Because the building is at the end of the road it is framed almost perfectly by parallel buildings that mirror each other.
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Chicago Board of Trade Building

4.6
·1k reviews·Chicago, United States

Iconic Art Deco skyscraper, once Chicago's tallest, crowned by the statue of Ceres, offering a glimpse into financial history and design.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays during business hours

Lobby access is typically available

CrowdMedium
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Because the building is at the end of the road it is framed almost perfectly by parallel buildings that mirror each other.

Chicago Board of Trade Building

Best Time

Weekdays during business hours

Lobby access is typically available

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Art Deco skyscraper, once Chicago's tallest, crowned by the statue of Ceres, offering a glimpse into financial history and design.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"This place is much nicer on the inside than I expected from the rather bland outside."

Vertical photo
TIP

✨ Admire the Lobby

Don't miss the glamorous interior details, artwork, and craftsmanship in the lobby.

🏛️ Check for Events

Look for events like Open House Chicago for potential extended access.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Art Deco Interiors

Art Deco Interiors

Gaze at the glamorous stone, glass, and metalwork, intricate ceiling details, and elevator artwork.

Statue of Ceres

Statue of Ceres

Rooftop

The iconic Roman goddess of agriculture, Ceres, watches over the city from atop the building.

Lobby Artwork

Lobby Artwork

Discover fascinating artwork and detailed craftsmanship around the lobby's doors and ceiling.

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Planning Your Visit

Admire the Art Deco Grandeur

Step inside the Chicago Board of Trade Building to marvel at its stunning Art Deco interiors. The intricate details, artwork, and metalwork create a glamorous atmosphere. It's a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and those who appreciate historical design.

Access and Viewing Tips

While public access to the trading floors is limited, the lobby and interior spaces are often accessible. Keep an eye out for special events like Open House Chicago for a chance to see more of this iconic Chicago landmark.

Best Times

When
Weekdays during business hours
Why
Lobby access is typically available
Crowd
Medium
When
During Open House Chicago
Why
Rare access to more areas
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Chicago Board of Trade 🏛️ #chicago #chicagoboardoftrade #boardoftrade #chicagogram #chicagolife #chicagoliving #chicagolifestyle #chicagoarchitecture #architecture #chicagotiktok #chicagocityinsta #chicagocitytiktok
@chicagocity.tiktok
56.8K likes • 590.9K views

✨ Admire the Lobby

Don't miss the glamorous interior details, artwork, and craftsmanship in the lobby. Reddit

🏛️ Check for Events

Look for events like Open House Chicago for potential extended access. Reddit

Randall talks about the price of beef & bankers. #farmers #work #ranchlife #money #cow #thecussingfarmers #hardwork #farmlife #farm #beef #beefcattle
@thecussingfarmers
34.7K likes • 1.6M views
Did you know you can find us in the iconic Chicago Board of Trade building? While marveling at the architecture, stop in and say hi to our CBOT team, Monday - Friday 🌇 . . #Chicago #coffee #chicagocoffee #chicagoarchitecture #cbot #cbotbuilding
bigshoulderscoffee
144 likes • 2.2K views

☕ Grab a Coffee

Big Shoulders Coffee has a location inside, perfect for a break. Instagram

📸 Capture the Architecture

The building's exterior and interior offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok

Hey Chicago peeps, ever want to know what was going on with Chicago Board of trade building?
sabrinabier
45 likes • 721 views

Tips

from all over the internet

✨ Admire the Lobby

Don't miss the glamorous interior details, artwork, and craftsmanship in the lobby. Reddit

🏛️ Check for Events

Look for events like Open House Chicago for potential extended access. Reddit

☕ Grab a Coffee

Big Shoulders Coffee has a location inside, perfect for a break. Instagram

📸 Capture the Architecture

The building's exterior and interior offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Chicago Board of Trade Building for its stunning and glamorous Art Deco interiors, highlighting the intricate artwork and detailed craftsmanship. While the exterior is noted as somewhat bland by some, the interior experience is frequently described as a delightful surprise and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

"A fascinating piece of Art Deco architecture.
The combination of stone, glass and metal on the inside make this a really glamorous place to gawk at.
The artwork on the elevators as well the detailwork around the ceiling and doors are fascinating.
This place is much nicer on the inside than I expected from the rather bland outside.
Don't miss out on this and swing on through if you're in the area!"

Ruby

"Beautiful Art Deco building. Spend a few minutes admiring its glamorous design!"

cliffb1930

"Can’t go wrong with an ole’ LaSalle pic."

