Excursion tour in Chicago. Top architecture - monuments, castles, temples and palaces

Let’s move further. The upcoming famous architecture monuments of Chicago that deserve to be mentioned are Willis Tower, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, Tribune Tower, and Lincoln Park Conservatory. An overview of interesting facts and a collection of photographs are available for each monument. In order to plan a route for your real-life sightseeing tour in Chicago, use our interactive map of sights in of Chicago that is available below this article.

Willis Tower, Chicago

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The Willis Tower was built in 1973. The skyscraper has 108 floors. It is a trading and financial center. It used to be the highest tower in the world but now it is the second highest in the USA.
»  At the 103rd level (413 m), there is observation platform Skydesk that you can reach by lift within 60 seconds.
»  In July 2009, the observation platform was reconstructed. It was extended due to glass heavy balconies hanging over the ground. Visitors standing on a glass floor look like they are floating without any support. Here, tourists love skating on thin ice and feel thrilled.
»  Every year, the skyscraper is visited by 25 000 people.
»  In 1999, a French mountaineer climbed up to the top of the tower without climbing equipment.
»  The skyscraper appeared in several films, including Russian “Brother 2”.

Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

Location on the map:   Facts:
» Shedd Aquarium was opened in 1930 on the initiative of rich businessman John G. Shedd. He did not manage to see the implementation of his idea.
»  At that time, it was the only aquarium opened on the ground that keeps marine animals in their natural habitat. In 1933, the Worldwide Exhibition was held in Chicago. During it, Shedd Aquarium was visited by over 4 million people.
»  In 1971, the management of the aquarium bought a vessel used for conducting marine researches and finding new fish and animal species.
»  In 2008, the aquarium was closed for renovation. New pools were placed below the ground. The exterior of the aquarium has not changed.
»  In the maritime museum, 1 500 different sea animals are kept.
»  Since 2009, a spectacular show where dolphins, penguins, and sea lions take part has been held in Shedd Aquarium. Every year, the aquarium is visited by 2 million people.

Adler Planetarium, Chicago

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The Adler Planetarium was founded and financed by Max Adler. It was opened in 1930. In 1973, the planetarium was extended due to an underground area. Its total area is 10 000 m2. It is home to three theatres or pavilions with permanent exhibitions on the solar system and the Moon. Here, you can see the replica of a rover, soil from the Moon and Mars, and pieces of asteroids Ceres and Vesta. In the 3D cinema, visitors have an opportunity to become an astronaut and travel in space. The planetarium attracts fans of astronomy to NASA practical projects on signs from the Universe. To get an opportunity to see these signs, you just need to register on the website. In 1987, the Adler Planetarium was declared a national landmark.

Soldier Field, Chicago

Location on the map:   Facts:
» Soldier Field is a home field of the Chicago Bears. It was opened in 1924. It was named in honor of American soldiers dying during the First World War.
»  The stadium seated 74 280 people. The stadium is often used for holding boxing competitions, ski races, car races, and even ski jump competitions (there is a special platform). Then, the number of seats has increased to 100 000.
»  In 2003, the arena was reconstructed but its capacity has been reduced. The structure of the stadium has changed. Now, it is a modern and unique construction. However, it has lost its status of a historic monument.
»  At the stadium, concerts, opera performances, and circus shows are held. In 2012, Barack Obama took part in the game here.

Tribune Tower, Chicago

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The Tribune Tower is a skyscraper that belongs to the Chicago Tribune. Ambitious publisher Robert McCormick announced a contest for the best project of an office building. 260 architectural companies from 23 countries took part in it.
»  The construction was completed in 1925. The beautiful tower that is 141 m high is decorated with Gothic columns and elements inherent to medieval cathedrals.
»  The walls of the tower include stones brought by newspaper correspondents from many famous places: The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Notre Dame, the Parthenon, and Egyptian pyramids.
»  On the walls of the lobby, you can see famous B. Franklin, Voltaire, And J. Madison’s quotes on a free press. In the hall, there is the huge US map made of cut money.
»  The WGN Studio located on the ground floor hosts live talk shows, which can be watched right through the windows.
»  In 1989, the Tribune Tower was declared a landmark of Chicago.

Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago

Location on the map:   Facts:
» The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a parking area stretching 11 km along the shore of Lake Michigan.
»  At one time, people dying of cholera or pox were buried here. In 1860, it was decided to move this unsafe graveyard to another place and set up a garden here.
»  In 1865, the favorite US President was murdered. The park was named after Abraham Lincoln.
»  For over a century, designers and gardeners have grown a beautiful garden where people can do sport. Here, you can play basketball, baseball, football, golf, and tennis. There is also North Avenue Beach and a water-race canal.
»  In the territory of the park, there is History Museum, Nature Museum, an orangery, a conservatory, and the oldest US zoo founded in 1868.
»  The park is a popular place for walks in Chicago. Annually, it is visited by 20 million people.
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Plan your own tour over Chicago on the monuments map

More to see in Chicago
Among many attractions of Chicago area there are scenic squares, modern skyscrapers, sculptures and architectural complexes. The city also features an abundance of cultural centers; there are hundreds of museums and theaters here. One of the most attractive areas of the city is Michigan Avenue or rather part of it called the Magnificent Mile. It is the center of futuristic buildings, luxury stores, hotels and attractions. The Magnificent Mile is one of the busiest tourist areas. Navy Pier attracting tourists is situated in the downtown; it is the best place to relax. Travelers who want to see the most beautiful skyscrapers are advised to devote some time to Skydeck Chicago and Willis Tower. The first skyscraper has an excellent viewing platform located on the 103rd floor. A worthy competitor to these high-rise buildings is the John Hancock Center. This 100-storey skyscraper also has an excellent viewing platform; the only trip there with elevator will be an unforgettable adventure. A true masterpiece of modern architecture is The Loop complex located in the downtown. All buildings in the complex are unique, so travelers won’t see such constructions in any other city in the world. Best architects, designers and engineers around the world have developed projects of those buildings. Chicago has one of the largest and most interesting science museums, the Museum of Science and Industry. A variety of exhibits of the museum is simply amazing; they are dedicated to various … Read further

Tours through neighbours of Chicago

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