Quick Info

Visit Duration: 4 Hours

Timings: 9 am to 9 pm

Entry type: Paid

Entry Details: Entry fee applicable

summary

The Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is a skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was completed in 1973 and held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 25 years, until it was surpassed by the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1998. It remains the tallest building in the United States and the Western Hemisphere.

The Willis Tower stands at a height of 1,450 feet (442 meters) and has 110 floors. The building is known for its distinctive black steel exterior and its innovative bundled-tube structural design, which provides strength and stability to the building. The tower's height and design were influenced by the desire to maximize office space while minimizing the need for interior support columns.

The tower contains approximately 4.5 million square feet (418,064 square meters) of office space, as well as observation decks, restaurants, and other amenities. The sky deck observation deck, located on the 103rd floor of the tower, provides visitors with stunning views of Chicago and the surrounding area. The sky deck also features The Ledge, a glass box that extends out from the building and allows visitors to stand 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the ground.

The Willis Tower has been recognized for its architectural and engineering significance, and it has won numerous awards over the years. It has also been featured in many movies, TV shows, and other forms of media, and it is widely recognized as an iconic symbol of Chicago and American architecture.

The Willis Tower is a towering achievement of engineering and architecture, and it remains one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world.

Highlights of Willis Tower Chicago, United States

The Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) is a world-famous skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The highlights of this iconic building are:

1. Height: The Willis Tower was once the tallest building in the world, standing at 1,450 feet (442 meters) tall. It held this title for 25 years until the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were built in 1998.

2. Design: The Willis Tower was designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and completed in 1973. It features a distinctive black aluminum and bronze tinted glass exterior and nine bundled structural tubes that give the building its unique shape.

3. Observation Decks: The Willis Tower has two observation decks, one on the 103rd floor and one on the 94th floor. The sky deck on the 103rd floor offers 360-degree views of the city and Lake Michigan, as well as the famous glass-bottomed Ledge, which extends four feet out from the building and allows visitors to look straight down to the street below.

4. Tenants: The Willis Tower is home to a number of prominent businesses and organizations, including United Airlines, law firm Schiff Hardin, and the American Medical Association.

5. Sustainability: In recent years, the Willis Tower has undertaken a number of sustainability initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. These include retrofitting the building's lighting and HVAC systems, installing green roofs, and implementing recycling programs.

The Willis Tower is a beloved landmark of Chicago and a symbol of the city's architectural prowess and innovative spirit.

Willis Tower Chicago, United States Overview

The Willis Tower is a towering achievement of engineering and architecture, and it remains one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world.

Points Of Interest for Willis Tower Chicago, United States

The Willis Tower is a 110-story skyscraper located in Chicago. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and attracts millions of visitors each year. The points of interest of Willis Tower are as follows:

1. sky deck Chicago: The sky deck is the observation deck located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from this height and even see up to four states on a clear day.

2. The Ledge: The Ledge is a popular attraction within the sky deck that features glass boxes that extend out from the building, giving visitors the sensation of walking on air.

3. Willis Tower sky deck Museum: This museum located on the 103rd floor showcases the history of the Willis Tower and Chicago’s skyline.

4. Franklin Street Entrance: The Willis Tower has a grand entrance on Franklin Street that is worth checking out. Visitors can see a massive sculpture by Richard Lippold called “Radiance” that hangs from the ceiling.

5. Elevators: The elevators in the Willis Tower are some of the fastest in the world, reaching speeds of up to 1,600 feet per minute.

6. Architecture: The Willis Tower is an impressive feat of engineering and was the tallest building in the world and in the western hemisphere also, when it was completed in 1973.

7. Restaurants: The Willis Tower has several dining options, including the Metropolitan Club on the 66th and 67th floors and the Willis Tower sky deck Cafe on the 103rd floor.

8. Events: The Willis Tower hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Sky Rise Chicago stair climb, where participants climb the stairs of the building to raise money for charity.

The Willis Tower is an amazing tour destination for anyone traveling to Chicago, offering stunning views, unique attractions, and a rich history.

Best time to visit Willis Tower Chicago, United States

The best time to visit Willis Tower, also known as the Sears Tower, in Chicago would be during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid long lines and crowds. The tower is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the last entry at 8:30 PM.

If you want to avoid the busiest times, it's best to visit during weekdays outside of peak travel season (June-August). On weekends and during peak travel season, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds. It's also worth noting that the view from the Willis Tower Sky deck is particularly spectacular on clear days, so checking the weather forecast before your visit can enhance your experience.