The Rookery - Decorative grate in the Rookery Building in Chicago, IL.
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The Rookery

4.6
·1k reviews·Chicago, United States

Chicago's historic Rookery Building, featuring a Frank Lloyd Wright-redesigned lobby and a breathtaking central light court.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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The Rookery - Decorative grate in the Rookery Building in Chicago, IL.

The Rookery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Chicago's historic Rookery Building, featuring a Frank Lloyd Wright-redesigned lobby and a breathtaking central light court.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A must-see for its gorgeous central light court by Chicago's famous son, Frank Lloyd Wright."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Free Lobby Access

You can walk in and admire the lobby without a tour! Perfect for a quick visit.

🎟️ Book Guided Tours

For upstairs access and deeper insights, book a tour with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Frank Lloyd Wright Lobby

Frank Lloyd Wright Lobby

Ground floor

Marvel at the iconic two-story lobby redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. A true architectural masterpiece.

Central Light Court

Central Light Court

Main atrium

The heart of The Rookery, this open space floods with natural light, showcasing original 1888 steelwork.

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Exterior and interior

Chicago's oldest high-rise, a Romanesque Revival gem by Burnham and Root, with a stunning Frank Lloyd Wright touch.

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Lobby Access & Tours

While the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby is accessible to the public, access to the upper floors requires a guided tour. Book in advance, especially if you want to explore the iconic stairwell. Instagram

Best Photo Spots

The central light court is a photographer's dream. Visit during the day for natural light. Consider a guided tour for unique perspectives, but be aware that upstairs access is restricted without one. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
During a guided tour
Why
Access to upper floors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

There are some things you can't unsee 🫣 Stream #TheRookie on Hulu!
@therookieuniverse
215.3K likes • 1.9M views

🚶‍♀️ Free Lobby Access

You can walk in and admire the lobby without a tour! Perfect for a quick visit. Instagram

🎟️ Book Guided Tours

For upstairs access and deeper insights, book a tour with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Instagram

Advice with a side of gloating 😅 #TheRookie
@therookieuniverse
116.5K likes • 915.6K views
The Rookery is one of Chicago’s most beautiful and iconic buildings! 😍 . The building was completed in 1888 and then Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned the stunning two-story lobby in 1905! It’s both a Chicago Landmark and on the Register of Historic Places! . They also do private events for weddings, galas, celebrations and more! Such a cool spot! Go check it out if you’ve never seen it! . . . #BestDa...
bestdatefood
8.7K likes • 299.7K views

📸 Prime Photo Ops

The central light court is breathtaking. Visit during daylight for the best natural light. Instagram

📍 Nearby Attractions

Located near the Board of Trade and Federal Reserve Bank. Explore more historic buildings! Reddit

Historic and architectural Chicago gem ✨ Designed by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, add The Rookery building to your Chicago bucket list! #kayleejochicago #chicago #chicagogram #igerschicago #instachicago #chicagoblogger #choosechicago #chicagostyle #chicagogrammers #chicagobucketlist #explorechicago #312chicago #chicagoexplore #thingstodochicago #chicagofun #architecture #chicagoart #chicagoarch...
kayleejochicago
2.6K likes • 74.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Free Lobby Access

You can walk in and admire the lobby without a tour! Perfect for a quick visit. Instagram

🎟️ Book Guided Tours

For upstairs access and deeper insights, book a tour with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. Instagram

📸 Prime Photo Ops

The central light court is breathtaking. Visit during daylight for the best natural light. Instagram

📍 Nearby Attractions

Located near the Board of Trade and Federal Reserve Bank. Explore more historic buildings! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Rookery Building for its stunning architecture, particularly the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby and central light court. Many highlight the value of guided tours for historical insights and access to upper floors. Some find the lobby less impressive in person than in photos, and note that upstairs access is restricted without a tour.

"The architecture tour is well worth the time (little under an hour) and the modest fee (under $10? Save money for the gift shop). Our guide was very knowledgeable and filled in the beautiful views with all kinds of cool trivia and history. Plenty of photo ops, and obviously lots of food and shopping nearby."

Alex Serenylan

"I had the absolute pleasure of photographing a wedding at The Mercury Building this past Saturday, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. This historic venue is not only visually stunning—with its timeless architecture and sophisticated charm—but also impeccably run. The entire staff went above and beyond to accommodate not just the couple and their guests, but also myself, my team, and the other wedding vendors throughout the day.

It’s always a joy to work in a space where the team values collaboration and excellence. The wedding was perfect, and The Mercury Building played a huge part in making that happen. I can’t wait to be back!"

Winterlyn Stebner (Winterlyn Photography)

"Beautiful. You can just walk km a nd see it. Enjoy it with or without a tour. The frank lloyd wright trust is located inside and you can go in and sign up for tours throughout Chicago. Viator also has tours that will cost about 35 pp and will come inside of this building as well. Free to go inside without a tour if you dont have time for tour."

