John Hancock Observatory:
Go higher than a bluebird flies
The John Hancock Observatory, on the 94th floor of a world-class Chicago architectural wonder, soars above the average bird’s flight. Spectacular 360° 80-mile views are just part of a complete experience that incorporates Chicago history, culture and character, too. The observatory is one of five tickets in the Chicago CityPass booklet, a real deal priced to whack 47% off adult and kids’ admissions to the city’s most popular attractions.
Arriving at the John Hancock building at 875 North Michigan Avenue is an occasion. The skyscraper anchors the north end of swanky Michigan Avenue, a signature Chicago swath of luxury flagship stores, shops, restaurants, theaters and hotels. It wears its skeletal structure on the outside, crisscrossing steel emphasizing a dark, bold, Chicago construction statement.
Once inside, expect to glide to the observation level in 39 seconds flat. In less time than the world’s fastest omelet chef can flip a three-egger, you’re stepping out of the elevator. John Hancock Observatory’s CityPass ticket gives you the royal treatment with:
- a Fast Pass, for express courtesies coming and going,
- a Sky Tour on handheld PDA, narrated by actor David Schwimmer, founder of Chicago’s Lookingglass Theater, and
- either a free coffee or hot chocolate in the sky-high Espression by Lavazza café.
There are adult and kid’s versions of the tour, which is also available in English and five other languages. Video and audio give you the inside story at 10 lookout stations that you can cue in any order you please. Talking telescopes add sounds to the views of Chicago landmarks, like Wrigley Field and Navy Pier. History murals pinpoint developments along Chicago’s transformation from marsh to metropolis, including the Great Fire of 1871 and the 1933 World’s Fair.
Linger over city streets and Chicago landmarks, like Wrigley Field and Navy Pier. On a clear day, you may see 80 miles in every direction, with great expanses of Lake Michigan and the edges of four states. Step out on Sky Walk, an open air experience 1,000 feet above the sidewalk that shows you exactly what Windy City means. By daylight or moonlight, these are memories of Chicago to savor for a lifetime.
The observatory, open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., suggests that you’ll usually have more elbow room if you arrive before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m. That lines up nicely with dining times; there are more than 70 restaurants within a few minutes’ walk of the Hancock Building. A concierge desk, dedicated to building tenants and observatory guests, can assist with dining reservations and theater tickets, among other needs.
|
Email a Friend
