Geoffrey Baer takes us through some of his favorite beautiful Chicago locations. Take this a-la-carte tour at your leisure — by CTA, bike, car, or, if you're really ambitious, on foot! Be sure to check if any of the indoor locations require reservations or tours for entry.
01:03
A dazzling surprise is just over your head in the State Street Macy’s.
02:01
Frank Lloyd Wright once redesigned the light, airy lobby in this Burnham and Root building. Note: The lobby is open to the public only at certain times. Check visitor hours on their website.
02:00
Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood didn’t have its own public green space until Ping Tom Park came along.
02:26
Explore the ivy-covered campus that is rich with architectural history. Note: This is a college campus, so you’ll have to stay outside of the buildings for this one.
01:45
The designs of renowned architect Jeanne Gang breathed new life into a once-stagnant pond.
02:03
Famed landscape architect Jens Jensen designed this enchanting conservatory. Note: This location is free but requires a reservation.
02:03
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe put his own modern stamp on traditional college campus architecture. Note: This is a college campus, so you’ll have to stay outside of the building for this one. You can register for a tour with the architecture school if you want to go inside.
03:05
This unnamed Pablo Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza has an interesting origin story.
01:58
This remodeled Green Line station doubles as a kind of museum for the artist Nick Cave. Note: To see all of the elements described in this tour, you’ll have to pay a fare.
01:39
Chicago’s oldest church is quite the survivor. Note: To go inside this location, you’ll need to schedule a tour.
