Name: Brutalism: Concrete Made Beautiful
Location: Chicago Architecture Center

Brutalism created the backdrop of the historical fiction film The Brutalist, 2024 winner of the Academy Award™ for Best Actor, Cinematography and Original Score. The style emerged in post-WWII Europe, where architects and city planners experimented with malleable concrete to quickly and inexpensively house people displaced by the widespread destruction of residential neighborhoods. Architects emphasized the inherent beauty and integrity of the raw material by exposing the concrete rather than hiding it within the structure.

Brutalist architecture gained traction in the United States as part of the Modern Movement in the 1960s, when architects experimented with concrete forms for individual buildings as well as large campuses, including government centers, schools, and multi-unit housing developments.

On this tour you’ll have a chance to see many key Brutalist buildings by prominent Chicago architects including Bertrand Goldberg, Walter Netsch, Harry Weese and others.

The 3.5-hour bus tour will explore how concrete evolved as an important construction material. The tour will include a stop at Ozinga to demonstrate how concrete is manufactured and its environmental impact.

Know before you go:

Mobility aids (walkers, foldable wheelchairs, etc.) can be stored on the bus.
Guests are welcome to bring snacks and closed top beverages onboard the bus

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Tour Accessibility

Easiest/ Most Accessible / Paved, Even Ground
Alternate routes, ramps available
Difficult / Unable to Avoid Stairs
Two buildings include brief views from second floor balconies; a guest unable to climb the stairs and remaining in the first-floor lobby would still be able to see and hear the docent in the balcony.
Easiest / Generally Quiet Setting

Tour Accessibility

Wheelchair/ Walker
Difficult
Not wheelchair accessible, no ramps, stairs required.
Terrain and Surface
Easy
Most accessible; paved, even ground
Stairs
Managable
Alternate route available to avoid stairs
Hearing
Difficult
Louder area; No devices offered

accessibilty person with red arrow movement icon

Tour Accessibility

CAC is committed to improving access to our tours. The accessibility information below reflects our docents’ experience and is provided for general guidance only.

What to expect on this tour

Terrain & Surfaces
Easy
- Paved and flat the entire route
Wheelchair & Walker Access
Moderate, alternate available.
- Ramps and alternate routes provided
Stair-Free Options
Difficult.
- Stairs required, no alternate (2-5 steps required)
Hearing Access
Moderate, alternate available.
- Noisy areas, listening devices provided