Perched atop the iconic Willis Tower (still fondly called the Sears Tower by many locals), the Skydeck Chicago offers more than just a dizzying view.1 Here are some secrets and fascinating facts you might not know about this thrilling vantage point:
1. It Was a Record-Breaker: When the Willis Tower (then Sears Tower) opened in 1973, it was the tallest building in the world, a title it held for nearly 25 years. The Skydeck followed shortly after, opening in 1974, immediately becoming a major attraction.2
2. The Ledge Was Inspired by Foreheads: Believe it or not, the idea for The Ledge, those terrifyingly wonderful glass boxes extending 4.3 feet out from the building, came from the numerous forehead prints visitors would leave on the Skydeck windows as they leaned out for a better view.3
3. Engineering Marvel: Each of The Ledge’s glass boxes weighs a staggering 7,500 pounds and is made of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated together.4 They are designed to withstand five tons of pressure.5 For cleaning and maintenance, these boxes can even retract back into the building.6
4. More Than Just a View: The Skydeck isn’t just about looking out. A multimillion-dollar renovation in recent years introduced a world-class interactive museum on the lower level.7 This museum takes visitors on a journey through Chicago’s history, architecture, sports, pop culture, food, and music, offering a “one-stop Chicago” experience.8
5. See Four States: On a clear day, the panoramic views from the Skydeck’s 103rd floor (1,353 feet high!) extend up to 50 miles, allowing you to see across four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
6. Highest Bathrooms in the Western Hemisphere: Here’s a quirky fact: the restrooms on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower are the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Talk about a view from the loo!
7. Fast Elevators: The elevators that whisk you up to the Skydeck are some of the fastest in the world, reaching the 103rd floor in about 60 seconds. Be prepared for your ears to pop!
8. It Sways: The Willis Tower was designed to sway in the wind – up to three feet from the center!9 However, the average sway is only about six inches, so you likely won’t feel it. This flexibility is crucial for a building of its height to withstand wind pressure.
9. Robotic Window Washers: Keeping those 16,100 windows clean is no small feat. The Willis Tower employs six roof-mounted robotic window washing machines to do the job.10
10. A Star in Film: The Skydeck played a memorable role in the iconic movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” where the characters famously pressed their foreheads against the glass. Many visitors still try to recreate this scene.
11. LEED Platinum Certified: The Willis Tower is a leader in sustainability and has achieved LEED Platinum certification by implementing upgrades to its HVAC system, lighting, and other features.11
12. Still a Chicago Icon: Despite the name change to Willis Tower in 2009, many Chicagoans still affectionately refer to it as the Sears Tower, a testament to its long history and place in the city’s heart.12
So, the next time you visit Chicago, don’t just go to the Skydeck for the breathtaking views. Remember these secrets and fascinating facts that make this iconic landmark a truly thrilling and unique experience.