Art of Structure

Escape on an architectural tour of downtown Peoria courtesy of Arts Partners of Central IL.
View this collection of 41 locations that showcase how important the arts are to our city's past, present and future!

DAY ONE

Arrive at Peoria's City Hall to kick off your tour including stops by:

Peoria Civic Center -Architect Philip Johnson described his plan as being connected by a "necklace of jewels." This four-building complex, with completed renovations, is host to an array of sporting events, conventions, Broadway series performances, concerts and more.

Riverfront Visitors Center - Formerly the John Schwab Grocery and Beer Saloon, the city's oldest commercial building now features helpful volunteers and staff who can provide visitors with directions, maps, event tickets, Peoria merchandise, brochures and more!

Caterpillar World Headquarters - This Peoria Mainstay was built during the "Downtown Renaissance" in the 1960's. Caterpillar will be adding to their architectural history with a new development featuring a state-of-the-art Caterpillar Visitors Center set to be finished in 2012.

Hotel Pere Marquette- A true Peoria landmark since the day it opened, the hotel still features murals of French explorers Fr. Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet.

Scottish Rite Cathedral - Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, 1,018 capacity Gothic-style auditorium with flying buttress design and symbolic stained windows.

Peoria RiverFront District - Bring your day to an end with a stroll along the Riverfront which features music every weekend during the summer months on the CEFCU Center Stage. or, just take in the breathtaking scenery and admire the Peoria Skyline.

DAY TWO

Uptown Peoria - Enjoy a guided tour hosted by the Peoria Historical Society featuring homes and unique neighborhoods of Peoria's earliest residents. Or choose one of their four other tours featuring Peoria's famed past ranging from gangsters to President Lincoln.

Complete your art filled stay with one of our many other indoor art studios:

Contemporary Art Center - A cultural hub featuring art exhibitions, artist studios, poetry nights, blues performances, etc. The list goes on and on. About 20 resident artists are creating art on-site, and you're able to view their workstations...making you a part of the magic! (Admission)

Peoria Art Guild at the Foster Art Center - Founded in 1878, the Peoria Art Guild is the oldest community arts center in the State of Illinois; with a gallery and retail space, featuring works by local, regional, national and international artists in all mediums. The Guild is host to the nationally ranked Annual Fine Arts Fair in downtown Peoria on the riverfront during the autumn season. (Admission)

Toraason Glass- Witness a glass blowing artist in action. Hiram Toraason provides demonstrations of glass blowing for guests, along with a gallery of work to gaze upon and purchase. Groups, please call ahead to schedule a demonstartion. (Admission)