Rookery Building

The Basics

Take a Chicago architecture tour that stops inside the Rookery Building for a glimpse of the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed lobby and to learn about the building’s history and architectural details from a guide. Or, simply stop by the lobby, which is open to the public, to admire the white marble columns, bronze chandeliers, gilded staircases, and iron-lace ceiling that allows sunlight to stream into the courtyard.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Rookery is a functional office space, but visitors are welcome in the lobby.

• The original structure was designed by architects Daniel Burnham and John Root.

• Modern building upgrades have made the Rookery the world’s oldest LEED Gold–certified high–rise.

• There's a sandwich shop inside the building, with more dining options in the surrounding Loop neighborhood.

• The Rookery Building is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Rookery Building is located at the intersection of LaSalle and Adams streets in downtown Chicago’s Loop district. Parking in the area is limited. To reach the building by public transport, take the L Blue Line to the Monroe or Quincy stations.

When to Get There

The Rookery Building is open during the day on weekdays, with shorter hours on Saturday. The lobby and galleria is a great place to warm up when it's chilly in Chicago.

Attractions Near the Rookery

A visit to the Rookery fits easily into a day of downtown Chicago sightseeing. Stroll past other landmark buildings, including the Chicago Board of Trade Building, Willis Tower, and Maquette Building. Get cultured at the Art Institute of Chicago and Museum of Contemporary Arts, or watch your reflection in the shiny Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park.

Ways to explore

The Rookery Building is a mixed-use residential and commercial space; unless you’re visiting a tenant, it’s mostly closed to the public. However, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby is open to visitors for most of the week. Give yourself anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to admire the ornate, light-filled interior, most famous for the glass-paneled atrium known as the “light court.” While it’s easy to stop by for a self-guided visit, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust offers guided tours of the Rookery that include spaces closed to the general public, with the option to stop at the historic Burnham Library.

Accessibility

Public areas are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, guidebook of Chicago architectural landmarks

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes and layers of clothing

Not allowed

Tripods or other photography equipment (handheld cameras and smartphones only), exploring beyond the lobby on your own

Amenities

There’s a small souvenir shop located in the lobby.

Address

The Rookery Building is located on South LaSalle Street, in the center of Chicago’s downtown Loop district. It is around the corner from the Field Building and SkyDeck Chicago.

Driving

While the Rookery Building is reachable by car, downtown is usually congested with traffic and parking fees can be astronomical. Unless you’re coming from far away, a rideshare or tax is a better option.

Public transportation

By L train, take the Blue Line to the LaSalle stop or the Brown, Orange, Pink, or Purple Lines from Quincy Station. You can also take the Red Line to Monroe and continue the rest of the way on foot. Since the area is so central, you’ll find plenty of CTA buses with stops nearby, while Union Station is about a 10-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Come during midday, when the sun is strongest, to admire the natural light that floods the ironwork from the glass-covered light court.

Best days to visit

The lobby is open to visitors Monday through Friday, and again on Saturday morning and early afternoon. It is closed on Sundays. Guided tours through the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust are offered only on weekdays.

Best months to visit

Chicago has the best weather during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall; avoid coming in winter unless you can brave the ferocious cold.

Special events

Architecture fanatics shouldn’t miss the Chicago Open House, held annually in early fall. That’s when over 150 Chicago landmarks open to the public