tour
Tour Information
Join us for three exciting and educational tours hosted by the local Chicago Chapter. For date, rate and time please read more
All tours: $45 per person with Early Bird registration; $55 thereafter. Fees include all admissions and tour guide services. Please note: Wear comfortable shoes as we will be walking to each of these tours. (All times are approximate.)
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
Sunday, October 7 * 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
The cool mist off the lake, the magnificence of a city skyline and the tranquility of gently lapping waves set the mood for a wistful afternoon cruising the Chicago River. Visitors and Chicagoans alike say the best way to really see the city’s profile is on the architectural cruise along this river. Learn how in the 19th Century the modern city grew from a trading post to the world’s fastest growing metropolis. See an extraordinary array of great structures, including Lake Point Tower, Wrigley Building, IBM Building, NBC Tower, Tribune Tower, Civic Opera House,
Sears Tower, Marina City, Board of Trade, and scores more. An architectural docent will provide narration featuring an overview of architecture and history. Find out little known facts about the
history of Chicago’s buildings, without omission of the juicier details of scandal, corruption and conflict; all the material that makes for great entertainment.
The Art Institute of Chicago
Monday, October 8 * 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
On this construction tour of the West Wing Expansion of The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world’s leading art museums, Barry Quinn, The Rise Group’s overseeing project manager, will provide a compelling behind-the scenes tour of the facility. (20 people max)
Millennium Park
Tuesday, October 9 * 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Edward Uhlir, Director of Design, Architecture, and Landscape, Millennium Park, Inc., will
lead the group on a behind-the-scenes tour of Millennium Park, including Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, The Crown Fountain, Cloud Gate, and the Lurie Garden. Millennium Park is an award-winning center for art, music, architecture, and landscape design. The result of a unique partnership between the City of Chicago and the philanthropic community, this 24.5-acre park features the work of renowned architects, planners, artists, and designers.
The tour will commence with a presentation at the Chicago Cultural Center, followed by a short walk across the street to Millennium Park where Uhlir will be our personal tour guide through the magnificent Millennium Park. Uhlir, the former Director of Architecture, Engineering and Planning for the Chicago Park District, was appointed Millennium Park Project Design Director by Mayor Richard M. Daley.
