Chicago, the Windy City, is not only famous for its vibrant arts, music, and green spaces but also a treasure trove of monumental architecture. From the world’s first skyscrapers to structures bearing the hallmarks of Art Deco, Chicago is a living museum of modern architectural history. Let’s explore the formation and development of this city through its unique architectural landmarks.
Chicago, birthplace of talented architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Daniel Burnham, William Le Baron Jenney, and Louis Sullivan, became an architectural laboratory, a place to experiment and realize bold ideas. This has created a Chicago with a rich and diverse architectural history, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Why Does Chicago Possess Such Incredible Architectural History?
Chicago is not just a large city but also a major cultural and economic center of the United States. The rapid development of the city created a huge demand for construction, prompting architects to seek innovative solutions to meet this need.
This city has become a testing ground for many different architectural styles, from the distinctive Chicago School architecture to Gothic Revival, Prairie School, and Art Deco. In particular, Chicago is proud to be home to the first skyscraper in the world and the tallest building in the world designed by a female architect. These factors have created a rich and diverse architectural history for Chicago.
Journey to Discover Chicago’s Architecture
To truly experience and understand Chicago’s architectural history, visitors have many different tour options. Here are some suggestions for you to fully explore the architectural beauty of this city:
- Architectural boat tour on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan: This is one of the best ways to admire Chicago’s skyscrapers and unique architectural works from a completely different perspective.
- Visit historic residential areas: Explore residential areas like Oak Park, home to many buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, to better understand the Prairie School architectural style.
- Walking tour of downtown: Stroll through the downtown streets and admire iconic buildings such as Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and Merchandise Mart.
Chicago skyline viewed from the water
Iconic Architectural Works Of Chicago
Chicago is a convergence of many famous architectural works, each bearing its own historical and stylistic imprint. Here are a few typical examples:
1. Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center, also known as “The People’s Palace”, opened in 1897 and was designed by architects Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge. Originally, it was the Chicago Public Library, later becoming the city’s first free cultural center.
With two beautiful stained-glass domes, including the largest Tiffany dome in the world, made from 30,000 pieces of glass, the Chicago Cultural Center is a must-visit destination for architecture and art lovers.
2. Oak Park and The Frank Lloyd Wright Legacy
Oak Park is home to many works designed by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can take walking tours to explore houses in the Prairie School style, a distinctive architectural style of the Midwestern United States.
The Chicago Architecture Center offers exterior tours of nearly a dozen Wright-designed homes, giving visitors insight into his vision and talent.
3. Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
Willis Tower, formerly known as Sears Tower, is one of Chicago’s tallest and most recognizable buildings. Completed in 1974, this building held the title of the world’s tallest building for nearly 25 years.
Visitors can ascend to the Skydeck observatory at the top of the tower to admire panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan.
Willis Tower Skydeck view
4. Merchandise Mart (The Mart)
Merchandise Mart, now known as The Mart, was once the largest building in the world when it was built. Designed in the Art Deco style, this building remains an impressive architectural icon of Chicago.
5. The Rookery Building
The Rookery Building was designed by John Root and Daniel Burnham in 1888, but redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. Wright added gold ornamentation to white marble in the interior, creating a luxurious and sophisticated space.
Merchandise Mart building in Chicago
6. John Hancock Center (875 North Michigan Avenue)
The John Hancock Center, now 875 North Michigan Avenue, is an architectural icon of the late 20th century. This building is famous for its 360 Chicago observation deck, where visitors can admire panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline from a height of over 300 meters.
The 94th floor of the building features an enclosed moving platform called Tilt, giving you dizzying panoramic views over Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile.
John Hancock Center in Chicago
Explore Chicago By Architecture River Cruise
One of the most unique and enjoyable ways to explore Chicago architecture is to take an architecture river cruise on the Chicago River. These boat tours typically last from 60 to 90 minutes and take visitors along the Chicago River, where they can admire skyscrapers and famous architectural works from a completely new perspective.
Tour guides on the cruises are often experts in Chicago architecture and history, and they will share interesting stories about the construction and development of the buildings, as well as their impact on the city’s culture and economy.
Seadog architecture cruise in Chicago
Conclusion
Chicago’s architectural history is an inspiring story of creativity, innovation, and vision. From the world’s first skyscrapers to works bearing the imprint of legendary architects, Chicago is a living museum of modern architecture. Hopefully, with this guide, you will have an exciting and memorable journey of discovery in the Windy City. Are you ready to explore Chicago?