Tribune Tower: A Gothic Icon of Chicago

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An iconic neo-Gothic skyscraper on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, famed for its architecture and embedded historical fragments.

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Tribune Tower

The Tribune Tower, a neo-Gothic skyscraper on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, was built in 1925 to house the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Today, it stands as a landmark, famed for its architectural design and the stones from world-famous structures embedded in its facade.

A brief summary to Tribune Tower

435 Michigan Ave, Chicago, Streeterville, Illinois, 60611, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tribune Tower.

Examine the building's exterior to find stones and fragments from world-famous structures embedded in the walls.
Visit the lobby to see the Hall of Inscriptions, featuring quotes about the importance of a free press.
Look for the carvings of a howling dog and Robin Hood near the main entrance, representing the architects Howells and Hood.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Michigan Avenue Bridge, walk north along Michigan Avenue. The Tribune Tower is located at 435 N Michigan Ave, on the east side of the street, across from the Wrigley Building. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
Public Transport

Several CTA bus routes serve the Michigan Avenue area. Check the CTA website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the nearest bus stop on Michigan Avenue, walk to 435 N Michigan Ave. Bus fare is $2.25 per ride.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in downtown Chicago. Request a ride to 435 N Michigan Ave. A short taxi ride from the Loop or nearby hotels will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and distance. Note that taxi fares have a flag pull charge of $3.25, plus additional charges per mile and time elapsed.

Discover more about Tribune Tower

The Tribune Tower, located at 435 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, is a 463-foot-tall neo-Gothic skyscraper completed in 1925. It was originally built as the headquarters for the Chicago Tribune newspaper, commemorating its 75th anniversary. The design, by architects John Mead Howells and Raymond Hood, was selected from over 260 entries in an international competition seeking "the most beautiful building in the world".The tower's architecture showcases a Gothic Revival style, drawing inspiration from medieval European towers, particularly the Butter Tower of the Rouen Cathedral in France. The exterior is clad in Indiana limestone and features intricate carvings, including depictions of Robin Hood (a nod to architect Raymond Hood) and a howling dog (for John Mead Howells). Embedded within the tower's walls are fragments from famous landmarks around the globe, such as the Great Wall of China, Westminster Abbey, and the Parthenon, collected by Tribune correspondents.Inside, the Tribune Tower features a Hall of Inscriptions with quotations praising freedom of the press from figures like Benjamin Franklin and Voltaire. Although the Chicago Tribune moved out in 2018, the building remains a Chicago Landmark and a contributing property to the Michigan-Wacker Historic District. It has since been converted into luxury residences. Visitors can explore the exterior and lobby, admiring the architecture and historical stones.