Plizio Visual Lab
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower, widely and historically known as the Sears Tower, is an iconic 110-story skyscraper in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. Completed in 1973 by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it utilized a revolutionary bundled-tube structural engineering design developed by Fazlur Rahman Khan, allowing it to withstand high winds while maximizing interior space. Upon its completion, it surpassed the World Trade Center to become the tallest building in the world, a title it proudly held for nearly 25 years. The tower features an immensely popular observation deck on the 103rd floor called the Skydeck, offering wide-open views spanning up to four states on a clear day. Geography K8 — innovative urban engineering and skylines.
- Location: United States
- Top sights: Museum of Broadcast Communications · National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture · Ukrainian National Museum
- Nearby: Milwaukee (31 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -2 | 2 | 7 | 12 | 18 | 23 | 23 | 19 | 12 | 6 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 48 | 54 | 62 | 95 | 118 | 102 | 95 | 105 | 86 | 99 | 61 | 58 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The skyscraper officially opened to the public in May 1973.
- It held the title of the world's tallest building for exactly 25 years.
- Structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan pioneered the bundled-tube design here.
- The building reaches an absolute height of 1,450 feet (excluding antennas).
- The Sears retail company originally commissioned and occupied the tower.
- The Skydeck features fully transparent glass balconies extending from the building.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Willis Tower (13)
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture🏛 museum
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture in Tower is dedicated to Puerto Rican art in Chicago's Humboldt Park.
Ukrainian National Museum🏛 museum
Ukrainian National Museum in Tower showcases Ukrainian culture in Chicago's Ukrainian Village.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Skydeck?
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Where is the Willis Tower?
How long can I stay on the Skydeck?
Can I see the city from there?
Willis Tower: where is it located?
Willis Tower: what is there to see?
Willis Tower: when is the best time to visit?
Willis Tower: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
