Chicago Architecture: Art Deco Interiors Walking Tour

What's Behind the Doors: Chicago's Secret Art Deco Lobbies

You'll walk inside Art Deco lobbies and corridors in Chicago's Loop and along the Chicago River that most tourists never enter, guided by someone who knows the architectural story behind the geometric details and gleaming materials. The tour covers multiple stops across the 1920s–30s buildings, some recognizable from boat tours, some completely hidden. You skip the sidewalk view and get the real thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chicago's Art Deco buildings

• Visit interior Art Deco buildings
• Stop at exterior Art Deco sites
• Walk through downtown Chicago Loop
• See buildings near Chicago River

The experience

You walk past these buildings every day on the Chicago River boat tours, but you've never actually been inside them. That's the thing that catches you about this tour: the guide opens a door to a 1920s lobby you didn't know existed, and suddenly the whole street looks different. The gleaming materials, the geometric precision, the way light hits polished brass and marble. It's the kind of detail that makes you wonder how many other things you've missed just by staying on the sidewalk.

The Art Deco style was meant to feel futuristic to people in the 1920s, before the Crash of '29 changed everything. You'll walk through several interior and exterior stops across downtown Chicago's Loop and near the Chicago River, moving between buildings that most visitors only see from a distance or from a boat. Your guide points out the glitz and elegance that architects packed into these spaces. The precision that made people believe in progress. Some of these buildings you'll recognize from popular boat tours, but being inside them, standing in the actual lobby instead of floating past the facade, is a completely different experience.

The tour operates in all weather, so dress for what Chicago throws at you that day. It's walkable and suitable for most fitness levels, though it's not recommended if you have spinal injuries. Service animals are welcome, and public transportation options are nearby if you need them before or after.

What’s included

Your tour includes a professional guide who leads you through multiple interior and exterior stops showcasing Chicago's Art Deco buildings from the 1920s through the 1930s, primarily in the Loop and along the Chicago River.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 10:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 10 years) · Child (1 to 5 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Inside Chicago Walking Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you've done the Chicago River boat tours and want to actually step inside the buildings you've only seen from the water. The guide takes you where most visitors never go, and the walk works for any fitness level as long as stairs and standing aren't a problem.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 10 years); Child (1 to 5 years); Infant (under 1).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What should I wear for the Art Deco interiors tour?

Dress for Chicago weather: the tour operates in all conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you'll be moving between multiple stops.

Are there stairs or physical challenges on this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. You'll be walking and entering building interiors, so some stairs may be involved.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Which buildings do you visit on the Chicago Architecture tour?

The tour covers several Art Deco buildings from the 1920s–30s in the Loop and near the Chicago River. Some are recognizable from boat tours. Others are less well-known interior spaces.

Is public transportation available?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby the tour locations.