Guide to the John Hancock Center Chicago

View from the Dec Rooftop bar at the Ritz-Carlton across the street

The distinctive looking John Hancock Center has a few interesting things to see and do in and around it:

Where: 875 N. Michigan Avenue

360 Chicago is the John Hancock enclosed observation floor located on the 94th Floor. Admission is $19 adult, $13 children 3-11 and 2 and under free. Lines can be very long.
The Tilt is an experience where you stand in a glass box and it “tilts” outward and downward, 30 degrees, toward the street. This costs $7 extra. It is also located on the 94th floor. Therefore the cost to get the views and “ride” the Tilt is $26 per adult, $20 children 3-11 and 2 and under free. Before you invest in this “experience” check the website to see if it’s operating. On 7/26/15 I found this message: “Please note that TILT is closed for maintenance and enhancements however the rest of the observation deck remains open . We apologize for any inconvenience“.
They offer a series of other events:
- Tuesdays: 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm from July 21-September 1 the 360 Chicago offers enhanced commentary by expert docents from the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
- Wednesdays at 9.30pm view the Navy Pier fireworks from July 22-September 2. Themed music and corresponding cocktails will be offered each week (for purchase). They recommend that guests arrive at least 1hour prior to the show.
- Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm from July 16-September 3. Watch the sunset from the “new sunset viewing area.” Each week, a DJ will be spinning tunes providing additional ambiance and there will be new cocktail specials (for purchase).
- Saturdays from 7am-9am they offer Sunrise Yoga. Doors open at 7 am and class will start at 7.30 am-9am. Per the website this doesn’t start until August 1, 2015.
- Saturdays: 10:15pm view the Navy Pier fireworks from July 18-September 5 . New themed music and corresponding cocktails will be offered each week. They recommend that guests arrive at least 1hour prior to the show.
The website has a deals page where they are currently offering:
- Summer Exclusive! Get Sun and Stars Package for $21 only! See Best Chicago Views Day and Night. Our unsurpassed views of Chicago are magnificent by day and truly magical by night, and our Sun and Stars package lets you enjoy them both for one low price. Ticket price includes 2 visits within 48 hours. $21 adult and 3-11 $15. This is a good deal if you want to catch the view by day and then attend one of the evening events like the fireworks.
- Total Tower Experience. Guests enjoy the amazing 360° views, an in-depth audio tour and receive an exclusive 360 CHICAGO souvenir gift. $28 adult and 3-11 $22. Here’s the history of the tower. Here’s the history of the observation deck.
- FastPass – (Discontinued). Please note that FastPass sales will resume after the renovation is fully complete. VIP Express Entry Our FastPass allows you to avoid the long queues with our exclusive VIP entry and express elevator access to the 94 ^th floor.
A new dining venue has opened on the observatory level Architect’s Corner, the 360 Chicago Cafe. You can only gain access to this if you pay for admission to the 94th floor.

If you really want to check out the view then you might consider purchasing a City Pass or Go Card to get discount admission to a number of attractions. Neither of these passes include the Tilt so you will have to pay the $7 extra per person.

Signature Lounge John Hancock
The Signature Lounge on the 96th floor. Every guidebook will tell you to skip the 360 Chicago attraction and instead head up to the Signature Lounge. Having a cocktail(s) can be a much cheaper alternative to enjoy the view. Seating is on a first come basis. There’s also a dress code. Beer starts at $8 and wine at $11. The Lounge Menu is $14-$45 for small to large plates. Menus here.
The Signature Room on the 95th floor. If you decide to dine the Signature Room has a rule that “a minimum of one main course per person is required”. No sharing. Lunch entrees range from $20-$30. Dinner $29-$50. One weekends they only offer Brunch $45 from 10AM-2PM and then dinner starts at 5PM. Menus here. Dress code.

Lucent sculpture

Lucent Sculpture in the Lobby. While you’re there check out this sculpture in the Lobby. It was installed in June 2015 and photos don’t do it justice. Gorgeous. Designed by Wolfgang Buttress,