleached color that gets more and more stark white the higher it goes, is now a central hub where people come to meet and enjoy the best of downtown Chicago.
3.) Tribune Tower
Built
1925
Address
435 N. Michigan Avenue
Style
Gothic Revival
Tribune Tower is a building that has a different air around it, as though it was plucked from medieval France and transported to the Midwest United States. Just across the street from the Wrigley Building, these 2 iconic structures stand as reminders of how long this city has been an architectural force and a prime example of Chicago’s search for architectural identity. The Spanish influences of the Wrigley building, alongside the Gothic revival style of Tribune Tower, mark an era of scattered brilliance. The individual structures are undoubtedly stunning, but together, they create a hodgepodge of ideas with no central flow.
As for Tribune Tower itself, the sharp Gothic edges and rising focus blend in a triumph of downtown design. Once home to the Chicago newspaper, now it’s a downtown attraction always teeming with people looking to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous style or the stones implanted into the walls as part of their “Fragments of History.”
4.) Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower)
Built
1974
Address
233 S. Wacker Dr
Style
International architecture
A beacon of Chicago and the beautiful evolution of centuries of masterful architecture, this building showed the world that Chicago was an architectural force not just in the first half of the century but the second half as well.
Most known as the tallest building in the world from the time of its construction all the way to 1998, Sears Tower was another blatant reminder of America’s dominant force as a world power. Today, the leveled design towering over the rest of downtown stands out like a sleek black gem glimmering among the city skyline. As stunning as Sears Tower/ Willis Tower is on the outside, the inside is just as interesting. With a full entertainment hub of restaurants, shops, and a complete observation deck with glass bottomed lookouts!
5.) The Merchandise MART
Built
1930
Address
222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza
Style
Art Deco
In the early 1900s, the United States was searching for its own architectural identity, away from the influences of Europe and a new style they could call their own. And with this, Art Deco was born. Stretching over 2 city blocks and one of the forerunners of the United States Art Deco movement, The MART was a powerful example in the new era of American architecture. A symbol of United States power and fresh expression, The Merchandise MART showed that America is an adaptive and unique country not just in New York but from coast to coast.
In its over century of existence, this building has evolved countless times, adapting and transforming to the needs of the people of Chicago. To this day, the Merchandise Mart continues to evolve with its ever changing interior and artistic light show that captivates all those passing along the river!
6.) Wrigley Field
Built
1914
Address
1060 W Addison St
Style
Jewel Box Ballpark
Wrigley Field, an icon of Chicago. What grew as a house for the Chicago Cubs has now become an even bigger attraction itself. Not only a baseball Meca but another iconic symbol for the beautiful history of Chicago, Wrigley Field is the purest form of aging with grace. Old gorgeous features that give this place such an iconic feel, like the brick concourses, ivy covered outfield wall, and the massive marquee, all these fine details oozing history and tradition so palpable you can feel it in every corner of the park. Although Wrigley Field may not be considered incredible Chicago architecture, after seeing this century old wonder in person, there’s no denying it.
7.) Marina City
Built
1967
Address
300 N. State St
Style
Expressionist Modern
One of the most distinct structures in Chicago, these two layered disk towers were a glimpse of the 1960s idyllic future. In the mid-20th century, downtown Chicago was not a desirable place to live… enter the Marina City Towers. Sold as an architectural attraction to entice people into living downtown, these cities within the city were home to all the modern amenities and entertainment a person could want in the 1960s. With an indoor pool, parking garage, boat dock, retail stores, concert hall, bowling alley, restaurants, and so much more, Marina City was the perfect first step in the rejuvenation of downtown Chicago.
8.) Aqua Tower
Built
2009
Address
225 N. Columbus Dr
Style
Modern Skyscraper
Aqua Tower is a one-of-a-kind skyscraper meant to be as stunning as it is practical. Balconies designed in unique waves that ensure no view is the same, be it on the ground or looking over one of the balconies. A building made alongside the neighboring environment, almost as an addition to the natural surroundings, not a barrier obstructing them. One of the most multifaceted designs in the city.
Not only do the waves of Aqua Tower provide a memorizing visual, but each wave is GPS placed for cooling, wind reduction, and as a way to limit bird strikes. A structure with every inch and detail meticulously planned to get every use possible. From the ground floor to one of the largest green roofs in Chicago, no space is wasted when it comes to the Aqua Tower.
9.) Chicago Water Tower
Built
1869
Address
806 N. Michigan Ave
Style
Gothic Revival
One of the few remaining structures from before the great fire, the Chicago Water Tower is a perfect time capsule of a forgotten style. A last remnant of the old world, as the new world of modern skyscrapers sprout up all around. A reminder to appreciate the intricacies of the past no matter how much the future changes.
The Chicago Water Tower is a wonderful architectural sight, even though it was built almost as an afterthought. Originally built to simply cover up the pipes and machinery of the water pumping station, this tower was never meant to be a striking symbol of Chicago architecture, but as the years went on, that’s precisely what it became. The Chicago Water Tower shows that architecture can be permanent and deeply impactful no matter how small the purpose.
