The Roaring Twenties Art Deco and Decadence Tour
Discover the truth of Chicago’s stylish — and gloriously seedy — past during this fascinating, 2.5-hour walking tour. At 6pm, meet your guide at the Hampton Inn on Wacker Place and head off on a small-group exploration of the city.
Your first stop on the tour is a former speakeasy, which you’ll tour while your guide tells you stories about the Roaring Twenties lifestyle, from bathtub gin to jazz. Beyond the parties, Prohibition also had a profound impact on Chicago — namely, the rise of the Chicago Outfit and mobsters like Al Capone. Using vintage images, short video clips, and music, immerse yourself in this fascinating era of Chicago history.
The tour continues with stops at a number of Art Deco landmarks that are still beautifully maintained today. As you wander, you’ll discuss topics ranging from Josephine Baker and the era of the flapper to the World’s Fair in the early 1930s. The tour will conclude at the Palmer House Hilton, a jewel of Art Deco architecture and design both inside and out.
