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Tribune Tower: A Gothic Icon of Chicago

A historic neo-Gothic skyscraper in Chicago, famed for its architectural design and stones from world landmarks.

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The Tribune Tower, a neo-Gothic skyscraper completed in 1925, stands as a landmark in Chicago. Built to house the Chicago Tribune newspaper, it's renowned for its architectural design, which includes stones from famous structures worldwide, and its role in a historic architectural competition.

A brief summary to Tribune Tower

Local tips

  • Explore the building's exterior to find stones from world-famous structures embedded in the walls.
  • Visit the lobby to see the Hall of Inscriptions, featuring quotations about the freedom of the press.
  • Take a walk around the area to appreciate the building's architecture in relation to the other iconic structures nearby.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Michigan Avenue Bridge, walk north along Michigan Avenue. The Tribune Tower is located on the east side of the street, just north of the Chicago River. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the CTA Red Line to the Grand/State station. Walk east on Grand Avenue to Michigan Avenue, then turn north. The Tribune Tower will be a few blocks ahead on your right. A single ride on the 'L' train costs $2.50. Alternatively, various bus routes run along Michigan Avenue, providing direct access to the tower. The bus fare is $2.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. A short taxi ride from the Loop or River North to the Tribune Tower typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on traffic. Be sure the driver resets the meter at the beginning of the ride.

Unlock the Best of Tribune Tower

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Discover more about Tribune Tower

Located at 435 North Michigan Avenue, the 463-foot-tall Tribune Tower is a 36-story neo-Gothic skyscraper that has become an iconic symbol of Chicago. Constructed in 1925, the building was commissioned by the Chicago Tribune to serve as its headquarters. The tower's design was the result of an international competition held in 1922, marking the newspaper's 75th anniversary and drawing over 260 entries from 23 countries. The winning design, by New York architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood, features a Gothic Revival style inspired by the Butter Tower of the Rouen Cathedral in France. The building's exterior is clad in Indiana limestone and incorporates stones from famous monuments and battlefields around the world, including the Great Wall of China, Westminster Abbey, and the Parthenon. These stones were collected by Tribune correspondents and embedded in the building's walls. Throughout its history, the Tribune Tower has been a significant landmark in Chicago, symbolizing the city's architectural ambition and the importance of a free press. In 2018, the Chicago Tribune moved out, and the building was converted into luxury residences. Despite this transition, the Tribune Tower remains a celebrated architectural icon and a reminder of Chicago's rich history.

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