These buildings are the heart and soul of the city

Credited for inventing the skyscraper, Chicago and its lasting mark in the world of architecture is internationally renowned. The city has an abundance of remarkable, iconic structures and no shortage of residents and tourists eager to take in their beauty and learn their histories.

While a list of notable downtown buildings could easily reach triple digits, Chicago is more than its central core. Encompassing 77 neighborhoods, the city has more than its share of local icons that give each area a sense of place.

The following overview highlights 27 Chicago structures for architectural importance as well as their contribution to the city’s cultural identity.