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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the magical Chicagohenge
Aon Center
Best Time
For the magical Chicagohenge

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.
"Witness the sun align perfectly with Chicago's grid, framing the majestic Aon Center."
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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Architectural Resemblance
Notice its striking similarities to the former World Trade Center towers, a design echo that sparks historical reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Marble Facade & Weather Woes
Chicagohenge Spectacle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
Architectural Insights :bulb:
Learn about its unique marble facade and its comparison to the original World Trade Center.
Winter Facade Facts :snowflake:
Discover how Chicago's winters impacted the building's Italian marble cladding.
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.
Chicagohenge Viewing :camera_with_flash:
Visit during the equinoxes for the stunning sunset alignment. Arrive early for the best spots!
Architectural Insights :bulb:
Learn about its unique marble facade and its comparison to the original World Trade Center.
Winter Facade Facts :snowflake:
Discover how Chicago's winters impacted the building's Italian marble cladding.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
For Chicagohenge, consider public transport or ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles. The area around the Aon Center can get crowded during this event.
Absolutely! The Aon Center is conveniently located near several 'L' train stations and numerous bus lines, making it very accessible for visitors.
The Aon Center is situated at 200 East Randolph Street in the heart of downtown Chicago, offering stunning city views.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Currently, the Aon Center does not have a public observation deck. However, its impressive architecture and historical significance are worth noting.
Yes, you can enter the public areas of the Aon Center, such as the lobby and retail spaces, free of charge.
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.
🎫 🏙️ 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Aon Center houses a fitness center, Peak Fitness, which is available for tenants and potentially members.
The Aon Employee Service Center is a resource for Aon employees, likely providing support for HR-related matters and benefits.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The food court typically offers a range of casual dining choices, from quick bites to more substantial meals, catering to diverse tastes.
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.
Yes, you can typically find coffee shops or vendors within the Aon Center's retail or food court areas.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
The Aon Center itself, especially its marble facade, is a striking subject. For unique shots, consider visiting during Chicagohenge for the sunset alignment.
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.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light on the building. For Chicagohenge, the sunset alignment is the prime time.
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.
Experiment with wide-angle shots from street level to capture its scale, and consider perspectives from nearby buildings or parks for different cityscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶 Urban Explorers & Architecture Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marble Facade: A Tale of Ambition and Adaptation
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.
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.
Chicagohenge: Nature and Architecture Align
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.
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.
Architectural Echoes: A Twin Towers Connection
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.
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.
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