Aon Center - Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas with mountains in the background.
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Aon Center

4.6
·491k reviews·Chicago, United States

An iconic Chicago skyscraper known for its marble facade and its role as a prime viewing spot for the breathtaking Chicagohenge.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall Equinoxes

For the magical Chicagohenge

CrowdMedium
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Aon Center - Downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas with mountains in the background.

Aon Center

Best Time

Spring & Fall Equinoxes

For the magical Chicagohenge

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic Chicago skyscraper known for its marble facade and its role as a prime viewing spot for the breathtaking Chicagohenge.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Witness the sun align perfectly with Chicago's grid, framing the majestic Aon Center."

Vertical photo
TIP

Access the Pedway :arrow_down:

Easily connect to Chicago's underground Pedway system via an escalator near the food court on the west side.

Chicagohenge Viewing :camera_with_flash:

Visit during the equinoxes for the stunning sunset alignment. Arrive early for the best spots!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Marble Facade

The Marble Facade

Once the world's tallest marble-clad building, its sleek Italian exterior is a testament to ambitious design, despite weathering challenges.

Chicagohenge Alignment

Chicagohenge Alignment

Witness the breathtaking phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with Chicago's grid, framing the Aon Center.

Architectural Resemblance

Architectural Resemblance

Notice its striking similarities to the former World Trade Center towers, a design echo that sparks historical reflection.

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Planning Your Visit

Marble Facade & Weather Woes

The Aon Center's stunning Italian marble facade, once a world-first, has faced challenges with Chicago's harsh winters. Be aware that the building's exterior has required significant maintenance due to freeze-thaw cycles.

Chicagohenge Spectacle

Twice a year, the Aon Center is a prime viewing spot for Chicagohenge, when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city's east-west streets. Plan your visit around these dates for a unique urban spectacle.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall Equinoxes
Why
For the magical Chicagohenge
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Aon Center is one of Chicago’s most iconic building and here’s why. #chicago #architecture
fugroupchicago
1.1K likes • 63.2K views

Access the Pedway :arrow_down:

Easily connect to Chicago's underground Pedway system via an escalator near the food court on the west side. Reddit

Chicagohenge Viewing :camera_with_flash:

Visit during the equinoxes for the stunning sunset alignment. Arrive early for the best spots! TikTok+1

Similarities between the Aon Center Chicago and the twin towers. The aon center in Chicago was built in 1973, 83 stories with 1 136 feet tall. It’s also using a tube structure design. It’s the actual building with the best resemblance especially with the south tower. #wtc #911 #nyc #neverforget #worldtradecenter #september11th #twintowers
nyc_wtc
11.1K likes • 468.3K views
When marble met Midwest winters… ❄️ The AON Center’s sleek Italian façade was meant to be timeless—until Chicago’s brutal freeze-thaw cycles warped, bowed, and cracked the thin marble panels. What if they’d gone with precast? ✅ Durable in extreme temps ✅ Structurally sound ✅ Built to last decades, not just debut day Some lessons are learned the hard way. Build smarter. Build precast. #PrecastCo...
precast.pciiw
25 likes • 12.5K views

Architectural Insights :bulb:

Learn about its unique marble facade and its comparison to the original World Trade Center. Instagram+1

Winter Facade Facts :snowflake:

Discover how Chicago's winters impacted the building's Italian marble cladding. Instagram

Chicagohenge was amazing last night. The energy from the group that gathered at Aon Center was awesome!And so many people stopped to ask what all of the photographers were waiting to shoot. Fun times! 😎 Looks like the weather is going to cooperate again tonight! See you out there! #chicagohenge #springequinox #chicago #chicagovideographer #cinematic #aesthetic
justdougkas
4.9K likes • 112.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Access the Pedway :arrow_down:

Easily connect to Chicago's underground Pedway system via an escalator near the food court on the west side. Reddit

Chicagohenge Viewing :camera_with_flash:

Visit during the equinoxes for the stunning sunset alignment. Arrive early for the best spots! TikTok+1

Architectural Insights :bulb:

Learn about its unique marble facade and its comparison to the original World Trade Center. Instagram+1

Winter Facade Facts :snowflake:

Discover how Chicago's winters impacted the building's Italian marble cladding. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often appreciate the Aon Center's striking architectural presence and its role in the unique Chicagohenge phenomenon. While not a typical tourist attraction with public viewing decks, its historical significance and connection to iconic designs are points of interest. Some note the challenges faced by its marble facade due to weather.

