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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
The Rookery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chicago's historic Rookery Building, featuring a Frank Lloyd Wright-redesigned lobby and a breathtaking central light court.
"A must-see for its gorgeous central light court by Chicago's famous son, Frank Lloyd Wright."
🚶♀️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Lobby Access & Tours
Best Photo Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
📸 Prime Photo Ops
The central light court is breathtaking. Visit during daylight for the best natural light.
📍 Nearby Attractions
Located near the Board of Trade and Federal Reserve Bank. Explore more historic buildings!
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.
🎟️ Book Guided Tours
For upstairs access and deeper insights, book a tour with the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust.
📸 Prime Photo Ops
The central light court is breathtaking. Visit during daylight for the best natural light.
📍 Nearby Attractions
Located near the Board of Trade and Federal Reserve Bank. Explore more historic buildings!
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
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
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at The Rookery
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.
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.
Experiencing The Rookery: Tours vs. Self-Guided Visits
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.
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.
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