Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart has transformed from a Marshall Field–built wholesale center to a Kennedy family landmark and modern design powerhouse. Explore its Art Deco architecture, hidden sculpted heads, and riverfront presence.
"Explore the hidden history of Virgin Hotel Chicago, once the 1928 Old Dearborn Bank. From original vault doors to Art Deco details, discover a modern hotel with a historic past."
The Jewelers Building in Chicago isn’t just an office tower—it’s a landmark full of history, architectural elegance, and even a dash of gangster legend.
Nestled where the Chicago River kisses the Magnificent Mile, the Wrigley Building gleams like a pearl in the city’s crown. Built in 1921 as chewing-gum tycoon William Wrigley Jr.’s headquarters, its floodlit terra-cotta facade pioneered the Mag Mile’s glow and remains Chicago’s most photogenic landmark a century later.
Tucked among the trees of Lincoln Park stands one of Chicago’s most iconic works of art — a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln created by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1887. Inspired by a personal memory of seeing Lincoln in person, Saint-Gaudens captured not just the president, but the thoughtful, human man behind the legend.
The Chicago Cultural Center, wasn’t always a place for concerts and art exhibits. When it opened in 1897, this grand Beaux-Arts masterpiece was actually the first home of the Chicago Public Library. Its story begins not just with architecture, but with rebirth.
Two massive bronze warriors guard Grant Park — but neither holds a bow or spear. Discover the story behind The Bowman and The Spearman, Chicago’s silent sentinels on Michigan Avenue.
Standing tall at the corner of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue, the Chicago Motor Club Building is a love letter to the golden age of travel. Built in 1928 by the legendary architectural firm Holabird & Root, this 15-story tower perfectly captures the optimism and elegance of the Art Deco era.
Standing tall, the Carbide & Carbon Building has been turning heads since 1929. With its dark green terra cotta façade and shimmering gold crown, it’s one of the most distinctive skyscrapers in Chicago — and one of the most glamorous symbols of the Art Deco era.
Discover the fascinating artifacts in the Chicago Tribune Building, from historic relics to global treasures, and explore Chicago’s iconic architecture.
Step back in time at Chicago’s Fine Arts Building. Explore historic studios, hand-operated elevators, and the restored Studebaker Theater — a must-see for art and history lovers.
Explore Chicago beyond the tourist attractions and discover stories, neighborhoods, and experiences that many visitors—and even locals—often miss? That’s exactly what my new book, Chicago Beyond the Bean, is all about.