What People Like

Striking marble facade
Chicagohenge spectacle
Architectural resemblance

What People Dislike

Limited public access
Facade maintenance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Aon Center is located at 200 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601. It's easily accessible by public transportation, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby and the Clark/Lake 'L' station a short walk away. Parking is available in the Aon Center garage. TikTok

Yes, you can access the Pedway from the Aon Center. Take the escalator near the food court on the west side of the building to enter the Prudential building, then proceed west to find the Pedway access. Reddit

For Chicagohenge, consider public transport or ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles. The area around the Aon Center can get crowded during this event. TikTok

Absolutely! The Aon Center is conveniently located near several 'L' train stations and numerous bus lines, making it very accessible for visitors. TikTok

The Aon Center is situated at 200 East Randolph Street in the heart of downtown Chicago, offering stunning city views. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Aon Center is primarily an office building. While there isn't a public observation deck, you can visit the ground-floor retail and dining areas. Access to upper floors is typically for tenants and their guests. TikTok

As an office building, the Aon Center's main hours are typically business hours on weekdays. Retail and dining establishments within the building may have extended hours. TikTok

Currently, the Aon Center does not have a public observation deck. However, its impressive architecture and historical significance are worth noting. TikTok

Yes, you can enter the public areas of the Aon Center, such as the lobby and retail spaces, free of charge. TikTok

Information about public events or specific tenant events at the Aon Center is not widely advertised. It's best to check local Chicago event listings or inquire directly if you have a specific reason to visit. TikTok

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

While primarily an office building, you can admire its grand lobby and the retail spaces on the lower levels. Its architectural design and historical context are key points of interest. TikTokInstagram

Chicagohenge is a natural phenomenon occurring twice a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Chicago's east-west streets, creating a stunning visual spectacle. It typically happens around the spring and fall equinoxes. TikTok+1

The Aon Center was once the world's tallest marble-clad building and features a minimalist design with clean lines. It also bears a striking resemblance to the original World Trade Center towers. Instagram+2

Yes, the Aon Center houses a fitness center, Peak Fitness, which is available for tenants and potentially members. TikTok

The Aon Employee Service Center is a resource for Aon employees, likely providing support for HR-related matters and benefits. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Aon Center has a food court and other dining establishments on its lower levels, offering a variety of options for visitors and tenants. Reddit

The food court typically offers a range of casual dining choices, from quick bites to more substantial meals, catering to diverse tastes. Reddit

Absolutely! The Aon Center is located in a vibrant area of Chicago with numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance, offering a wide culinary spectrum. TikTok

Yes, you can typically find coffee shops or vendors within the Aon Center's retail or food court areas. Reddit

The operating hours for the Aon Center's food court can vary. It's advisable to check their specific hours, as they may be limited on weekends. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Aon Center itself, especially its marble facade, is a striking subject. For unique shots, consider visiting during Chicagohenge for the sunset alignment. TikTok+1

Photography is generally permitted in the public areas of the Aon Center, such as the lobby. However, always be mindful of private offices and respect any posted restrictions. TikTok

The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light on the building. For Chicagohenge, the sunset alignment is the prime time. TikTok+1

Focus on the building's clean lines, geometric silhouette, and the texture of its Italian marble facade. Its resemblance to the twin towers is also a notable photographic element. Instagram

