The iconic black skyscraper called Willis Tower is better known among locals by its old name, Sears Tower. The skyscraper kept its original name from the 1970s until 2009, when it was renamed Willis Tower.
Completed in 1973, the skyscraper boasted the title of the world's tallest building at 442 metres until 1996, when it was surpassed by the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Today, the Willis Tower is still Chicago's No. 1 tallest building in the world and the 3rd tallest in the U.S. (after skyscrapers One World Trade Center and Central Park Tower in New York).
Due to its similar appearance, the Willis (formerly the Sears Tower) is often confused with the slightly lower John Hancock Center.
How tall is the Willis Tower really?
The architectural height of the skyscraper is 442 meters. The roof is at this height.
The highest point, if you include the antennas on the roof, reaches 527 metres.
Willis Tower has a total of 108 floors above ground and has historically boasted the following records:
- World's tallest building from 1973-1996
- The tallest building in the U.S. from 1973-2013
- The tallest building in Chicago from 1973 to present
"Skydeck" observation deck
On the 103rd floor, you'll find the observation deck, which has an undeniable advantage over the more famous observation decks in New York or other cities: you'll almost never wait in a long line during the day. Shorter lines only form on weekends before sunset.
However, it's not necessary to book tickets in advance (although you can do so on the Willis Tower website).
The observation deck is indoor only and you can't go outside.
The Skydeck is located at 412 feet and is therefore the highest observation deck in the US. For example, the observation deck on the tallest building in America - One World Trade Center - is only 382 meters high.
Admission and opening hours
The Skydeck observation deck is open 365 days a year.
Opening hours vary according to the season and are detailed on the official website: theskydeck.com.
Ticket prices are as follows:
| Fridays, weekends, holidays | Monday-Thursday | |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 36 usd | 32 usd |
| Children up to 11 years old | 27 usd | 24 usd |
Online tickets with exact entry times and no line can be purchased at theskydeck.com.
How to get there
The Sears Tower sits on the southwest edge of downtown.
- Subway - Quincy Station approximately 200 metres from the entrance (Brown, Orange, Pink and Purple lines)
- Buses - Jackson/Franklinstop approximately 70 meters from the entrance (lines 1, 7, 28, 126, 130, 151, 156)
Accommodation nearby
There is no hotel directly in Wills Tower, but there are three large and very good quality hotels in close proximity:
What to see around
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