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Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground

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About

2 hrs

1.25 mi.

10 guests

$49.99

Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies

Step into the hidden world of Chicago's cinema history with our guided walking tour Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground


Led by a knowledgeable guide with a Ph.D. in film, this 2-hour journey takes you through—and beneath—the heart of downtown Chicago. Yes, prepare to venture underground while traversing the city's film locations! 


As you navigate the secret nooks of the Pedway and bustling streets of the city, expect to encounter familiar themes like gangster films and the caped crusader himself. But the true magic of Beneath the Big Screen lies in its exploration of lesser-known film subjects—like the first virtual reality movie and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of department store Santas.


On the 1.25-mile route, you'll encounter landmarks like historic City Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, and Millennium Station, where the Dark Knight once roamed with his Batpod. You'll also make stops below Daley Plaza and other notable sites, each with its own fascinating ties to Chicago's longstanding film scene.


Finally, as with all of our guided movie tours, your experience will be enhanced with a variety of media: videos, photographs, screenshots, soundbites, maps, and/or vintage movie fan magazines. 


Whether you're a seasoned film buff or just looking for a new way to explore the city, Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground promises to inform, entertain, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Chicago's cinematic legacy. 


Don't miss your chance to go underground and behind the scenes of Chicago's film world. Book your tickets now!


NOTE: There is a passing reference to suicide as we discuss Bill Murray's early career here in Chicago.

Movies/TV Highlighted

  • Southside with You (2016)

  • The Dark Knight (2008)

  • The Lake House (2006)

  • Barbershop 2 (2004)

  • What Women Want (2000)

  • The Fugitive (1992)

  • Child's Play (1988)

  • The Untouchables (1987)

  • The Blues Brothers (1980)

  • Medium Cool (1968)

  • Tarzan and His Mate (1934)

  • Stars: Bill Murray, Oprah Winfrey, Dorothy Lamour, Rock Hudson

Public Tour Dates

Friday

Nov 1, 2024

4:00 PM

Private Tours

Book this tour as a private or group tour! The private tour price listed below is a flat fee for up to 8 guests. If you have more than 8 in your party, please contact us to see if we can accommodate you.

Tour Specifics

Start/End Points

The tour starts outside Walgreens, 2 N. State St. (NW corner of State/Madison). The tour ends at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St.


Waivers

Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18.


Low Attendance

To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible public tour, we typically need a minimum of 4 guests. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy, including reasons behind it and your refund options if, in the rare instance, a tour is cancelled due to low attendance.


Parking/Transportation

By Car: Nearby Millennium Garages are located at Grant Park North Garage (25 N. Michigan Ave), Grant Park South Garage (325 S. Michigan Ave) and Millennium Park Garage & Millennium Lakeside Garage (5 S. Columbus Dr). Public Transit 'L': Red Line train to Monroe or Purple/Brown Line to Washington/Wabash.


Accessibility

Guests will need to climb up/down 2-5 sets of stairs. Escalators and elevators are available in some locations.


What to Bring

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain, snow, or shine.


Restrooms

Public restrooms are available at several stops on this tour route.


Children

Guests ages 10 and up can attend.


Photography/Video

No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like!


Cancellations and Refunds

You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions.

What's Included

  • 2-hour journey through Chicago's Loop, including underground and historic locations

  • Expert tour guide commentary, including little-known stories from Hollywood's and Chicago's pasts

  • Guided access inside locations where movies and TV series have filmed 

  • Small group to generate engagement and foster a personalized tour

  • Visual and audio media to enhance your experience

  • Plenty of Instagram opportunities 

  • Mini goodie bags! 💙

Reviews

Charles and Judy

Chicago and Movies Underground

average rating is 5 out of 5
What a fantastic tour of Beneath the Big Screen that my husband and I enjoyed on July 26. We knew some movies were made in Chicago, but not as many that Kelli introduced to our group. Kelli was very detailed as she explained how movies were made — from lighting to how and why various scenes and characters were photographed. Kelli was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very engaging with our group. We highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed!

August 2, 2024

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Saya

Chicago and Movies Underground

average rating is 5 out of 5
Very much enjoyed our movie tour with Kelli! She's warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and a good herder of cattle 😄 (which you need to be when navigating busy downtown especially with folks who aren't used to the city). I'm a lifelong Chicagoan and learned facts and visited places I've never been. Our out of town guests loved seeing the pretty architecture, the underbelly of the city, and where various films were shot. I loved the interactiveness, from the questions to the complementary media, and the getting our steps in but in a way that was accessible to everyone in the group.

July 28, 2024

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Carol

Chicago and Movies Underground

average rating is 5 out of 5
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour Beneath the Big Screen! Kelli is a delightful and knowledgeable tour guide. I learned so much about both Chicago and movies which were filmed here! Would definitely do it again!

July 26, 2024

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