Experiment with wide-angle shots from street level to capture its scale, and consider perspectives from nearby buildings or parks for different cityscapes. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Aon Center is primarily an office building and doesn't have dedicated family attractions, families can still enjoy aspects of it. The ground-floor retail and food court offer convenient spots for a quick bite or a treat. Reddit The visual spectacle of Chicagohenge during the equinoxes can be a fascinating and educational experience for children, showcasing a unique alignment of nature and the city. TikTok+1 Encourage kids to look for the building's resemblance to the Twin Towers, sparking conversations about architecture and history. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Aon Center is a dream for photographers. Its striking marble facade offers a clean, geometric subject, especially during the golden hours. Instagram The real magic, however, happens during Chicagohenge, when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the streets, creating unparalleled photo opportunities. TikTok+1 Experiment with different angles from street level or nearby vantage points to capture the building's scale and its interaction with the urban environment. Don't forget to note its architectural similarities to the former World Trade Center for unique shots. Instagram

🚶 Urban Explorers & Architecture Buffs

For those fascinated by urban design and architectural history, the Aon Center is a must-see. Explore its marble facade, a once-revolutionary design that faced challenges from Chicago's climate. Instagram+1 Discover its connection to the original World Trade Center through its similar design principles. Instagram Utilize the Pedway system to navigate the city's underground network, with the Aon Center serving as a key access point. Reddit Understanding the building's history, from its ambitious construction to its ongoing maintenance, provides a rich narrative for any urban explorer.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Marble Facade: A Tale of Ambition and Adaptation

The Aon Center was once celebrated as the world's tallest marble-clad building, a bold statement of architectural ambition. Its facade, composed of thin Italian marble panels, was intended to give it a timeless and elegant appearance. However, Chicago's notoriously harsh winter climate presented an unexpected challenge. The extreme temperature fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles caused the marble to warp, bow, and eventually crack, leading to significant maintenance issues and a reevaluation of the building's exterior materials. This story highlights the critical importance of considering local environmental factors in large-scale construction projects. Instagram+1

This architectural feature not only defines the Aon Center's aesthetic but also tells a story of how even the most ambitious designs must contend with the realities of their environment. The ongoing efforts to maintain and preserve the marble facade are a testament to the building's enduring presence in the Chicago skyline. Instagram

For those interested in architectural history and the challenges of skyscraper construction, the Aon Center's marble facade offers a fascinating case study. It serves as a reminder that beauty and durability must often go hand-in-hand, especially in demanding climates. Instagram

Chicagohenge: Nature and Architecture Align

Twice a year, the Aon Center becomes a focal point for a breathtaking natural phenomenon known as Chicagohenge. This occurs when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city's east-west oriented streets, creating a dramatic visual spectacle where the sun appears to set directly between the skyscrapers. The Aon Center, with its prominent position and clean lines, offers a particularly striking frame for this event. TikTok+1

This alignment is a direct result of Chicago's gridded street plan, which was designed with remarkable foresight to allow for such celestial events. Visitors flock to the area around the Aon Center during these times to capture stunning photographs and witness the urban landscape bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. It's a unique intersection of urban planning and natural beauty that draws both locals and tourists. TikTok

To experience Chicagohenge at its best, plan your visit around the spring and fall equinoxes. Arriving early is recommended, as popular viewing spots near the Aon Center can become quite crowded. The event offers a magical perspective on the city, transforming the familiar skyline into something truly extraordinary. TikTok

Architectural Echoes: A Twin Towers Connection

The Aon Center in Chicago shares a notable architectural resemblance to the original World Trade Center towers in New York City. Built around the same era, both skyscrapers utilized a similar tube structure design and a minimalist aesthetic characterized by clean lines and a geometric silhouette. This visual similarity has led to many comparisons and reflections, particularly in discussions about iconic American architecture. Instagram+1

This resemblance is not coincidental; both buildings were designed to be imposing and modern structures that dominated their respective cityscapes. The Aon Center's design, with its stark white facade, further amplifies this connection, making it a point of interest for those who remember or study the World Trade Center. Instagram

For architecture enthusiasts and those interested in urban history, the Aon Center offers a chance to see a design that evokes a significant piece of American architectural heritage. It stands as a reminder of a particular era of skyscraper construction and its lasting impact on city skylines. Instagram

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