Tribune Tower
4.7(974)google
4.6(56)yelp
Historic BuildingCity LandmarkPhoto Spot
Overview
The Tribune Tower is a legendary, historic neo-Gothic skyscraper standing as a soaring media monument on the bustling path of North Michigan Avenue. Completed in 1925 following a famous international architectural design competition, this majestic crown-shaped limestone tower is globally unique for its lower exterior walls, which are embedded with fragments of historic stones collected from ancient and famous world landmarks, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Colosseum. Exploring its beautifully carved, dramatic entrance arcade offers history buffs a thrilling, tactile trip through global human heritage.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 20-30 minutes
Best TimeAccessible year-round, best visited during daylight hours to examine the building's exterior base. Embedded within the lower limestone walls of this Neo-Gothic skyscraper are over 150 authentic fragments from historic sites worldwide, including the Great Wall, the Taj Mahal, and the Berlin Wall.
Getting ThereLocated on the southern stretch of Michigan Avenue, directly opposite the Wrigley Building. Take the 'L' Red Line to Grand station, walk south down N Michigan Avenue for about 4 minutes to arrive at the building's front plaza.
Travel Tips
- The tower has been fully converted into ultra-luxury private condominiums. The interior lobby and historic crown are strictly off-limits to tourists; active security guards block all non-residents. Photographing the Gothic facade from the public sidewalk is your only option.
- The exterior lower facade embedded over 150 historic stones from global landmarks like the Great Wall and Pyramids. Most fragments sit at eye-level or waist-level facing Michigan Ave. Stand close to the stones when taking macro shots to keep the busy commuter sidewalks clear.
- The street directly framing the tower frontage is a zero-tolerance traffic compliance zone. Motorists and rideshares stopping for even a few seconds face heavy fines. Set your rideshare pin to the rear Pioneer Court turn-out or the side bay lanes on Illinois St.
Reviews
Positive
- This neo-Gothic skyscraper embeds actual stones from the Great Wall, Taj Mahal, and Parthenon into its facade, delivering a globally unique visual impact.
- Wandering around the exterior facade to locate and touch those historic relics is completely free, offering fantastic interactive fun.
- Occupying a premium anchor location on the Magnificent Mile, transit is highly convenient, backed by descriptive historical plaques.
- The street-level retail spots feature clear directional signage, and smooth paved accessible pathways offer flawless pedestrian transit.
Heads up
- The tower has recently been converted into high-end luxury condos; its upper architectural zones are strictly locked off for casual tourists.
- Flanking a hyper-busy bridge junction, traffic and pedestrian density are heavily saturated with constant honking and zero peaceful ambiance.
- The landmark now functions primarily as an outdoor architectural display, featuring zero public restrooms, rest benches, or dedicated gift shops.
- Nearby multi-level parking garages charge extortionate rates, and surrounding intersections experience horrific gridlock during rush hours.