Thompson Center 2.0

The Thompson Center, Chicago's futuristic atrium

The James R. Thompson Center is a civic building in the heart of the Loop, famous for its immense interior atrium. It houses government agencies as well as a shopping centre, and constitutes a major hub of the Chicago metro. The Chicago audio-guided tour stops here to discover a bold architecture, conceived as a place open to the public.

A centre designed for the public

Designed as a people's centre, an accessible and welcoming place to carry out one's business, the Thompson Center stands out by its postmodern architecture and its vast light-filled atrium. It houses state services as well as a shopping centre, the Atrium, and acts as a major metro hub where several lines meet. Its boldness makes it a singular landmark of the Loop.

What to see

The highlight of the building is its spectacular atrium, an immense glazed volume rising the full height of the building. The structure, its galleries and its play of light make it a one-of-a-kind architectural experience. It is also a practical thoroughfare, connected to the metro, in the heart of a Loop dominated by classic skyscrapers.

Practical information

The Thompson Center lies in the Loop, in the centre of Chicago, reachable on foot and directly by metro, of which it is a major hub. A civic building, its public spaces and atrium are discovered during opening hours, variable according to uses and possible redevelopment works. It is best to check access before coming.

What is the Thompson Center?

It is a civic building of the Loop, with postmodern architecture, famous for its immense atrium, housing state services, a shopping centre and a metro hub.

Why visit the Thompson Center?

For its spectacular glazed atrium rising the full height of the building, a striking example of postmodern architecture in the heart of the Loop.