On a clear day, the view stretches more than 50 miles across four states. The wind off Lake Michigan sweeps past the glass walls. Beneath your feet, the city hums with energy. At 1,353 feet above street level, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower goes beyond a viewing platform to an immersive encounter with the city’s past, present, and future.
Walking on Air
The Skydeck’s signature attraction, The Ledge, draws millions of visitors a year. Five glass-floor balconies project 4.3 feet beyond the building’s façade, creating a heart-stopping experience for anyone brave enough to step out. Each balcony is constructed of three layers of half-inch laminated glass. Just 1.5 inches separate guests and the streets below.
“Safety and clarity are paramount,” said Randy Stancik, General Manager of Skydeck Chicago. “The Ledge was engineered to withstand Chicago’s weather and the weight of hundreds of visitors each day, all while maintaining crystal-clear views.”
Sustainability at the Summit
Sustainability may not be the first thing on visitors’ minds at 103 stories up, but it’s woven into every detail. Willis Tower is the largest building in the U.S. with LEED Platinum certification, a distinction earned through energy-saving lighting, HVAC upgrades, and ongoing sustainability initiatives.
These sustainable practices are part of a broader SSI initiative to minimize environmental impact. “We’re proud to be part of a landmark that’s setting the bar for environmentally responsible skyscrapers,” Stancik noted.
Immersion Begins Below
Before guests even reach the top, they’re invited to explore a museum-like lower level that debuted in 2021. This interactive space tells the story of Chicago’s rise from the ashes of the Great Fire to its status as the birthplace of the skyscraper.
Giant video monitors offer fly-through tours of the city’s architecture; a life-sized L train replica transports visitors through animated neighborhood scenes; and an urban playground of interactive displays captures key moments from the city’s history.
“Chicago has one of the most dramatic urban stories in the world,” said Stancik. “We wanted to make that history tangible, especially for younger visitors, before they ever step foot onto The Ledge.”
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Rising to the Top
When it’s time to head skyward, guests step into a high-speed elevator for a thrilling 60-second ascent. Inside, wraparound video screens highlight the elevation as you rise, noting when you’ve passed the heights of Chicago icons like the Hancock Center and Wrigley Field. The effect is cinematic, a moving prelude to the skyline waiting above.
For those who can’t visit in person, the Skydeck experience now extends far beyond Chicago. Through EarthCam’s SkyCam, viewers can tune into real-time North and East views from the 103rd floor, with a West-facing camera coming soon.
“It’s our way of sharing a piece of this incredible view with anyone, anywhere,” said Stancik.
Balancing Heritage and Innovation
Renovating a global icon like Willis Tower means honoring its history while embracing the future. Additions such as Catalog, a multi-level dining and retail space named after Sears’ famous catalog, and The Meadow, a rooftop park and green space, help weave heritage into a modern visitor experience.
“The 2021 renovation was designed to respect the building’s legacy,” Stancik explained. “We wanted to retain that sense of Chicago history but also introduce technology and amenities that speak to today’s travelers.”
A Story from the Sky
Skydeck Chicago offers more than a postcard view. It’s an evolving experience that connects people to the city’s architecture, innovation, and resilience.
“Skydeck is more than a view,” said Stancik. “It’s a celebration of Chicago. Past, present, and future. All experienced from the city’s most breathtaking vantage point.”
Whether you’re leaning out over The Ledge, streaming SkyCam from home, or stepping into the elevator for that first exhilarating ascent, Skydeck Chicago offers a new way to see—and feel—the heart of the city.
