What Van Buren Street Is
Van Buren Street is a historic east–west corridor in downtown Chicago, stretching from the Chicago River through the Loop and bordering Grant Park. Named after Martin Van Buren, the eighth President of the United States, it is designated as 400 South and connects landmarks, transit hubs, and cultural sites. Its place in Chicago’s urban history and architecture is reflected in its landmarks and evolving streetscape (Wikipedia, City of Chicago).
History and Urban Development
Van Buren Street was established in the 19th century as part of Chicago’s urban grid. Its proximity to Jackson Boulevard, named after Andrew Jackson, reflects Chicago’s tradition of commemorating national figures (Wikipedia).
River crossings and the street tunnel
The Van Buren Street Bridge has connected the Loop with neighborhoods to the west since the mid-19th century. Earlier wooden, pontoon, and swing bridges on the site supported commerce and survived historic events, including the Great Chicago Fire (Great Chicago Fire: Van Buren Street Bridge). The current Chicago-type trunnion bascule bridge opened in 1956 (Chicago Loop Bridges).
In 1890, a cable railway tunnel was built beneath the Chicago River at Van Buren Street, illustrating the engineering of the late 19th century (Chicagology).
Public transit
Van Buren Street forms part of the southern leg of Chicago’s “L” Loop. The area’s streetcar lines—first horse-drawn, then electrified in 1896—shaped daily travel before buses replaced them in the early 1950s. LaSalle/Van Buren is among the area’s historic “L” stations (Chicago-L.org).
What to See
Old Main Post Office
At 433 W. Van Buren St, the Old Main Post Office is a grand Art Deco landmark completed in 1932. Once the world’s largest post office, it has a limestone façade and lavish interiors and has been adaptively reused as a mixed-use complex.
Van Buren Street Bridge
The current bascule bridge opened in 1956. It is open 24/7 to pedestrians and vehicles and offers river and city views (Great Chicago Fire: Van Buren Street Bridge).
Monadnock Building
At Van Buren and Dearborn, the Monadnock Building is the tallest load-bearing brick building ever constructed. Completed in the early 1890s, it is an example of Chicago School architecture.
Wabash Arts Corridor
The Wabash Arts Corridor, which marks Van Buren’s northern boundary, is known for large-scale murals and public art. Artists including Hebru Brantley and Jeff Zimmerman have contributed to the area’s outdoor gallery (Choose Chicago).
235 Van Buren
The residential tower at 235 Van Buren, designed by Perkins&Will, is a contemporary architectural landmark. It bridges the transition between the commercial Loop and the residential South Loop (ArchDaily).
Historic “L” station
The LaSalle/Van Buren “L” station is notable for its Colonial Revival architecture and original sheet metal and tin construction. It is the last remaining station house of its style on the Loop (Chicago-L.org).
Practical Visiting Information
Getting there and getting around
- Public transit Van Buren Street is served by the Metra Electric Line’s Van Buren Street Station, multiple CTA train lines, and numerous CTA bus routes (Metra, RTA Chicago).
- Train stations The Michigan Ave. entrance to Metra Van Buren Street Station is fully accessible. CTA Blue and Red Line stations are at State/Van Buren.
- Bus and bike Multiple CTA routes and Divvy bike-share stations are nearby (Easy Access Chicago). The street also connects to the Lakefront Trail (Adler Planetarium).
- Walking Wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure make it easy to explore on foot.
- Parking Public garages are available but expensive; transit is recommended.
Visiting hours and tickets
| Attraction | Visiting hours | Ticket information |
|---|---|---|
| Old Main Post Office | Monday–Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM; Sunday: 11 AM–6 PM | Free general access; guided tours of the historic lobby and architectural features require tickets, available online or on-site |
| Van Buren Street Station | 4:30 AM–1:00 AM, aligned with train schedules | No ticket for station access; train fare applies |
| Harold Washington Library Center | Monday–Thursday: 9 AM–9 PM; Friday–Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM; Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM | Free entry |
| Grant Park and Millennium Park | Daily: 6 AM–11 PM | Free |
| Union Station | Daily: 4:30 AM–1:30 AM | Public areas are free; tours and events are ticketed |
The Auditorium Theatre charges varying ticket prices depending on the performance.
Accessibility and safety
Ongoing upgrades provide ADA-compliant access at stations, sidewalks, and bridges (Metra). The street and major transit stations are designed for accessibility, with ramps, elevators, and curb cuts.
The Loop and adjacent areas are well-patrolled. Use standard urban precautions, stay aware during large events, and check weather forecasts before visiting (The Savvy Globetrotter).
Tips for Exploring
Van Buren Street’s central Loop location is suitable for self-guided walks, including routes through the Wabash Arts Corridor, the Old Main Post Office, and the riverfront bridges.
Interactive maps, virtual tours, and high-quality images are available on official websites. Suggested photo spots include the Van Buren Street Bridge at sunset, the Wabash Arts Corridor murals, and Grant Park’s skyline views.
The surrounding Loop and South Loop offer varied dining, from food trucks during festivals to upscale restaurants. Public restrooms are available at transit stations and the Harold Washington Library.
Major nearby events—including Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race—take place in or near Grant Park and can affect transit and street access (Experism: Chicago July Events, Adler Planetarium). Check Loop advisories and the CTA schedule for updates.
Nearby Places
Harold Washington Library Center
At 400 S. State Street, just off Van Buren, the Harold Washington Library Center is a postmodern landmark and the largest municipal library in the U.S. It features exhibitions and a Winter Garden and is fully accessible. Its hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 AM–9 PM; Friday–Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM; and Sunday, 12 PM–5 PM (Forgotten Chicago).
Union Station
Just north of Van Buren Street, Union Station is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that opened in 1925 and serves as a major intercity rail hub. Its Great Hall is known for its architecture and film appearances (Airship Daily).
Wholesale District
Van Buren traditionally marked the southern edge of Chicago’s Wholesale District, once filled with warehouses and wholesale markets. Although much of the area has been redeveloped, traces of its commercial history remain in its architecture and street layout (Airship Daily).
Grant Park and Millennium Park
Grant Park, known as “Chicago’s front yard,” lies just east of Van Buren. It includes Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park, and hosts festivals, concerts, and public gatherings throughout the year (Touropia).
At Grant Park’s northern edge, Millennium Park features Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and outdoor art installations. It is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM and is fully accessible (Destguides).
Auditorium Theatre and educational institutions
At 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, just south of Van Buren, the historic Auditorium Theatre hosts ballet, opera, and concerts.
Nearby Roosevelt University and DePaul University’s Loop campus host public events open to visitors.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for Van Buren Street landmarks?
Outdoor landmarks such as bridges and parks are open daily from early morning to late evening. Indoor sites, including the Old Main Post Office, Harold Washington Library Center, and Union Station, have specific hours; see the hours above.
Are tickets required for Van Buren Street attractions?
The street, parks, and bridges are free to access. Some venues and activities require tickets, including Old Main Post Office tours, Auditorium Theatre performances, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Is Van Buren Street accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. The street and major transit stations are designed for accessibility, with ramps, elevators, and curb cuts.
How can I stay informed about closures or events affecting Van Buren Street?
Monitor CTA and Loop advisories for updates.
What are some must-see spots along Van Buren Street?
The Old Main Post Office, Van Buren Street Bridge, Wabash Arts Corridor murals, Harold Washington Library, and Grant Park.
