John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center is the third tallest building in Chicago at 344m. It is one of the signature elements of Chicago’s skyline, with its tapered design, twin spires, and criss-crossing trusses. The Hancock Center was designed by architect Bruce Graham of the famous Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill architecture firm. It was built between 1965 and 1970 and houses offices, condominiums, and shops.
The 94th floor observatory offers unbeatable views of Chicago. Though the Sears Tower is taller, the view here is much better. There’s no better place to get a sense of Chicago’s magnificent skyline. The observatory has a large exhibit on Chicago’s history and architecture to give some context. There are talking telescopes with sound effects and narration in four languages and an outdoor sky deck if you’re not afraid of heights.
Chicago’s most famous attribute is its skyscrapers, and no trip here is complete without a trip to the top of one. If you only choose one observation deck, be sure to choose the John Hancock Center. The view is breathtaking, and the exhibits enhance the experience.
Address: 875 Michigan Avenue
Train: Chicago-Red
Hours: Open daily 09:00-23:00
Admission:
$23.00 Adults
$18.00 Youth (3-11)
