Student Experiences
Student Experiences Why bring students to CAF? Chicago is the quintessential city for American architecture. Innovative architecture, advanced engineering and public art are what make Chicago a world-class city. Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) student tours are designed to deliver content in an exciting and engaging way for students ages 12–18. CAF tours are led by docents who are officially trained to interact with students. Most groups do not exceed a 1:12 docent-to-student ratio.
Recommended Student Walking Tours FOR STEAM CONTENT
FOR ARTS GROUPS
AN INTRODUCTION TO CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE
How Did They Do That? The Science of Millennium Park
Why is That There? Public Sculpture in the Loop
What Style is it? Evolution of the Skyscraper
Help your students discover the architects, engineers, botanists and statistical analysts behind the design of Millennium Park, and the education required to become experts in the field. Featured are the Crown Fountain, Cloudgate (“The Bean”), and Pritzker Pavilion.
This tour will introduce students to public sculptures by artists like Picasso, Dubuffet, Miro and others. Learn what brought these iconic works of art to Chicago, how Chicagoans feel about them, and if they are standing the test of time and weather.
Six significant styles have influenced the architecture of Chicago. Students will see one excellent example of each in chronological order to understand how Chicago’s architecture has evolved since 1871.
1 HOUR / $13.50 PER PERSON
60 OR 90 MINUTES / $13.50 PER PERSON
1 HOUR / $13.50 PER PERSON
Other Recommended Walking Tours for Students BUILDING CHICAGO
INSIDE CHICAGO
GROWING CHICAGO
Why is Chicago so famous for skyscrapers? Historic Skyscrapers
What’s Inside? Historic Treasures of Culture and Commerce
Step back in time to discover some worldfamous early skyscrapers. Highlights include: Burnham and Root’s Rookery (1888), with its Moorish revival exterior and restored Frank Lloyd Wright interior; Adler and Sullivan’s Auditorium Building (1889), a masterpiece of engineering, design and acoustics; Holabird and Roche’s Marquette Building (1895), an outstanding example of the Chicago School of design; and Holabird and Root’s Chicago Board of Trade Building (1930), one of the city’s most glamorous Art Deco skyscrapers.
After the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago was determined to become a great cultural—and commercial— metropolis. See buildings by Burnham, Sullivan, Holabird and Roche and more. Highlights include the Reliance Building (Hotel Burnham), the Chicago Cultural Center, the Palmer House, and the famous Michigan Avenue Streetwall. Visit beautiful interiors that many Chicagoans don’t even know exist!
How do buildings talk to each other? Intersections of Old and New Chicago
2 HOURS / $18 PER PERSON
2 HOURS / $18 PER PERSON
At major intersections in the Loop compare the histories, styles, and functions of buildings located within sight of each other, from the 1870’s to the present. Trace the evolution of these relationships as they yield advances in building technology and secure Chicago’s place as one of America’s great cities. Conclude with a visit to Millennium Park, the ultimate Chicago intersection, where world-class art and architecture combine to celebrate our varied culture. 2 HOURS / $18 PER PERSON
BOOK YOUR GROUP NOW!
Contact Deb Rodak, Group Sales Manager at at [email protected] or 312.322.1131
Student Bus and Trolley Tours
Additional Offerings
DOWNTOWN
AS A WORKSHOP
What’s up downtown? Skyline Vistas by Bus or Trolley
When does the design process affect me? The ArcelorMittal Design Studio at CAF
This tour introduces our city as only the Chicago Architecture Foundation can, viewing our skyline from unique perspectives. See Grant Park, the Museum Campus and Millennium Park. Understand the impact of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the railroads on the growth of the city. At three stops view the world-famous skyline that defines Chicago as a vibrant center for architecture. These specially-selected vantage points are unique and not always seen by visitors. At the end of this tour you’ll know Chicago far better than the casual observer!
CAF offers studio programs using LEGO® bricks, model-making materials, technology and other hands-on exploration tools to foster creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills. The Design Studio showcases and promotes design thinking, a problem-solving process that anyone––not just architects, designers, or engineers––can employ in their personal and professional lives.
