Tribune East Tower

Tribune East Tower Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Tribune East Tower and the Legacy of Tribune Tower

Chicago’s Tribune East Tower is poised to become an architectural marvel, representing both the city’s innovative future and its deep-rooted history. Rising adjacent to the iconic Tribune Tower—a 1925 neo-Gothic masterpiece born from an international design competition—the Tribune East Tower will soon be one of the tallest buildings in Chicago. This guide details everything you need to know about visiting the historic Tribune Tower and planning for the opening of Tribune East Tower: including hours, ticketing, accessibility, notable features, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Chicagoan, you’ll find resources and tips for making the most of your visit to this evolving landmark.

The original Tribune Tower, known as the “Cathedral of Journalism,” is celebrated for its dramatic buttresses, ornate stonework, and embedded fragments from world monuments—symbolizing Chicago’s global connections (Chicago Beautiful). The forthcoming Tribune East Tower, designed with a modern glass and metal façade, will rise over 1,400 feet, offering a contemporary counterpoint to its neighbor while enhancing the city’s skyline (Urbanize Chicago).

This article covers practical visitor information, construction updates, accessibility, and tips for exploring the surrounding area, including Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Riverwalk. For immersive audio tours and real-time updates, the Audiala app is recommended (Chicago Architecture Foundation).

Discovering the Tribune Tower: Chicago’s Neo-Gothic Icon
Tribune East Tower: Chicago’s Next Architectural Marvel
Visitor Essentials: Location, Accessibility, and Practical Tips
Summary and Final Tips
References and Further Reading

Discovering the Tribune Tower: Chicago’s Neo-Gothic Icon

Origins and International Design Competition

In 1922, the Chicago Tribune marked its 75th anniversary by launching a global design competition to create “the most beautiful building in the world.” The contest drew over 260 entries from 23 countries and was ultimately won by Raymond Hood and John Mead Howells, whose neo-Gothic vision was completed in 1925. The Tribune Tower quickly became a defining feature of the city’s skyline and a symbol of Chicago’s cultural ambition (Chicago Beautiful).

Architectural Detailing and Symbolism

The Tribune Tower boasts pointed arches, flying buttresses, and intricate stone carvings inspired by European cathedrals. Unique among skyscrapers, its lower levels are adorned with stones and fragments from global landmarks, such as the Parthenon, Taj Mahal, and Great Wall of China—testament to the city’s international reach.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Tours, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours: The Tribune Tower lobby is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Hours may vary on holidays; check the official site before your visit.
Tickets: Lobby access is free; some special exhibitions or guided tours may charge a fee (typically $10–$20).
Tours: The Chicago Architecture Foundation and other providers offer guided tours that highlight the Tribune Tower’s history and design. Advance booking is advised, especially during peak seasons (Chicago Architecture Foundation).
Accessibility: The building provides ramps, elevators, and support for visitors with disabilities.

Redevelopment and Relationship with Tribune East Tower

The Tribune Tower has recently been redeveloped into luxury residences, blending historic architecture with modern amenities. Adjacent to it, Tribune East Tower will soon add a striking new dimension to the site’s architectural landscape.

Media and Cultural Impact

Tribune Tower has influenced architectural design worldwide and is featured in films and TV, including “Transformers” and “CSI: NY,” further cementing its cultural legacy.

Nearby Attractions and Photography Tips

Nearby Landmarks: Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Magnificent Mile, and the Chicago Riverwalk are all within walking distance.
Photography: The Michigan Avenue Bridge and Riverwalk provide excellent vantage points, especially during golden hour.

Preservation and Landmark Status

Designated a Chicago landmark and a key part of the Michigan-Wacker Historic District, the Tribune Tower is safeguarded for future generations.

Tribune East Tower: Chicago’s Next Architectural Marvel

Construction Timeline and Updates

As of July 2025, Tribune East Tower remains in pre-construction with groundbreaking scheduled for February 2024 and completion expected in September 2027 (Urbanize Chicago). Developed by CIM Group and Golub & Company, the project is moving forward, with ongoing contractor bids indicating strong momentum.

Architectural Vision and Design

Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Tribune East Tower will rise to 1,442 feet (439 meters) with 102 floors, making it Chicago’s second tallest building (The Tower Info). The modern glass curtain wall, highlighted by gold-colored vertical fins, pays homage to the nearby Tribune Tower while propelling Chicago’s skyline into the future.

Mixed-Use Features and Amenities

The tower will be a vibrant mixed-use hub:

Residential: 564 units (125 condos, 439 rentals)
Hotel: 250 rooms
Parking: 426 spaces, with a focus on sustainable transit
Retail and Dining: Ground-level shops and eateries
Amenities: Wellness centers, rooftop lounges, landscaped sky gardens, and new public green spaces (Ward 42 Chicago)

Visitor Experience: Anticipated Features

Observation Decks: Panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan
Sky Gardens: Indoor/outdoor landscaped retreats
Public Art & Exhibits: Rotating installations and interactive displays
Dining & Retail: Cafés, shops, and local crafts

Note: Official visiting hours, ticketing, and tour details will be announced closer to opening. Observation decks and public spaces are planned to be accessible and inclusive.

Getting There and Local Attractions

Located at the intersection of East Illinois Street and North Cityfront Plaza Drive, Tribune East Tower is easily accessible by CTA bus and train (Red Line: Grand Station), and is surrounded by celebrated sites including Tribune Tower, Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier (Skyscraper Center).

Integration with Tribune Tower and Magnificent Mile

The project is part of a larger redevelopment that began with the Tribune Tower’s conversion into condominiums. The new tower will enhance this cultural hub with more green space, public pathways, and retail options, further enlivening the Magnificent Mile (Iconic Life).

Economic and Cultural Impact

With a $700 million investment, Tribune East Tower is set to create jobs, boost tourism, and strengthen local businesses. Its design balances innovation and preservation, reinforcing Chicago’s status as an architectural leader (Chicago YIMBY).

Visitor Essentials: Location, Accessibility, and Practical Tips

Maps and Transportation

Address: 435 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Nearby CTA Stops: Grand (Red Line), multiple buses
Parking: Limited and costly—public transit or rideshare is recommended (Timeless Travel Steps)

Accessibility for All Visitors

Both Tribune Tower and the Tribune East Tower site are designed for accessibility, with curb cuts, ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Service animals are welcome, and most local attractions accommodate guests with disabilities.

Tips for a Seamless Visit

Weather: Chicago’s climate varies—dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes (The Tourist Checklist)
Safety: Downtown is safe, especially during daylight; stay aware and keep valuables secure
Photography: Early mornings and late evenings offer the best light; tripods may have restrictions indoors
Booking: Reserve tours and event tickets in advance during peak seasons (Chicago Architecture Foundation)

Summary and Final Tips

The Tribune East Tower development encapsulates the ongoing evolution of Chicago’s skyline, fusing historic grandeur with cutting-edge design and vibrant urban amenities. While the original Tribune Tower continues to welcome visitors with free lobby access, the Tribune East Tower—scheduled for completion in 2027—will introduce new public observation decks, sky gardens, art installations, and a range of dining and retail experiences. Accessibility and inclusivity are central to both towers, ensuring a rewarding visit for all.

For up-to-date information on construction, visiting hours, and special events, monitor official channels and consider the Audiala app for enhanced tours and tips. Whether you’re drawn by architectural history, panoramic city views, or the dynamic energy of the Magnificent Mile, these towers offer an experience that bridges Chicago’s storied past and its visionary future.