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SFAN Chicago Art & Architecture:
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SFAN ART & FOOD TOUR is $250 each per person if reserved after July 1st, 2025
RESERVE YOUR TOUR HERE
lunch included in tour
Cancellations may be made on or before July 30th to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on August 1st or later are non-refundable.
lunch included in tour
Cancellations may be made on or before July 30th to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on August 1st or later are non-refundable.
Included in this tour is a walk past architectural icons, a visit to Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Architecture Center, and the Chicago River bridgehouse, the riverwalk, river architecture cruise & outdoor lunch on the riverwalk.
($75 fee included for the river cruise voted #1 boat tour in the U.S. by USA Today)
($75 fee included for the river cruise voted #1 boat tour in the U.S. by USA Today)
At the heart of Chicago’s greatness is it's architectural legacy. The birthplace of the modern skyscraper, the city remains a laboratory for cutting-edge design. Chicago’s skyline is an ever-evolving testament to human ingenuity. Landmarks like the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center stand as icons of past achievements, while sustainable, forward-thinking developments point to the city’s commitment to the future. And at the heart of Chicago’s artistic legacy is the Art Institute of Chicago with its grand Beaux-Arts façade, home to an unparalleled collection spanning centuries. Founded in 1879, the Art Institute officially opened it's current building, constructed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, on December 8, 1893.
Chicago is not just a city; it is an open-air museum, a living, breathing gallery of architectural marvels. Here, the ghosts of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 are not mourned but celebrated, out of the ashes rose a city more magnificent than before, a phoenix clad in Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and soaring modernism. The birthplace of the skyscraper, Chicago defied gravity with the 1885 Home Insurance Building, the first of its kind, and has never ceased reaching for the heavens since.
The Art Institute of Chicago stands as a sanctuary of artistic excellence, a place where history and imagination converge in one of the world’s most revered cultural institutions. Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, its grand Beaux-Arts façade, flanked by the iconic bronze lions, welcomes visitors into a realm where masterpieces spanning centuries and continents are displayed with breathtaking elegance.
The Art Institute of Chicago features masterpieces such as Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte and Gustave Caillebotte's Paris Street; Rainy Day that draw art lovers from around the globe. The museum’s Modern Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, provides an ethereal space to engage with the works of Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol, while its ever-evolving exhibitions ensure there is always something new to discover.
Home to one of the most extensive and celebrated collections in the world, the Art Institute is a treasure trove of artistic achievement. From Grant Wood’s enigmatic American Gothic to Vincent van Gogh’s swirling The Bedroom, its galleries showcase some of the most iconic works ever created. The museum’s holdings extend far beyond Impressionism and Modernism, encompassing everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary installations, ensuring a rich and immersive experience for every visitor.
Chicago’s neighborhoods provide an unmatched culinary journey for those in search of global influences, From world-renowned fine dining establishments to beloved neighborhood joints, Chicago is a city that takes it's food seriously, with every meal telling a story of history, passion, and craftsmanship. Chicago’s love for food extends beyond restaurants and into its vibrant markets, pop-ups, and food festivals
"The lunches were a lot of fun because Stephen was taking us to his favorite locations."
- Charles Franz, Sacramento, CA
- Charles Franz, Sacramento, CA
Led by the Chicago Architecture Center's expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago's majestic buildings in a way no other tour can. The tour includes Chicago's most famous historic and modern landmarks, including Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, Lyric Opera, 333 West Wacker, and Marina City. More than 50 buildings are discussed on the tour.
The Chicago Architecture River Cruise is more than just a tour, it's a voyage through time, a love letter to a city that has shaped the very essence of modern architecture. As your boat drifts along the emerald ribbon of the Chicago River, you are enveloped in a world where steel and glass kiss the sky, where history whispers from the limestone facades, and where every building tells a story of ambition, resilience, and artistry.
You may stay in the area and visit local shops, restaurants, or bars after the tour.
RESERVE YOUR TOUR HERE
Cancellations may be made on or before June 30th to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on July 1st or later are non-refundable.
Cancellations may be made on or before June 30th to receive a full refund.
Cancellations made on July 1st or later are non-refundable.
“My wife and I took four of Stephen’s Art and Food Tours in February 2025 and had a wonderful time! Stephen started being our guide even before we arrived by providing us with a wealth of information about how to navigate the city, which are the best museums, eateries, markets, etc. that was extremely useful, especially for first-time visitors like us. We look forward to taking other tours with him in the future!”
- Michael Browne, San Diego, CA
- Michael Browne, San Diego, CA