At 141 W Jackson Blvd in Chicago’s Loop, the Chicago Board of Trade Building pairs a bold Art Deco exterior with an ornate lobby of stone, glass and metal. Completed in 1930 to house the city’s commodities exchange, the 45-story landmark is topped by Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. Inside, look for detailed work on the elevators, ceilings and doors, then visit the free exhibit on the building’s history. Public access is limited to visitor areas; the trading floor and other restricted spaces are not part of a regular visit.
A landmark on LaSalle Street
The Chicago Board of Trade Building was completed in 1930 as the headquarters of the Chicago Board of Trade, an important commodities and futures exchange. Designed by Holabird & Root, it became a defining part of the Loop’s financial district.
Its 45 stories rise in strong vertical lines, with setbacks that shape the tower’s profile. Geometric ornament gives the exterior its Art Deco character. When it opened, it was Chicago’s tallest building, though it soon lost that distinction.
Ceres above the tower
A solid aluminum statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, crowns the building. The figure represents the agricultural trade carried out inside. She holds a sheaf of wheat and a bag of corn, and stands about 30 feet tall. Sculptor John Storrs used Madelyn La Salle as his model when she was 14.
Inside the lobby
The lobby’s stone, glass and metal surfaces give the interior a different feel from the restrained exterior. Look closely at the artwork on the elevators and the decorative details around the ceilings and doors. Black and white marble is among the materials used in the building.
The public exhibit introduces the history of the building and its role in financial trading. The lobby and visitor area are open to the general public, but the trading floor, vaults and workstations are not part of the standard public visit.
Tours and public access
The building is a working business address, so public access is limited. The visitor exhibit does not require tickets, but seeing areas beyond the lobby may require a pre-arranged tour. Check tour arrangements before planning around access to spaces not open to general visitors.
The building is closed to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays. A weekday visit is the practical choice for seeing the lobby and exhibit.
The building from the street
LaSalle Street gives the tower a strong setting: surrounding skyscrapers frame the view south toward the Board of Trade Building. Its distinctive silhouette and Ceres statue have also appeared in films, including Batman Begins, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for the Chicago Board of Trade Building exhibit?
The visitor exhibit is free, and tickets are not needed for the public lobby area.
Can the public visit the trading floor?
No. The trading floor, vaults and trading workstations are not included in the public visit. Tours may provide access to some areas beyond the lobby when arranged in advance.
Is the building open to visitors on weekends?
No. It is closed to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to see the public lobby and exhibit.
