-
Idea
Daniel Burnham creates the "Master Plan of Chicago" which originally envisioned five piers. Eventually, only one 1.5 mile long recreational pier with freight and passenger ship docking facilities was commissioned to be built near the mouth of the Chicago River. -
Creation
Construction begins under the direction of the nationally known architect Charles Sumner Frost. Completed in two years, construction of the Pier costs $4.5 million. -
Grand Opening
Municipal Pier opens to the public. It is the only pier to combine the business of shipping with the pleasure of public entertainment. -
Period: to
War
When the U.S. enters World War I, the Pier houses several regiments of soldiers, Red Cross and Home Defense units as well as a barracks for recruits. -
Renaming
Municipal Pier is officially renamed Navy Pier as a tribute to Navy personnel who served during World War -
World's Fair
Century of Progress Exposition (World's Fair) on the lakefront draws 1,500 conventions and 1.5 million visitors. -
Widened
The Pier was widened by 100 feet with the construction of the South Dock. At its peak in 1964, Navy Pier handled 250 overseas vessels annually and was one of the greatest inland ports in the world. -
Circle Campus
The University of Illinois moves from Navy Pier to its new Circle Campus, just west of the city. -
Period: to
McCormick
After McCormick Place re-opened, Navy Pier falls into disuse. -
Period: to
Disuse
After McCormick Place re-opened, Navy Pier falls into disuse. -
Landmark
City Hall designated Navy Pier as a Chicago Landmark. -
Period: to
ChicagoFest
Navy Pier hosts ChicagoFest, drawing millions of visitors with music, food and entertainment. -
Improvements
As part of the $150 million Navy Pier redevelopment project, improvements are made to nearly every aspect of the Pier. The 1,500-seat outdoor Skyline Stage opens to the public. -
Re-opened
The newly renovated Navy Pier re-opened, featuring a mix of year-round entertainment, shops, restaurants, attractions and exhibition facilities. -
1st
Navy Pier celebrates its first anniversary. -
Circus
Navy Pier hosts Cirque Shanghai, a crowd-pleasing performance of Chinese acrobats and contortionists that draws tens of thousands of visitors to the Pepsi Skyline Stage. -
Yummy!
Three major tenants joined the Navy Pier family, providing exciting new dining options for our customers – Harry Caray's Tavern at Navy Pier, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, and Jamba Juice. -
10th
Navy Pier's Winter WonderFest, one of Chicago's most popular holiday festivals, marks its 10th anniversary.