Lauren Pascarella

What People Like

Frank Lloyd Wright lobby
Stunning architecture
Knowledgeable guides

What People Dislike

Limited upstairs access
Underwhelming in person (for some)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Rookery Building is easily accessible via public transportation in the Chicago Loop. Several 'L' train lines stop nearby, including the Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines at the Clark/Lake station, and the Red and Blue lines at the Washington station. Numerous bus routes also serve the area. Driving and parking can be challenging and expensive in the Loop, so public transit is often recommended. Reddit

The ground floor lobby is generally accessible. However, access to the upper floors, including the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed areas, is primarily through guided tours which may have limitations. It's best to check with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust directly regarding specific accessibility for tours. Instagram

For a comprehensive experience, consider a guided tour of The Rookery, which often includes access to the upper floors. Afterward, you can easily walk to other significant Chicago landmarks like the Board of Trade and the Federal Reserve Bank. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, you can enter and admire the main lobby of The Rookery Building for free during its operating hours. This allows you to appreciate the architecture without purchasing a tour ticket. Instagram

Guided tours of The Rookery, often led by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, typically have a modest fee. Prices can vary, but reviews suggest it's well worth the cost for the historical insights and access. Reddit

Tours for The Rookery Building can be booked through the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, which manages access to the building's significant architectural features. Third-party tour operators like Viator also offer tours that may include The Rookery. InstagramReddit

The lobby of The Rookery Building is generally open to the public during business hours on weekdays. It's advisable to check the official website or contact the building management for the most current hours, as they can vary. Instagram

While you can enter the lobby for free without advance booking, it is highly recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot and ensure access to the upper floors. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The central light court is the prime photography location, offering stunning views of the architecture and natural light. The grand staircase and the intricate details of the lobby are also popular subjects. Instagram

Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the public areas of The Rookery Building's lobby. However, professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. Instagram

Visiting during the day, particularly in the morning, is ideal for capturing the natural light that illuminates the central court. This time also tends to be less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots. Instagram

The iconic stairwell is a highlight, but access to photograph it closely is typically restricted to guided tours. If you're on a tour, you'll have opportunities to capture its grandeur. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

The Rookery Building was originally designed by the architectural firm Burnham and Root and completed in 1888. Its iconic lobby was later remodeled by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. Instagram+1

The Rookery is significant as Chicago's oldest high-rise and a prime example of Romanesque Revival architecture. The 1905 remodel by Frank Lloyd Wright added his distinctive Prairie School style to the lobby, creating a unique blend of historical and modern design. Instagram+1

Completed in 1888, The Rookery was one of Chicago's first skyscrapers. It has survived numerous historical events and has been recognized as a Chicago Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its architectural importance. Instagram

The 'light court' is the central atrium of The Rookery Building, designed to maximize natural light penetration into the interior spaces. Frank Lloyd Wright's redesign in 1905 significantly enhanced this feature with intricate detailing and a more open feel. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Rookery Building offers a visually engaging experience for families, even without a formal tour. The grand lobby and the play of light in the central atrium can capture a child's imagination. It's a great opportunity to introduce kids to impressive architecture in a safe, accessible environment. Instagram

Consider a short, self-guided walk-through to point out interesting details. If time and budget allow, a guided tour might be engaging for older children who can appreciate historical stories. Keep in mind that upstairs access is limited without a tour, so focus on the ground-floor marvels. Nearby attractions like Millennium Park (The Bean) offer more interactive fun for younger children after your visit.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Rookery Building is a dream for photographers, especially those interested in architecture. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby is the star, with its central light court offering incredible natural light. Aim for a weekday morning to avoid crowds and capture unobstructed shots of the iconic stairwell and intricate details. Instagram

While the lobby is free to enter, a guided tour is essential for accessing the upper levels and getting unique perspectives. Be prepared for the interplay of light and shadow, and experiment with different angles to showcase the building's depth and grandeur. The surrounding Loop area also offers numerous other architectural photo opportunities.

🏛️ Architecture Buffs

For architecture aficionados, The Rookery is a must-visit. It represents a significant period in Chicago's architectural history, showcasing both the Romanesque Revival style of Burnham and Root and the transformative Prairie School influence of Frank Lloyd Wright. Instagram+1

Understanding the building's evolution, from its early days as one of Chicago's first skyscrapers to Wright's masterful 1905 renovation, provides a rich historical narrative. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the design nuances, historical context, and the genius of both architectural firms involved. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at The Rookery

The Rookery Building stands as a testament to architectural evolution, particularly with the transformative touch of Frank Lloyd Wright. While the original structure, a masterpiece of Romanesque Revival by Burnham and Root, was completed in 1888, it was Wright's 1905 redesign of the lobby that truly elevated it to iconic status. Wright's vision focused on harmonizing the building's interior with its exterior, emphasizing natural light and geometric patterns characteristic of his Prairie School style. He meticulously redesigned the grand staircase, the central light court, and the intricate ornamentation, creating a space that felt both grand and intimate. Instagram+1

Visitors often marvel at how Wright's interventions complement the original design, rather than overpower it. The interplay of light filtering through the glass roof of the atrium onto the polished marble and intricate ironwork is a signature element. This renovation not only preserved the building's historical integrity but also infused it with a modern aesthetic that continues to inspire. For architecture enthusiasts, understanding Wright's approach here offers a fascinating glimpse into his design philosophy and his impact on American architecture. Instagram

While the ground floor lobby is freely accessible, experiencing the full extent of Wright's work, including the upper levels and the famous stairwell, requires joining a guided tour. These tours, often operated by the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, provide invaluable context and historical anecdotes, making the visit far more enriching. Instagram

Experiencing The Rookery: Tours vs. Self-Guided Visits

Deciding whether to take a guided tour or explore The Rookery Building on your own depends on your interests and time. The ground floor lobby is a stunning space that can be appreciated with a self-guided visit, offering a glimpse into the building's grandeur and historical significance. You can freely walk through the lobby, admire the architecture, and take photographs. Instagram

However, for a deeper understanding and access to areas not open to the general public, a guided tour is highly recommended. Tours, typically led by knowledgeable guides from the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, provide detailed historical context, architectural insights, and access to the upper floors, including the iconic stairwell. These tours are often described as well worth the modest fee, offering a comprehensive experience that brings the building's history to life. InstagramReddit

If you're on a tight schedule or prefer to explore at your own pace, a self-guided visit is still rewarding. But if you're an architecture buff or keen to learn the stories behind the design, booking a tour in advance is the best way to maximize your visit to this Chicago gem. Instagram

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