1 HOUR, 45 MINUTES / STEP-ON GUIDE $400
FREE Design matters? Exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Foundation
BEYOND DOWNTOWN Who designed that? Architectural Highlights by Bus Our most comprehensive tour, this route covers 30 miles of Chicago design, including two university campuses, parks and residential neighborhoods. Stops with interior tours are made in the Loop, Mies van der Rohe’s IIT campus, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and the Museum Campus. 3 HOURS, 30 MINUTES / STEP-ON GUIDE $450 plus $15 per person admission to the Robie House. Inquireabout rates including transportation.
Visit architecture.org/designstudio to learn more.
AS A DISCUSSION
Chicago Architecture Foundation exhibitions encourage people to discover why design matters. Unique installations help people understand how architects, engineers and planners design environments, and how we all contribute to this design. The featured exhibit is the Chicago Model City, the only accurate and up-to-date three-dimensional portrait of Chicago’s downtown. Beloved by tourists and locals alike, it has become the centerpiece of exhibitions in the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s atrium gallery. In addition, the model offers a departure point for CAF tours, a gathering place, an orientation point for visitors and a great photo opportunity! Exhibitions are FREE and change regularly.
Visit architecture.org/exhibitions to learn more.
CAF River Cruise
aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is a “must” for out-of-towners and Chicagoans alike. Docents—expert volunteer tour guides—provide an overview of historic and modern architectural styles, plus many stories about the people who designed and built our city. CAF has literally written the book about the Chicago River, so accept no substitutes!
CAF’s Student River Cruise CAF is proud to partner with Chicago First Lady Cruises, home of Chicago’s finest fleet of yachts. Vessels hold a maximum of 120–250 passengers and are equipped with a full-service bar, climate-controlled lower cabins, and upscale marble and mahogany bathrooms. A cruise on one of their boats is sure to please, visit cruisechicago.com to learn more.
BOOK YOUR GROUP NOW!
A 60-minute version perfect for middle and high school focusing on bridge technology and engineering; Chicago’s river history; and architectural styles of riverside buildings. APR, MAY & OCT Tue–Thu at 10:30am COST $16 per person (includes taxes)
Visit architecture.org/rivercruise to learn more.
Contact Deb Rodak, Group Sales Manager at at [email protected] or 312.322.1131
Recommended Student Walking Tours FOR STEAM CONTENT
FOR ARTS GROUPS
AN INTRODUCTION TO CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE
How Did They Do That? The Science of Millennium Park
Why is That There? Public Sculpture in the Loop
What Style is it? Evolution of the Skyscraper
Help your students discover the architects, engineers, botanists and statistical analysts behind the design of Millennium Park, and the education required to become experts in the field. Featured are the Crown Fountain, Cloudgate (“The Bean”), and Pritzker Pavilion.
This tour will introduce students to public sculptures by artists like Picasso, Dubuffet, Miro and others. Learn what brought these iconic works of art to Chicago, how Chicagoans feel about them, and if they are standing the test of time and weather.
Six significant styles have influenced the architecture of Chicago. Students will see one excellent example of each in chronological order to understand how Chicago’s architecture has evolved since 1871.
1 HOUR / $13.50 PER PERSON
60 OR 90 MINUTES / $13.50 PER PERSON
1 HOUR / $13.50 PER PERSON
Other Recommended Walking Tours for Students BUILDING CHICAGO
INSIDE CHICAGO
GROWING CHICAGO
Why is Chicago so famous for skyscrapers? Historic Skyscrapers
What’s Inside? Historic Treasures of Culture and Commerce
Step back in time to discover some worldfamous early skyscrapers. Highlights include: Burnham and Root’s Rookery (1888), with its Moorish revival exterior and restored Frank Lloyd Wright interior; Adler and Sullivan’s Auditorium Building (1889), a masterpiece of engineering, design and acoustics; Holabird and Roche’s Marquette Building (1895), an outstanding example of the Chicago School of design; and Holabird and Root’s Chicago Board of Trade Building (1930), one of the city’s most glamorous Art Deco skyscrapers.
