Illinois Travel Guide 2009 - (Page 37) Illinois has been shaped by the innovative visions of some of the most important architects in history. Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan have all left their indelible marks on the state you see today. Fortunately, much of the architects’ work has been preserved or restored and is open for the public to enjoy. When traveling in Illinois, be sure to tour the architecture that has contributed to the state’s slate of legendary landmarks. HICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION COURTESY OF CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION/ANNE EVANS Chicago is the state’s epicenter for worldclass architecture. The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) assists in exploring the city’s landmark sites by offering more than 70 tours. Stop by the CAF’s ArchiCenter, located in the lobby of Burnham’s magnificent Santa Fe Building on Michigan Avenue, to sign up for a tour. While there, get a crash course in Chicago architecture by viewing gallery exhibits of the spaces and places that define the city. The Architecture River Cruise is one of the CAF’s most popular tours. This narrated 90minute cruise along the Chicago River gives a unique perspective on the city’s impressive cityscape, passing more than 50 architectural marvels that include the wedding cake-like Wrigley Building, gothic Tribune Tower and massive Sears Tower. In addition to the CAF, several sightseeing boat companies offer their own architecture cruises, including Wendella, Mercury Skyline Cruiseline, Shoreline Sightseeing and Chicago Line Cruises. The CAF offers several walking tours, including one called Historic Skyscrapers, a nod to Chicago’s role as the birthplace of the skyscraper. This tour takes visitors to the Art Deco Chicago Board of Trade (look way up to see the statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain, 800/2CONNECT c perched atop the building), plus the Sullivandesigned Auditorium Building (known for its theater that boasts incredible acoustics) and the exquisite Rookery, designed by Burnham and featuring an ornate lobby that was redone by Wright in 1907. The Merchandise Mart tour explores the public areas of the world’s largest wholesale design center, which spans two city Clockwise: The soaring Sears Tower is one of the world’s tallest buildings, the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers fascinating walking and boat tours ILLINOIS. MILE AFTER MAGNIFICENT MILE. 37
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