10.) Chicago Union Station
Built
1925
Address
500 W. Jackson Blvd
Style
Beaux-Arts
Serving as the hub of the city for nearly 100 years, Chicago Union Station was people’s first glimpse of the city. A strong, robust example of the city’s architectural might. Featuring a classic great hall towering above the waiting area, a synonymous staple when it comes to the best train stations in the world. A Beaux-Arts design of ornate features and imposing Greco-Roman columns. And concealing the train stations underneath the streets in an effort to keep the city looking visually appealing and devoid of unnecessary traffic obstructions, it’s clear to see why this building took 10 years of construction to complete. An impressive feat of ingenuity above and below street level, Chicago Union Station is a pivotal point in the story of Chicago.
11.) 875 North Michigan Avenue (aka The John Hancock Building)
Built
1968
Address
875 North Michigan Avenue
Style
Mid-Century Modern
The North Chicago skyline has a very beautiful and expected look to it. Dozens of multileveled rectangular boxes clumped together, appearing like most cityscapes until your gaze hits 875 North Michigan Avenue. A singular tower shooting past the surrounding buildings like a midnight black tree standing above a neighborhood of flowers. Impossible to miss not just from its pure black color and being one of the tallest buildings in the city, but with its steel X bracing along the sides presenting a sign of strength and sturdiness while also serving as much needed stabilizers for the high winds of Chicago.
This marvelous tower is a standout structure inside and out, from its tall and powerful aesthetic to the 360 Chicago observation deck (link to best things to do) showcasing the best views of the East side of the city and lakefront. Whether you’re looking for views inside or out, 875 North Michigan Avenue is a must when viewing the best Chicago architecture.
12.) Lake Point Tower
Built
1968
Address
505 N Lake Shore Dr
Style
International
The lone lakefront bystander, Lake Point Tower is a sight as desirable as Lake Michigan. As the only downtown skyscraper east of Lake Shore Drive, it’s no secret this building set out to be one of the most unique in the city. In an architectural age of sleek, more abstract buildings, Lake Point Tower was another clear sign that downtown Chicago was adapting to the future. The tallest apartment building in the world at the time, its Y-shaped design and triangular center of elevators and stairwells allowed this lakefront building to withstand high waterfront winds while also providing a fresh look to the cityscape. A new standard for visual presentation and practicality. The one-of-a-kind design and unobstructed lake views hoped to stand out from the rest and entice more people to move out of the suburbs and into downtown. And it worked, by attracting decades of celebrities, athletes, and musicians to take up a residence, Lake Point Tower was a key component in shaping Chicago into the city it is today.
13.) Bahá'í House of Worship
Built
1953
Address
100 Linden Ave
Style
A mix of many architectural styles like Islamic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical
A building harmonizing in every aspect of its grounds. Every piece of architecture and landscape interwoven and designed as one. Nine sides of the building, surrounded by nine gardens, connected by nine pathways, all referencing the numbers’ religious significance of perfection and unity. With a trademark concrete dome so strikingly white, it appears as if it has a glistening glow in the daytime. This luminescent effect is how the Bahá’í House of Worship got its nickname “The Temple of Light.”
Just a couple miles from the Chicago Botanic Garden this temple is one of the few architectural feats found outside of downtown and among the north side suburbs. As peaceful as it is well crafted, the Chicago Bahá’í House of Worship is truly a rare structure as it is one of 9 Bahá’í temples in the world and the only one in the entire U.S.
14.) Residences at the St. Regis Chicago (aka Vista Tower)
Built
2020
Address
363 E Wacker Dr
Style
Modern
If you’re looking for a lavish structure, a high end building meant to radiate extravagance and flamboyance, then Vista Tower is the building for you. When viewing this building, you may notice the magic trick it presents. While it appears to have been constructed in waving curved lines extending up the towers, Vista Tower isn’t actually curved at all. Each floor is set at either a 4-inch overhang or a 4-inch underhang, giving the illusion of smooth curves.
The St. Regis Chicago poses a special design that represents Chicago in more ways than one. Appearing as if the staircase like layout connects the blue waters of Lake Michigan to the open blue sky above, this building fits into the city not just with the manmade structures but with the natural ones as well. This titanic tower, glistening gargantuan, is a sleek, multifaceted construction marking a clear new era for the city. A glimpse at the future of spectacular Chicago architecture.
15.) Chicago Theatre
Built
1921
Address
175 N. State St
Style
French Baroque
Travel back over a century ago to a time when the United States was emerging as a world superpower, a time when Al Capone ruled over Chicago, a time when the Cubs were perennial winners… a time of the Chicago Theatre. Showcasing an era of Midwest glitz and glamour, this classic spot rings out showbiz and the Roaring 20s. This theatre was an essential step in showing the world that Chicago was more than just offices and apartment buildings; it was a city of magic where anything is possible.
Taking inspiration from the extravagant buildings of France, the Chicago Theatre established itself as the ultimate center for creative expression, right alongside The Art Institute of Chicago. While the inside and outside are finely crafted, it’s the iconic marquee sign that sets this place apart. Row upon row of shimmering bulbs make up a dazzling display of lights, like a beacon for downtown entertainment.
16.) Chicago Architecture Boat Tour
While this isn’t a building itself, a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour is one of the best ways to experience the buildings of Chicago. Gently float down the heart of downtown in a detailed and comprehensive journey that is sure to entertain as well as present facts about Chicago you never knew, plus plenty of great picture opportunities. Live through the history of the city told with hidden details and fascinating stories explaining what makes Chicago such an extraordinary city. A Chicago Architecture Boat Tour is without question the best way to experience the best Chicago architecture. Even if you aren’t that interested in architecture, being able to look at the city with a fresh perspective makes the entire tour well worth it!
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