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35 East Wacker

35 East Wacker Chicago Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

35 East Wacker, historically known as the Jewelers’ Building, stands as a beacon of Chicago’s architectural innovation and urban ambition. Located at the confluence of Wabash Avenue and East Wacker Drive along the Chicago River, this 40-story skyscraper embodies both the city’s rich history and its relentless pursuit of progress during the Roaring Twenties. Designed by Joachim G. Giaver and Frederick P. Dinkelberg, its ornate Beaux-Arts façade, crowned by a gold-leafed dome, secures its place among Chicago’s most iconic landmarks.

This comprehensive guide explores 35 East Wacker’s historical evolution, architectural significance, and practical visitor information—including hours, tickets, accessibility, and tips for making the most of your visit. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, historian, or casual traveler, this article will equip you with everything you need to enjoy one of Chicago’s finest historical sites. For further details and event updates, consult Chicago Landmarks and the Chicago Architecture Center.

35 East Wacker Drive Jewelers Building Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago building on Michigan Avenue and Adams Street with historic architecture and bustling street view

Introduction
Historical Origins & Construction
Architectural Highlights
Notable Features & Tenants
Urban Context & Influence
Visiting 35 East Wacker: Hours, Tickets, and Tours
Visitor Tips and Accessibility
Preservation Status
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual Highlights
Summary and Travel Tips
References

Historical Origins & Construction

Constructed from 1925 to 1927, 35 East Wacker was, at its opening, the tallest building in the world outside New York City, reaching 523 feet (159 meters) (Architectuul). Designed by Giaver and Dinkelberg—former associates of D.H. Burnham & Company—the building was purpose-built as a secure hub for Chicago’s thriving jewelry industry (Chicago Landmarks, Archiseek).

A pioneering feature was its integrated automobile elevator, which allowed jewelers to drive directly to upper parking floors—minimizing exposure to theft at street level. This system, considered visionary for its time, operated for 14 years before being converted to office use (Architectuul, Archiseek).

Architectural Highlights

Beaux-Arts Grandeur

35 East Wacker is a standout example of Beaux-Arts architecture, with its terra cotta ornamentation, classical pilasters, cornices, and the striking domed cupola. The building’s symmetry and decorative details reflect the City Beautiful Movement’s ideals, aiming to harmonize functionality with monumental beauty (Chicago Landmarks).

Innovative Engineering

The building’s steel-frame construction allowed both vertical height and open interior spaces. The original auto elevator system, capable of transporting vehicles up to the 22nd floor, set a new standard for commercial security and convenience.

Iconic Dome

Crowned by a gold-leafed dome, the building’s cupola originally housed a restaurant and later became the Stratosphere Club—a private venue during Prohibition. Today, it is a distinctive feature of the Chicago skyline (Architectuul).

Father Time Clock

The northeast corner features the Father Time clock, gifted by the Elgin Watch Company in 1926. This gilded timepiece, with its figure of Father Time, has become a beloved symbol of the building’s historic connection to the jewelry and watchmaking trades (Watch Collecting Lifestyle).

Notable Features & Tenants

Originally the premier address for jewelers and precious metals dealers, 35 East Wacker later welcomed tenants such as the Pure Oil Company and North American Life Insurance. The French-American Chamber of Commerce and the American Institute of Architects’ Chicago chapter have also called it home (Architectuul). Renovations in 1989 and 2010 preserved its historic character while modernizing infrastructure.

Urban Context & Influence

Location

The building is strategically positioned at the intersection of Wacker Drive and North Wabash Avenue, directly overlooking the Chicago River. This central location connects visitors to the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk (Travel Lemming).

Neighborhood Impact

As a defining feature of the Michigan-Wacker Historic District, 35 East Wacker anchors a vibrant corridor of architectural, commercial, and cultural activity. Its illuminated dome and ornate façade complement neighboring landmarks like the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower (200smichigan.com).

Visiting 35 East Wacker: Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Lobby & Exterior Access: The lobby and exterior areas are open to the public during standard business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. There is no admission fee for these areas.
Interior & Dome Access: Most upper floors and the dome are private offices; public access is generally by appointment or special event only.
Guided Tours: The building is a featured stop on many Chicago Architecture Center river cruises and walking tours. These tours provide historical context and may offer limited interior access—advance booking is recommended (Chicago Architecture Center).
Tickets: No ticket is required to visit the lobby or view the exterior. Guided tours including 35 East Wacker typically cost $25–$35 and can be booked through tour providers.

Visitor Tips and Accessibility

Getting There: Easily accessible via CTA ‘L’ trains (Clark/Lake and State/Lake stations) and numerous bus lines. Public parking is available nearby, but public transit is recommended (Time Out Chicago).
Accessibility: The lobby is wheelchair accessible, and elevators serve all floors. For specific accommodations, contact building management or your tour operator.
Photography: The best exterior shots are from the Chicago Riverwalk, especially at sunrise or sunset. Popular subjects include the Father Time clock and the illuminated dome.
Dining: While there are no major dining venues in the building, a wide variety of restaurants and cafes are within walking distance, especially along the Riverwalk (Travel Lemming).
Nearby Attractions: Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Theatre are accessible on foot from 35 East Wacker.

Preservation Status

35 East Wacker is a designated Chicago Landmark (since 1994) and a contributing property to the Michigan-Wacker Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restoration efforts in 1989 and 2010 preserved the terra cotta façade and updated mechanical systems (Chicago Landmarks).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for 35 East Wacker?
A: The lobby and exterior are open to the public Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Upper floors are private office space.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, there is no fee for lobby or exterior access.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, many Chicago architecture tours include 35 East Wacker. Some tours may offer special access to interior spaces.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the lobby and main entrance are accessible, and elevators serve all floors.

Q: Can I visit the dome or the Stratosphere Club?
A: These areas are not generally open to the public except by special arrangement.

Q: Where are the best photo spots?
A: The Chicago Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue offer excellent views of the building’s façade, dome, and the Father Time clock.

Visual Highlights

For more visuals, browse travel guides and official Chicago tourism galleries, which feature high-resolution images and virtual tours.

Summary and Travel Tips

35 East Wacker is a sterling emblem of Chicago’s architectural excellence and urban resilience. Its innovative features, such as the automobile elevator and the Father Time clock, highlight the city’s 20th-century ingenuity. While public access is limited to the lobby and exterior, guided tours and river cruises offer in-depth historical context and occasional special access.

Travel Tips:

Use public transit for convenience.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Millennium Park and the Riverwalk.
For enhanced experiences, join a guided architecture tour.
Check official resources and the Audiala app for current visitor information and insider tips.

Embrace the Jewelers’ Building as a centerpiece of your Chicago itinerary and enjoy a unique journey through one of the city’s most storied and visually captivating landmarks.