Chicago is world-famous for its towering skyscrapers, but some of the city’s most breathtaking architectural wonders are hiding right inside the stairwells.
If you only look up at the skyline, you are missing out.
From dizzying modern spirals to opulent marble steps dripping in Gilded Age glamour, the Windy City is home to some seriously stunning interior design.
Whether you’re an architecture buff, a local looking for new sights, or a photographer hunting for the perfect shot, you need to add these spots to your itinerary.
Here are the 15 most iconic staircases in Chicago that will absolutely stop you in your tracks.
1. The Rookery Building (The Oriel Staircase)
If there is one staircase in Chicago that belongs on your bucket list, it’s the Oriel Staircase inside The Rookery.
Located in the heart of the Financial District, this is easily one of the most iconic buildings in Chicago. While Frank Lloyd Wright famously redesigned the light court in 1905, the mesmerizing spiral staircase is the true star of the show.
It winds its way down from the 12th floor, featuring intricate, lace-like ironwork that looks like something out of a fairy tale. As one of the most historically significant and visually striking spiral staircases in the world, it is a must-photograph location. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the dizzying drop!
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60604
- Cost: Guided tour ticket required (via the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust).
- Access Hours: Varies based on scheduled tour times.
- Accessibility: Elevators are available to take you to the top for the view looking down.
2. Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
You don’t even need to look at the art to be blown away by the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Designed by Berlin architect Josef Paul Kleihues, the MCA’s main staircase is a masterclass in modern, minimalist design.
Shaped like a giant, sweeping ellipse, the staircase draws your eye all the way up to the vaulted ceiling. It’s sleek, geometric, and incredibly satisfying to look at.
The stark white stone and dramatic curves make it a favorite for minimalist photography. For the best shot, stand at the very bottom and look straight up to see how the staircase forms a perfect, eye-like almond shape.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Cost: Museum admission required.
- Access Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays).
- Accessibility: Elevators are available to access all gallery floors.
3. Chicago Cultural Center (Washington Street Staircase)
The Chicago Cultural Center is often called the “People’s Palace,” and its staircases certainly live up to the royal nickname.
While the building is famous for having the largest Tiffany stained-glass dome in the world, it also boasts one of the most stunning free lobbies in Chicago.
The Washington Street side features a sweeping, grand staircase made entirely of glowing white Carrara marble, accented with sparkling glass mosaics and ornate bronze grilles.
Representing the peak of 1890s luxury and craftsmanship, it’s completely free to visit. Try capturing the staircase from the landing above to get the intricate mosaic details in one shot.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- Cost: 100% Free.
- Access Hours: Open daily (check current building hours before visiting).
- Accessibility: Fully accessible with modern elevators.
4. The Palmer House Hilton
If you want pure, unadulterated vintage glamour, head straight to the Palmer House Hilton in the Loop.
This historic property consistently ranks among the best downtown Chicago hotels, and its lobby reflects that rich history.
The grand staircase sweeps elegantly up to the mezzanine level, flanked by bronze statues and bathed in the golden light of the lobby’s famous frescoed ceiling.
It is the absolute epitome of roaring twenties elegance and old-world Chicago money. If you want a timeless, classic portrait, sit on the lower steps in a glamorous outfit.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 17 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
- Cost: Free to enter the lobby.
- Access Hours: The lobby is open 24/7.
- Accessibility: Elevators are available to reach the mezzanine and upper levels.
5. The Art Institute of Chicago (Women’s Board Grand Staircase)
The Art Institute of Chicago houses some of the world’s most famous paintings, but the building itself is a work of art.
The Women’s Board Grand Staircase is located in the historic Michigan Avenue building. It is a massive, sweeping architectural feature that connects the museum’s main levels.
Before you go hunting for the must-see masterpieces at the Art Institute, take a moment to appreciate this grand entrance.
Surrounded by classical columns and bathed in natural light from the glass skylight above, it is the architectural heart of one of the best museums in the world. Try to visit on a weekday morning right when the museum opens to capture the space without heavy crowds.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
- Cost: Museum admission required.
- Access Hours: Open Thursday – Monday (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
- Accessibility: Elevators available to bypass the stairs.
6. Apple Michigan Avenue
Not all of Chicago’s iconic staircases are historic.
The Apple Store on Michigan Avenue is a marvel of contemporary architecture. Designed by Foster + Partners, the building features a massive, floating glass staircase.
It is one of those hidden architectural details that seamlessly connects the bustling Magnificent Mile to the Chicago Riverwalk.
The transparent steps make it feel like you are walking on air while blurring the line between indoor and outdoor space. It offers stunning views of the Chicago River, but for the best photo, shoot from the bottom of the stairs looking up toward the skyline.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Cost: Free.
- Access Hours: Open daily during store hours.
- Accessibility: A glass elevator is available to take you down to the Riverwalk level.
7. The Driehaus Museum
Step back in time to the Gilded Age at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum.
Housed in the restored Nickerson Mansion, this museum is one of the absolute best hidden gems in Chicago.
It features a breathtaking main staircase carved from a staggering 17 different types of marble.
The craftsmanship is so intricate and colorful that it feels almost overwhelming in the best way possible. As one of the best-preserved examples of late 19th-century residential wealth in Chicago, it offers endless photo opportunities. Focus on the intricate details of the balustrades and the rich, contrasting colors of the marble.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Cost: Museum admission required.
- Access Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday.
- Accessibility: An elevator is available for guests to access all floors.
8. Chicago Union Station (The Canal Street Stairs)
If you are a movie buff, you already know this staircase.
The grand marble steps leading down into the Great Hall of Chicago Union Station are legendary in the world of cinema.
