Chicago is the architectural capital of the United States. It was the birthplace of the skyscraper, led so many architectural movements, and houses innumerable design masterpieces. "Chicago Architecture 101" is a six-part series of 45-minute tours chronologically profiling the major architectural styles found downtown describing their influences and characteristics by showcasing beautiful buildings. All these styles build off of each other, so I hope you can see all six parts in the series.

"Mid-Century Modernism" is the fourth part of the six-part "Chicago Architecture 101" series. Between the Great Depression, World War II, and reconstruction, more than 20 years passed without a new skyscraper in Chicago. By the mid-1950s, the city was ready to add new towers, but a new style was needed to represent a more somber country as it looked to the future. Minimalist towers that were both simple and revolutionary emerged as Chicago became the Mid-Century Modern capital of the United States.

There’s no registration cost, but tips are appreciated. All you have to do is register in advance here, and then watch the live-streamed tour from any web browser.