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Wrigley Building
Photograph: Courtesy of the Chicago Architecture FoundationWrigley Building

The 50 most beautiful buildings in Chicago

We searched Chicago's skyline from the skyscrapers to the side streets (and beyond) to find our favorite examples of the city's architectural excellence

Written by
Time Out Chicago editors
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It’s easy to find exemplary architecture in Chicago, whether you’re admiring the skyline from Lake Michigan or taking a stroll through the streets of a neighborhood. After a large section of the city burnt to the ground in 1871, architects went to work rebuilding Chicago on a grand scale, erecting classic buildings like the Tribune Tower and the Chicago Cultural Center.

RECOMMENDED: Your guide to living in Chicago

The architectural innovation hasn’t slowed down since, with recent projects like Aqua Tower and the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library cementing Chicago’s status as a hotbed of innovative structures. Even the city’s historical buildings are being put to new uses, housing stores, bars and restaurants that allow visitors to experience a part of the area’s architectural history. We went on a few boat tours, consulted some experts and explored the city to assemble our list of 50 of Chicago’s most beautiful buildings.

The experts’ picks

The experts’ picks

We asked professors, architects and traffic reporters to name their top Chicago buildings

Readers’ poll

Readers’ poll

We’ve told you which buildings are the most beautiful. But do you agree? Have your say