They are the exact location of the famous, slow-motion baby carriage shootout scene in the 1987 classic, The Untouchables.
It is one of those Chicago facts that sounds made up, but this Hollywood landmark is walked on by thousands of commuters every single day. It’s a piece of cinema history wrapped in stunning, classic transit architecture. To get a shot without hundreds of people in the frame, you’ll need to visit late at night.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606
- Cost: Free.
- Access Hours: Open daily to the public.
- Accessibility: Elevators and escalators are available to reach the Great Hall.
9. Lyric Opera of Chicago (Civic Opera House)
Step inside the Civic Opera House, and you are immediately transported to the golden age of Art Deco.
The Grand Foyer is a dazzling display of theatrical glamour, featuring a sweeping, monumental staircase that demands your attention.
Flanked by massive columns and intricate gold-leaf detailing, the stairs were designed to make every theatergoer feel like royalty. It is one of the most dramatic and opulent Art Deco spaces in the entire city. Capture the stairs straight-on from the main entrance to get the glowing, tiered chandeliers in your frame.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 20 N Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
- Cost: Ticket to a performance or a guided building tour required.
- Access Hours: Varies based on showtimes and tour schedules.
- Accessibility: Elevators are available to all seating levels.
10. The Drake Hotel
When it comes to old-money Chicago elegance, The Drake Hotel is in a league of its own.
This historic hotel has hosted everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Princess Diana.
The staircase leading up to the famous Palm Court is the perfect introduction to the hotel’s timeless luxury.
Carved from rich wood and covered in plush carpeting, the staircase is framed by ornate balustrades and classic floral arrangements. It’s the ultimate symbol of high-society Chicago and roaring twenties hospitality. Have your subject walk slowly down the stairs toward the camera for a highly elegant, editorial-style portrait.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611
- Cost: Free to enter the lobby.
- Access Hours: Open daily.
- Accessibility: Elevators are available to reach the Palm Court.
11. Museum of Science and Industry (The Rotunda Stairs)
The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) is housed in the only remaining major building from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
While the exterior is pure neoclassical grandeur, the interior features a stunning, sweeping staircase in the central rotunda.
The stairs wrap elegantly around the massive space, featuring beautiful bronze and copper-toned railings. It’s a gorgeous architectural focal point inside one of Chicago’s most beloved museums. Head to the upper balcony and shoot down at the stairs to capture their full, sweeping curve.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
- Cost: Museum admission required.
- Access Hours: Open daily.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators connecting all exhibit floors.
12. The Langham, Chicago
For a dose of ultra-modern, five-star luxury, you have to see the staircase at The Langham.
Located inside a historic skyscraper designed by legendary architect Mies van der Rohe, the hotel’s interior is a masterclass in contemporary elegance.
The lobby features a stunning, minimalist staircase that seems to float in mid-air. Above the stairs hangs a breathtaking art installation made of suspended glass pebbles that look like frozen raindrops. It’s a perfect example of how modern interior design can complement historic mid-century architecture. Frame your shot to include both the sleek lines of the stairs and the shimmering glass art above them.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 330 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Cost: Free to enter the lobby.
- Access Hours: Open 24/7.
- Accessibility: Elevators are available to reach all public levels.
13. Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
You might not expect a coffee shop to make an architectural list, but the largest Starbucks in the world is an exception.
Located on the Magnificent Mile, this five-story roastery features a monumental, sweeping curved staircase.
It wraps around a towering, 56-foot bronze coffee cask.
The pale wood steps and sleek glass railings give it a stunning, modern aesthetic, while the sheer scale of the structure makes you feel like you are inside a coffee-fueled spaceship. It is an engineering marvel and currently one of the most Instagrammed spots in downtown Chicago. Ride the curved escalator up, but take the stairs down to easily snap photos of the bronze cask.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 646 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
- Cost: Free to enter (coffee costs extra!).
- Access Hours: Open daily.
- Accessibility: A stunning curved escalator and standard elevators are available.
14. The Newberry Library
If you love the “dark academia” aesthetic, you will fall head over heels for the Newberry Library.
Located in the Gold Coast neighborhood, this independent research facility is widely considered one of the most stunning historic libraries in Chicago.
The lobby features a gorgeous, grand marble staircase that leads up to the reading rooms and exhibition galleries.
With its ornate iron balustrades and rich wood accents, it feels like stepping straight into a classic novel. It is a pristine example of Romanesque revival architecture and a peaceful escape from the city noise. Stand at the base of the stairs and frame your shot symmetrically to capture the elegant archways above.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610
- Cost: Free.
- Access Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday (Closed Sundays and Mondays).
- Accessibility: Elevators are available to reach the upper reading rooms and galleries.
15. The Fine Arts Building
For a staircase with a slightly moody, historic, and deeply artistic vibe, head to the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue.
Built in 1885, this building is a working hub for artists, musicians, and creatives.
The staircases here aren’t polished marble—they are creaky, historic wood framed by beautifully aged ironwork.
Walking up these steps (which wind around the last manually operated passenger elevators in Chicago) feels like you have discovered a secret, bohemian side of the city. It offers a rare, unpolished glimpse into Chicago’s late 19th-century arts and crafts movement. Capture the stairs alongside the vintage, cage-style elevators for a nostalgic, moody photo.
Know Before You Go:
- Location: 410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
- Cost: Free to enter public hallways.
- Access Hours: Open daily during regular business hours.
- Accessibility: Manually operated elevators (run by real elevator operators!) are available to take you up.
Ready to Explore Chicago’s Architecture?
Chicago is a city that rewards those who pay attention to the details. The next time you are exploring downtown, skip the elevator.
Take a detour into these buildings and experience these iconic staircases for yourself.
Which of these staircases is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!