John Hancock Center
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (312) 751-3680
- Cross Street:
- E Chestnut Street
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to Chicago; bus: 3 to Chicago Ave/Michigan Ave; 66 to Michigan Ave; 145, 146, 151 to Delaware Pl
- Hours:
- Observatory: Daily 9am-11pm
Editorial Review for John Hancock Center – by Meghan McEwen
The View
The third tallest building in Chicago (after the Sears Tower and Aon Center ), the Hancock stands 1,127 feet tall, 100 floors high. The Hancock's greatest draw is the option of kicking back in the 96th floor Signature Lounge with a beer or cocktail and taking in a lakeside view of the city. Add the killer location on North Michigan Avenue, and you have the Chicago insider's favorite sky-high pastime.
The Background
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the same prominent Chicago firm that designed the Sears Tower, the Hancock--"Big John," as it was nicknamed--was completed in 1970 after five years of construction. It can withstand winds up to 132 miles per hour.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoThe Hancock boasts the fastest elevator in North America. Travelling 1,800 feet per minute (20 mph), it gets you to the 94th-floor observatory in 39 seconds.
When to GoTake a stroll on the self-guided audio tour of the city's sights and history anytime, but the views are best from 9am to 11am or after 4pm.
ParkingConvenient parking is located at John Hancock Center with entrances off of Chestnut and Delaware.
User Reviews for John Hancock Center
10/18/2005 Posted by mattystrappy
It was beautiful being at the observatory at night. It would have been more romantic if there hadn't been so many noisy kids there. If you do go, try to go as late as possible. Also, go when you have some time, because you'll have to wait in line for the elevator both to go up and down.
Pros: awesome view, romantic music, outdoor section
Cons: noisy kids
08/29/2005 Posted by bluehensfan
Thanks to the proximity of Lake Michigan, the view seems better here even though you're not as high up as at the Sears Tower. Less of a line here and no pre-trip movie presentation, as well as an outside viewing area mean a more enjoyable visit. The view is great, and they have a few exhibits up top where you can take your picture that make you look like you're hanging from a suspended beam or are waskhing the windows up high. When you're done, stop by the gelato store at the bottom for some good food!
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