Skydeck    

Located in Downtown Chicago, Illinois, the Skydeck of the Willis Tower is an iconic landmark for anyone who visits the famous windy city. Visitors who dare to walk out on to the clear glass box, known as “The Ledge”, will be able to see the entire city of Chicago at their feet from one of the tallest buildings in the world. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is not to be missed!

• When was construction on the Willis Tower started?
  • Construction began on the Willis Tower, previously known as the Sears Tower, in 1970 when Sears needed more office space for their growing company.
• Who designed the Skydeck and The Ledge?
  • The Skydeck was built by the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, who also designed The Ledge expansions.
• When did Sears leave the building, and when was the name changed?
  • Sears remained in the building until 1988, but the name of the building remained the same until 2009.
  • The building is now named after the global insurance company based out of London – The Willis Group.
• When was The Ledge opened, and what inspired it?
  • The Ledge was opened in 1974 and provides visitors with a truly breathtaking way to view the city of Chicago.
  • The inspiration to build The Ledge came from the thousands of forehead prints left behind by visitors trying to see the city below.
  • The movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was also a huge influence, as the main characters press their foreheads against the glass in the film.
• How was The Ledge designed?
  • The engineers designed The Ledge boxes to have almost no visible support system, making the experience equally beautiful and exhilarating.
  • Now, thanks to the brilliant minds who were tired of seeing forehead prints on their beloved building, visitors have a pure and unobstructed view of the city below.
• What can visitors expect when entering the Willis Tower?
  • Visitors are greeted by a variety of museum-quality exhibitions that captivate them with stories about the infamous tower.
  • They can learn about how the tower was built, how long it took, who has come and gone, and how it compares to other buildings around the world.
  • There are high-quality video screens, an educational theater presentation, and a large variety of hands-on and interactive exhibits for guests of all ages.
• What is The Skydeck experience like?
  • After a short ride in the multi-media elevators, visitors arrive at floor 103 – The Skydeck.
  • Here, they can walk around the building and explore Chicago like never before.
  • On a clear day, visitors can see more than 50 miles in all directions.
  • For those feeling brave enough, they can step out onto The Ledge.
• How high is The Ledge, and is it safe?
  • The Ledge is housed in the eighth-tallest building in the world and allows visitors to step into a clear glass box suspended at 1,353 feet (442 meters) over the city.
  • The glass boxes are made of 1,500-pound individual sheets of glass that are tempered for extreme durability.
• What can visitors see from The Ledge?
  • At this height, visitors can take in stunning views of Chicago.
  • Wrigley Field and the downtown area lit up at night are two of the most enjoyable sights.
  • The city below looks like a dollhouse replica, with people, buildings, cars, and bridges appearing like miniatures of the real thing.
• Is visiting the Willis Tower worth it?
  • The Willis Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago and is not to be missed.
  • Visitors can spend an entire afternoon at the tower.
  • Be sure to visit the world-class gift shop and café on the way out!
• Where is The Skydeck located?
  • The Skydeck Chicago, 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, Phone: 312-875-0066

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