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Chicago

Chicago's Modern Masters: The Loop's Monumental Canvas

2.4 km89 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover how a city of rigid steel and glass skyscrapers transformed its streets into a world-class, democratic art gallery. On this immersive walking tour through Chicago's Loop, you will uncover the dramatic, controversial, and inspiring stories behind the city's most iconic monumental sculptures. From Picasso's misunderstood masterpiece to the interactive joy of the Crown Fountain, learn how these colossal works of art challenged the public, defied architectural norms, and ultimately became the beloved soul of the Windy City.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Monument with Standing Beast

A massive, enigmatic fiberglass sculpture by Jean Dubuffet that introduces the theme of abstract art contrasting with rigid government architecture.

Monument with Standing Beast

Pic by Ken Lund on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

0.22 km • 3 min
2

STOP 2

The Picasso

An untitled 1967 masterpiece by Pablo Picasso that sparked Chicago's public art movement, transforming from a controversial object to a beloved civic symbol.

The Picasso

Pic by Jeramey Jannene on Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

0.36 km • 6 min
3

STOP 3

The Four Seasons

Marc Chagall's stunning, vibrant mosaic that brings narrative and color to the stark modernist plaza of Chase Tower.

0.47 km • 7 min
4

STOP 4

Flamingo

Alexander Calder's bright 'Calder Red' stabile that provides a striking, organic contrast to the dark, rectilinear buildings surrounding it.

Flamingo

Pic by User:JeremyA on Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

1.00 km • 15 min
5

STOP 5

Cloud Gate

Anish Kapoor's iconic reflective sculpture that makes the public and the city skyline active participants in the artwork.

Cloud Gate

Pic by Sergei Gussev on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

0.29 km • 4 min
6

END

Crown Fountain

Jaume Plensa's interactive video fountain that projects the faces of everyday Chicagoans, encapsulating the democratic spirit of the city's public art.

Crown Fountain

Pic by Tony Hisgett on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Architecture enthusiasts, design lovers, urban explorers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of public space and modern art.
  • Best time Daytime, particularly on a weekday when the plazas are bustling with locals, or a weekend afternoon to see families interacting with the art.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes and a fully charged camera or smartphone for reflections.
  • Weather warning Chicago can be windy; dress in layers, especially near the open plazas.
  • Pacing Take your time at Cloud Gate and Crown Fountain to truly interact with the installations.
  • Restrooms Public restrooms are available inside the Thompson Center and Millennium Park.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Clara Vogt
Audio sample
0:000:00

Clara Vogt

  • Art, Design & Aesthetics
  • Portugal

Art and design lover. Discovers beauty in the everyday and connects street art, fashion, and architecture.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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