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Chicago Board of Trade Building: An Art Deco Icon

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper in Chicago's financial district, home to the historic Chicago Board of Trade and a symbol of the city's economic power.

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The Chicago Board of Trade Building is a 44-story Art Deco skyscraper in the Chicago Loop, renowned for its architecture, sculptures, and historical significance as a commodities exchange. Topped by a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, it's a symbol of Chicago's economic power and a must-see landmark.

A brief summary to Chicago Board of Trade Building

Local tips

  • Visit the Chicago Board of Trade Building Museum on the first floor to learn about the building's history and the evolution of trading.
  • Take an architecture tour to fully appreciate the building's Art Deco design and its significance in Chicago's skyline.
  • Look for the various sculptures and carvings around the building that represent agriculture and trade.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Chicago Board of Trade Building is easily accessible via public transportation. Several CTA 'L' train lines stop near the building, including the Blue, Brown, Orange, Purple, and Pink lines. Exit at the LaSalle or Jackson station and walk a short distance to the building. CTA bus routes also serve the area. A single ride on the 'L' train costs $2.50, and a single ride on the bus costs $2.25. Transfers are free for up to two additional rides within two hours. A 1-day CTA pass costs $5.

  • Walking

    The Chicago Board of Trade Building is located in the heart of the Chicago Loop, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and starting points. From Millennium Park, walk west along Adams Street for about 15 minutes. From the Willis Tower, walk east along Jackson Boulevard for about 10 minutes. The building is located at the foot of the LaSalle Street canyon, making it a prominent landmark in the area.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. A short taxi ride from nearby locations such as Millennium Park or the Willis Tower will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and distance. Keep in mind that taxi fares in Chicago start at $3.25, with additional charges per mile and time elapsed. There may also be extra charges for additional passengers.

  • Driving

    If driving, parking is available in several garages near the Chicago Board of Trade Building, though it can be expensive and availability may be limited. Parking rates typically range from $5 for the first hour to $20 for the day. Some nearby parking garages include Grant Park South Garage (325 South Michigan Avenue) and 311 South Wacker Parking. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero or ParkChirp to find and reserve parking in advance.

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Discover more about Chicago Board of Trade Building

The Chicago Board of Trade Building, located at 141 W Jackson Blvd, is an iconic Art Deco skyscraper that has been a defining feature of the Chicago skyline since its completion in 1930. Designed by Holabird & Root, the 604-foot-tall building stands at the foot of the LaSalle Street canyon, serving as the southern border for the skyscrapers hugging the street. Built for the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), the building has been the primary trading venue for the CBOT and later the CME Group. The CBOT was established in 1848 as a central location for negotiating and conducting transactions on the future prices of commodities. The building's ornamentation reflects this history, with sculptures and carvings representing agriculture and trade. The building's Art Deco architecture is characterized by its gray Indiana limestone facade, copper pyramid roof, and streamlined, geometric ornamentation. A 31-foot-tall aluminum statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain, caps the building, holding a sheaf of wheat in her left hand and a bag of corn in her right. The statue was designed without a face, as the sculptor John H. Storrs believed no one would be close enough to see it. The Chicago Board of Trade Building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1977, a National Historic Landmark in 1978, and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the building remains a popular sightseeing attraction and a symbol of Chicago's economic and architectural heritage. Visitors can explore the building's lobby, admire its Art Deco details, and learn about the history of commodity trading in Chicago at the Chicago Board of Trade Building Museum.

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