Willis Tower has graced the Chicago skyline for over 50 years. Once the tallest building in the world, today it provides the best view in the country with the highest observation deck in the U.S. Learn more about Willis Tower with Skydeck Chicago. We’re one of the top attractions in the city, combining a multi-million dollar Chicago museum that ranks among the best in town with a remarkable 50-mile view from our observation deck. On a clear day, you can see into 4 states!
Willis Tower stands among giants, as a cultural landmark and iconic Chicago attraction. The tower is much more than the tallest observation deck in the western hemisphere and the tallest building for over 25 years, it is a bustling community of business, tourism, and culture. It is home to large well-known companies as well as hundreds of thriving businesses. It is a building with retail and commercial office space at heart but also inspires millions of visitors to take in the amazing view of the city and experience the breathtaking Ledge and the all new interactive multi-million-dollar museum.
Since 1973, the Willis Tower has captivated Chicago and the world, holding the title of the tallest building for nearly 25 years. Today, it’s the 3rd largest tower in the nation with the best view in the United States.
Formerly called the Sears Tower, this architectural marvel was commissioned in 1969 by Sears Roebuck and Company, which was the largest retailer in the world at the time. They claimed the Sears Tower as their headquarters until 1989. The name of the building remained “The Sears Tower” until 2009, when it was purchased by London-based insurance broker, the Willis Group.
This remarkable skyscraper has an interesting history and compelling future, as the refined dining retail center, Catalog, and efforts to make the building more environmentally friendly continue to shape what’s next.
Learn More
Visitors can experience the top of Willis Tower through Skydeck Chicago, the tower’s official observation deck. Located on the upper floors of the building, Skydeck provides access to the highest observation deck in the United States and offers expansive views across Chicago and beyond.
As part of the experience, guests can step out onto The Ledge, glass-floored balconies that extend from the tower and allow visitors to look straight down over the city. On clear days, views can stretch across four surrounding states.
Willis Tower once held the title of the tallest building in the world and remains one of the tallest buildings in the United States. While newer skyscrapers have joined the Chicago skyline, the tower continues to stand as one of the city’s most recognizable and celebrated landmarks.
With its height, distinctive architecture, and world-famous observation deck, Willis Tower remains a central part of Chicago’s identity and a must-see destination for visitors.
Many people still refer to Willis Tower by its former name, the Sears Tower. The observation deck at the Sears Tower is known as Skydeck Chicago, an immersive attraction that combines panoramic views with an interactive museum highlighting Chicago’s history, architecture, and culture.
Whether visitors know it as the Sears Tower or Willis Tower, Skydeck offers a memorable way to experience the city from above and see why this legendary skyscraper continues to capture global attention.
Yes. Visitors can go to the top of the Sears Tower by visiting Skydeck Chicago, the observation deck located on the upper floors of Willis Tower.
Willis Tower was once the tallest building in the world and remains one of the tallest buildings in the United States. While other skyscrapers now share the skyline, it is still one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings.
The observation deck at the Sears Tower is called Skydeck Chicago. It offers panoramic city views and features The Ledge, glass balconies extending from the building.
From Skydeck Chicago, visitors can see sweeping views of the Chicago skyline and, on clear days, up to four surrounding states.