Activity Tours

Brick of Chicago Walking Tour

Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 2025

The built environment of Chicago features a dozen variety of bricks and even more brick designs. The Nickerson Mansion was built with two types of brick: Cream City, so-called because of the light color that results from the type of clay deposits used, and Chicago Common brick. As the name suggests, it is widespread throughout the City and was made from clay from the Chicago River. There are many very fine examples of brick buildings in the area around the Driehaus Museum, and architectural expert Will Quam will take you on a tour through some of the highlights, including the Medinah Temple and the Allerton Hotel.

Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early and check in at the Museum when you arrive. This program runs rain or shine. The tour does not include admission to the Museum.

The Brick tour will be offered on the following dates:

Wednesday, May 14

Wednesday, June 11

Wednesday, July 9

Wednesday, August 13

Wednesday, September 10 (SOLD OUT)

Wednesday, October 1 (5:00-6:15 pm)

About the Speaker:

Will Quam is an architecture photographer and historian based in Chicago. His project Brick of Chicago has been featured on CBS, Fox32, WTTW, WGN, Block Club Chicago, ArchDaily, and in many more outlets. His walking tours have been named some of Chicago’s best by Curbed and the Chicago Reader.