The Rookery Building Guided Tour Tickets

Of the magnificent building, historian Robert Bruegmann wrote, “Complete at last, Chicago's restored Rookery Building sets the standard against which all future commercial renovations must be judged.”

Although it’s received some cosmetic adjustments through the years, like an Art Deco treatment in 1931, The Rookery has remained relatively untouched. Its original design elements from Burnham and Root, as well as the Wrightian interiors, remain as they were over a century ago.

Architect William Drummond gave The Rookery its additional Art Deco flair in the 1930s. Though Wright’s overall aesthetic design still remains well intact, as Drummond was an employee of Wright and knew what kind of look he would have wanted to be incorporated.

What to Watch For

• Frank Lloyd Wright was brought in to create a peaceful interior design in his unique style. When an Art Deco treatment was added in the 1930s, a former employee of his, William Drummond, was brought in to do it.
• Since multiple architects worked on the interior of the building over time, there are two sets of railing designs. The original design can be found near the spiral stairs, whereas the Frank Lloyd Wright design, a simpler one, is found elsewhere.
• There are pathways around the building made from glass block flooring. This adds to the light, airy feel of the building, which is constantly flooded with light from the skylights.