After the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, Chicago was determined to become a great cultural—and commercial— metropolis. See buildings by Burnham, Sullivan, Holabird and Roche and more. Highlights include the Reliance Building (Hotel Burnham), the Chicago Cultural Center, the Palmer House, and the famous Michigan Avenue Streetwall. Visit beautiful interiors that many Chicagoans don’t even know exist!
How do buildings talk to each other? Intersections of Old and New Chicago
2 HOURS / $18 PER PERSON
2 HOURS / $18 PER PERSON
At major intersections in the Loop compare the histories, styles, and functions of buildings located within sight of each other, from the 1870’s to the present. Trace the evolution of these relationships as they yield advances in building technology and secure Chicago’s place as one of America’s great cities. Conclude with a visit to Millennium Park, the ultimate Chicago intersection, where world-class art and architecture combine to celebrate our varied culture. 2 HOURS / $18 PER PERSON
BOOK YOUR GROUP NOW!
Contact Deb Rodak, Group Sales Manager at at [email protected] or 312.322.1131
Student Bus and Trolley Tours
Additional Offerings
DOWNTOWN
AS A WORKSHOP
What’s up downtown? Skyline Vistas by Bus or Trolley
When does the design process affect me? The ArcelorMittal Design Studio at CAF
This tour introduces our city as only the Chicago Architecture Foundation can, viewing our skyline from unique perspectives. See Grant Park, the Museum Campus and Millennium Park. Understand the impact of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the railroads on the growth of the city. At three stops view the world-famous skyline that defines Chicago as a vibrant center for architecture. These specially-selected vantage points are unique and not always seen by visitors. At the end of this tour you’ll know Chicago far better than the casual observer!
CAF offers studio programs using LEGO® bricks, model-making materials, technology and other hands-on exploration tools to foster creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills. The Design Studio showcases and promotes design thinking, a problem-solving process that anyone––not just architects, designers, or engineers––can employ in their personal and professional lives.
1 HOUR, 45 MINUTES / STEP-ON GUIDE $400
FREE Design matters? Exhibitions at the Chicago Architecture Foundation
BEYOND DOWNTOWN Who designed that? Architectural Highlights by Bus Our most comprehensive tour, this route covers 30 miles of Chicago design, including two university campuses, parks and residential neighborhoods. Stops with interior tours are made in the Loop, Mies van der Rohe’s IIT campus, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and the Museum Campus. 3 HOURS, 30 MINUTES / STEP-ON GUIDE $450 plus $15 per person admission to the Robie House. Inquireabout rates including transportation.
Visit architecture.org/designstudio to learn more.
AS A DISCUSSION
Chicago Architecture Foundation exhibitions encourage people to discover why design matters. Unique installations help people understand how architects, engineers and planners design environments, and how we all contribute to this design. The featured exhibit is the Chicago Model City, the only accurate and up-to-date three-dimensional portrait of Chicago’s downtown. Beloved by tourists and locals alike, it has become the centerpiece of exhibitions in the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s atrium gallery. In addition, the model offers a departure point for CAF tours, a gathering place, an orientation point for visitors and a great photo opportunity! Exhibitions are FREE and change regularly.
Visit architecture.org/exhibitions to learn more.
CAF River Cruise
aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is a “must” for out-of-towners and Chicagoans alike. Docents—expert volunteer tour guides—provide an overview of historic and modern architectural styles, plus many stories about the people who designed and built our city. CAF has literally written the book about the Chicago River, so accept no substitutes!
CAF’s Student River Cruise CAF is proud to partner with Chicago First Lady Cruises, home of Chicago’s finest fleet of yachts. Vessels hold a maximum of 120–250 passengers and are equipped with a full-service bar, climate-controlled lower cabins, and upscale marble and mahogany bathrooms. A cruise on one of their boats is sure to please, visit cruisechicago.com to learn more.
BOOK YOUR GROUP NOW!
A 60-minute version perfect for middle and high school focusing on bridge technology and engineering; Chicago’s river history; and architectural styles of riverside buildings. APR, MAY & OCT Tue–Thu at 10:30am COST $16 per person (includes taxes)
Visit architecture.org/rivercruise to learn more.
Contact Deb Rodak, Group Sales Manager at at [email protected] or 312.322.1131
