It might surprise you to learn that the city of Chicago is widely recognized as a prime destination for architectural enthusiasts around the world. With its ornate churches, historic structures, modern skyscrapers, and stunning observatories, Chicago’s architectural triumphs are truly a sight to behold. The legacy of Chicago’s architecture is also connected with a number of iconic names in the field, including Frank Lloyd Wright and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe – who have each left an indelible mark on the city. In preparation for your next visit to the Windy City, we’ve done the leg work for you and compiled a short list of Chicago’s most beautiful buildings. These incredible structures take sightseeing to a whole new level.
When architecture meets nature: The Aqua Tower
Designed by Jeanne Gang, The Aqua Tower brings a beautiful, natural aesthetic to the modern, functional skyscraper. Located in the Lakeshore East neighborhood, the striking structure features undulating balconies and pools of reflective glass to create the facade of water cascading down the building. The Aqua Tower’s name and appearance are aesthetically and energetically connected to Lake Michigan, which sits just steps away from the brilliantly designed sculpturesque skyscraper.
Image Credit: Chicago Architecture Center
Marina City
In 1967, architect Bertrand Goldberg’s vision of a city within a city made its official mark on the Chicago skyline with the completion of Marina City. The four-building complex located in downtown Chicago’s Near North Side neighborhood includes two residential towers, a ten-story office building, and a two-story entertainment and retail space. The units within the two residential towers are easily compared to the petals of a flower or corn on the cob, with their rounded balconies encasing the cylindrical structures. Goldberg’s choice to depart from the conventional straight lines and sharp angles often associated with modern architecture and opt for more curved forms that mimic nature’s organic aesthetic has certainly aged well, as Marina City was officially named an architectural landmark in 2016.
Image Credit: Chicago Architecture Center
The birthplace of towering skyscrapers: The Tribune Tower
This iconic tower is the result of an international competition to mark the 75h anniversary of the Chicago Tribune. The newspaper intended for its new home to be the most beautiful building in the world. Featuring gothic revival elements of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, the tower stands as a cathedral for journalism. The building also contains fragments from other historic structures from around the world, including the Great Wall of China, the Pantheon in Athens, and Westminster Abbey.
Image Credit: Pexels
The Willis Tower
After its completion in 1973, at 110 stories high, the Willis Tower remained the world’s tallest building for nearly 25 years. Although its record-breaking height has since been surpassed, the innovative structural design and engineering employed by Bruce Graham and Fazlur Khan laid the foundation (pun intended!) for towering skyscrapers being built today. The Willis Tower’s black aluminum and bronze-tinted glass exterior has made the building an unmistakable emblem of the Chicago city skyline.
Image Credit: Choose Chicago
Endless eye-catching structures: The Cloud Gate
The sculpture, more commonly known as “The Bean,” is a permanent outdoor art installation located in downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park. After its unveiling in 2004, The Bean became one of the city’s most iconic attractions. Made entirely of stainless steel, The Bean reflects people moving around in the park, the surrounding skyline, and green space.
Image Credit: Pexels
The Wrigley Building
Inspired by La Giralda, the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, the Wrigley building is covered in six different shades of gleaming white terra cotta. The building’s façade is illuminated, allowing it to gleam in both the sunlight and late evening. Situated where Michigan Avenue meets the Chicago River, the headquarters of the chewing gum magnate is one of the finest buildings among the city’s iconic Magnificent Mile.
Image Credit: Pexels
Architectural legends and their legacies. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House
Designed by an architectural legend, the house located in Hyde Park showcases the Prairie School style of horizontal lines, overhanging eaves, and harmonious integration with nature. It captures an important shift to a low-rise, open concept in the American conception of residential space. The house is open for admiration of Wright’s use of light, space, and materials.
Image Credit: Chicago Architecture Center
The Chicago Federal Center
These three buildings situated on an open plaza can be seen as a manifestation of Mies van der Rohe’s minimalist credo of “less is more”. The sleek and simplistic buildings, which house government offices, a courthouse, and a post office, are built on a rigid grid – with every bench, light fixture, and column meticulously placed on the grid. The modern and efficient use of steel and glass captures Mies’ contribution to revitalized, functional public architecture.
Image Credit: Chicago Architecture Center
A city of hidden gems: The Chicago Cultural Center
In 1991, the Chicago Cultural Center became the first free municipal cultural center in the country to offer concerts, art exhibits, and other enriching programs. The building design takes inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman structures as well as the fine details from the Italian Renaissance. A 38-foot-diameter dome ceiling made of Tiffany Glass is one of Chicago’s most breathtaking sights.
Image Credit: Chicago Architecture Center
The Rookery
Yet another official landmark and nationally designated Historic Place, The Rookery is located in the city’s downtown financial district. With load-bearing masonry and a skeletal frame, it encompasses the transitional period in architectural history during which it was built. An ornate glass ceiling maximizes the amount of light and brilliantly illuminates the building’s square interior.
Image Credit: Chicago Architecture Center
Tour the city, by land or water.
With dozens of boat, bus, and walking tours available, you can experience Chicago’s brilliant buildings in whichever style suits you. Whatever you decide, make sure you take advantage of some of the most beautiful architectural sights in the world! Now that you feel inspired by Chicago’s beautiful architecture, seize the opportunity to explore the art of architectural brilliance at Widler Architecture’s website and embark on a transformative journey to infuse the captivating essence of this stunning cityscape into your very own home renovation!