Jason Rockwell

What People Like

Glamorous Art Deco interiors
Intricate artwork and details
Fascinating historical significance

What People Dislike

Bland exterior appearance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Chicago Board of Trade Building is located in Chicago's Loop. It's easily accessible via public transportation, with several CTA 'L' train lines and bus routes stopping nearby. Many visitors also walk from other Loop attractions. TikTok

Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options in the vicinity of the Chicago Board of Trade Building. However, parking in the Loop can be expensive. Reddit

Public access to the actual trading floors is generally restricted. However, the lobby and interior spaces are often open to the public during business hours. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy simply walking through the lobby to admire the Art Deco architecture and details. Taking an architecture tour can also provide historical context. Reddit

While not a traditional museum, the Chicago Board of Trade Building is a significant architectural landmark and a popular spot for tourists interested in Chicago's history and design. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no tickets are required to enter the lobby of the Chicago Board of Trade Building during its public access hours. Special tours or events might have associated fees. Reddit

The building is typically open to the public during standard business hours on weekdays. It's best to check for any specific event schedules or potential closures. Instagram

There is usually no admission fee to enter and view the public areas of the Chicago Board of Trade Building. Reddit

While direct access to trading floors is limited, architecture tours often include insights into the building's history and design. Keep an eye out for events like Open House Chicago. Reddit

Information on accessibility can vary. It's advisable to contact the building management directly or check for specific accessibility details if needed. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find stunning Art Deco architecture, including intricate artwork on elevators, detailed ceilings, and glamorous metalwork. The lobby itself is a visual treat. Reddit

There is a small museum in the lobby that covers the site's history. It's a great place to learn more about the building's significance. Reddit

The statue depicts Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. It symbolizes the building's historical role in trading agricultural commodities. Instagram

Photography is generally permitted in the public areas of the lobby, but it's always good to be respectful of the space and any ongoing business activities. TikTok

The 'pit' refers to the open trading floor where brokers historically executed trades. While electronic trading has largely replaced it, the concept is central to the building's history. TikTok

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, Big Shoulders Coffee has a location within the Chicago Board of Trade Building, offering a convenient spot for a coffee break. Instagram

The building is located in Chicago's Loop, which is packed with diverse dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets. TikTok

While there isn't a full-service restaurant inside, the coffee shop provides snacks and beverages. You can find numerous lunch spots in the surrounding Loop area. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Chicago Board of Trade Building can be an interesting stop for families, especially those with an interest in architecture or history. While the trading floors aren't accessible, the lobby's impressive Art Deco design can capture a child's imagination with its detailed artwork and grand scale. Reddit The small museum offers a chance to learn about the building's past in an engaging way. Consider visiting during a time when the lobby is less crowded to allow kids to explore comfortably. TikTok

🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts

For architecture buffs, the Chicago Board of Trade Building is an absolute must-see. Its stunning Art Deco interiors are a highlight, featuring intricate metalwork, detailed ceiling designs, and captivating elevator artwork. Reddit Don't miss the chance to admire the iconic statue of Ceres atop the building, a symbol of Chicago's agricultural heritage. Instagram Keep an eye out for Open House Chicago events, which sometimes offer special access to parts of the building not usually open to the public. Reddit

📸 Photography Lovers

The Chicago Board of Trade Building offers fantastic photographic opportunities, both inside and out. The Art Deco details in the lobby provide a rich backdrop for interior shots, from the ornate ceilings to the unique elevator artwork. Reddit The building's imposing exterior and the statue of Ceres also make for striking external photographs, especially when framed against the Chicago skyline. TikTok Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light for capturing the building's grandeur. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvel: Art Deco Design

The Chicago Board of Trade Building is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, a style that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. Its exterior, while imposing, hints at the grandeur within. Upon entering, visitors are immediately struck by the glamorous interiors, a symphony of stone, glass, and metal. The intricate details found in the artwork on the elevators, the elaborate designs around the ceiling and doors, and the overall craftsmanship create a truly captivating atmosphere. It's a space that feels both historic and incredibly stylish. Reddit

This architectural splendor is a significant part of Chicago's skyline and a testament to the city's rich design heritage. The building's design emphasizes verticality and symmetry, common traits of Art Deco. The statue of Ceres on its summit, a symbol of agriculture, further connects the building to its historical trading roots. Instagram

For those interested in Chicago architecture, the Board of Trade Building offers a unique glimpse into a bygone era of design. It stands as a reminder of the city's past as a global hub for commerce and its enduring appreciation for aesthetic excellence. TikTok

History of the Trading Floors

The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), housed within this iconic building, has a storied history as one of the world's leading futures exchanges. For decades, its trading floors were the epicenter of global commodity markets, from agricultural products like corn and soybeans to financial futures. The famous 'trading pits' were where brokers and traders would execute deals through open outcry, a dynamic and often chaotic process captured in media and popular culture. TikTok

While the advent of electronic trading has significantly changed the landscape, the historical importance of the CBOT and its trading floors cannot be overstated. The building itself is a monument to this era of intense financial activity. Although public access to the active trading areas is limited, the lobby museum offers insights into this fascinating past, detailing the evolution of trading and the building's role in it. Reddit

Understanding the history of the trading floors provides a deeper appreciation for the Chicago Board of Trade Building's significance. It's not just an architectural gem but a symbol of Chicago's enduring legacy as a powerhouse in global finance and commerce. TikTok

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