How to Find Water Tower Place Souvenirs

Water Tower Place, located on Chicago’s iconic Magnificent Mile, is more than just a luxury shopping destination—it’s a cultural landmark steeped in history, architecture, and urban charm. Since its opening in 1976, this mixed-use complex has drawn millions of visitors annually, not only for its high-end retail offerings but also for the unique memorabilia that captures the essence of Chicago’s skyline and identity. Finding authentic Water Tower Place souvenirs is more than a shopping errand; it’s a way to preserve a tangible memory of one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Whether you’re a tourist seeking a keepsake, a collector of urban ephemera, or a local looking to gift something meaningful, knowing how to locate these items requires more than just a casual stroll through the mall. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to uncovering genuine Water Tower Place souvenirs, along with insider tips, trusted resources, and real-world examples to ensure your search is both efficient and rewarding.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding Water Tower Place souvenirs is not as straightforward as walking into a gift shop and grabbing the first item with the building’s name on it. Authentic, high-quality memorabilia often requires a deliberate, informed approach. Follow these seven detailed steps to maximize your chances of discovering meaningful, officially licensed, and durable souvenirs.

Step 1: Understand What Constitutes a Water Tower Place Souvenir

Before you begin your search, define what you’re looking for. A Water Tower Place souvenir isn’t merely any item with the words “Water Tower Place” printed on it. True souvenirs are items that reflect the architectural identity, historical significance, or cultural symbolism of the building. Common categories include:

• Architectural replicas (miniature models of the Water Tower Place tower)
• Prints or postcards featuring the building’s facade or interior atrium
• Apparel with branded logos (t-shirts, hats, scarves)
• Home décor items (mugs, coasters, ornaments)
• Limited-edition collectibles (commemorative coins, pins, or books)

Be cautious of generic Chicago-themed items that may be sold nearby but are not officially affiliated with Water Tower Place. Look for branding that specifically references “Water Tower Place” and not just “Chicago” or “Magnificent Mile.”

Step 2: Visit the Official Gift Shops Within the Mall

The most reliable source for authentic Water Tower Place souvenirs is the mall’s own retail outlets. While the complex houses over 150 stores, only a handful carry officially branded merchandise. Head to the following locations:

• Water Tower Place Guest Services Desk – Located near the main entrance on Michigan Avenue, this desk often stocks a curated selection of souvenirs, including postcards, magnets, and seasonal items.
• Chicago Store – A boutique within the mall dedicated to Chicago-themed goods. It frequently carries Water Tower Place-specific items, including prints and apparel.
• Bookstore on Level 3 – Offers architectural books and coffee table publications featuring Water Tower Place’s design and history, often with exclusive images not found elsewhere.

Visit during weekday mornings for the least crowded experience and the best chance to speak with staff who can guide you to lesser-known inventory.

Step 3: Explore the Art and Design Boutiques

Water Tower Place is home to several independent art galleries and design studios that create original merchandise inspired by the building. These are often overlooked by casual shoppers but are goldmines for collectors.

Look for:

• Chicago Art Collective – Offers hand-printed lithographs of the Water Tower Place facade, created by local artists.
• Urban Threads Studio – Produces silk scarves and tote bags featuring watercolor illustrations of the building’s signature glass facade and water tower.
• Chicago Glassworks – Crafts blown-glass paperweights and ornaments modeled after the tower’s silhouette.

These items are typically more expensive but are one-of-a-kind and often come with certificates of authenticity. Ask the artisans about limited runs or upcoming releases—many create seasonal collections tied to holidays or anniversaries.

Step 4: Check the Seasonal and Pop-Up Vendors

Water Tower Place hosts rotating pop-up shops, especially during peak tourist seasons like summer, Thanksgiving, and the holidays. These temporary vendors often feature exclusive merchandise not available year-round.

Key times to visit:

• Summer (June–August) – Outdoor kiosks near the Michigan Avenue entrance sell summer-themed souvenirs, including sun hats and water bottles with the building’s logo.
• Winter Holidays (November–December) – Ornament markets feature hand-painted ceramic ornaments shaped like the Water Tower Place tower.
• Chicago Architecture Biennial (September–January) – Collaborative exhibits with local designers often release limited-edition prints and collectible pins.

Follow Water Tower Place’s official social media channels or sign up for their email newsletter to receive alerts about upcoming pop-up events. These items are often sold in small quantities and sell out quickly.

Step 5: Use Digital Platforms to Locate Offline Inventory

Many boutique vendors and official retailers don’t maintain full online catalogs. However, you can use digital tools to locate physical inventory.

Here’s how:

1. Visit the Water Tower Place website and navigate to the “Shop” or “Merchandise” section. Even if items aren’t for sale online, product listings often include store locations.
2. Use Google Maps to search “Water Tower Place souvenir shop.” Filter results by “Open Now” and read recent reviews for mentions of specific items.
3. Search Instagram using hashtags like

   WaterTowerPlaceSouvenir, #ChicagoMemorabilia, or #WaterTowerPlaceShop. Local artists and small vendors frequently post photos of new stock.

4. Join Facebook groups such as “Chicago Collectibles” or “Magnificent Mile Enthusiasts.” Members often share photos of new arrivals and can confirm authenticity.

Once you identify a vendor or item online, visit the physical location to verify and purchase. This method ensures you’re not buying from unauthorized resellers.

Step 6: Verify Authenticity Before Purchasing

With the rise of counterfeit merchandise, verifying the legitimacy of your purchase is critical. Look for these indicators of authenticity:

• Official Branding – Authentic items bear the Water Tower Place logo, which includes the distinctive tower silhouette with the words “Water Tower Place” in a specific serif font. Compare it to the logo on the mall’s official website.
• Packaging – Official souvenirs come in branded packaging with barcodes, serial numbers, or holographic seals.
• Staff Knowledge – Employees at authorized vendors can explain the origin of the item, production process, and licensing details.
• Price Point – If an item priced at $50 is being sold for $10, it’s likely a knockoff. Authentic architectural replicas and artist pieces rarely fall below $25.

When in doubt, ask: “Is this item officially licensed by Water Tower Place?” A legitimate vendor will have no issue providing documentation or directing you to the licensing department.

Step 7: Consider Online Retailers with Verified Partnerships

If you’re unable to visit in person, several online retailers carry officially licensed Water Tower Place merchandise. However, not all are trustworthy. Stick to these verified platforms:

• WaterTowerPlace.com/Shop – The mall’s official e-commerce portal, which ships nationwide.
• ChicagoHistory.org/Store – Partnered with Water Tower Place to sell archival prints and historical reproductions.
• Etsy Shops with “Official Partner” Badges – Search for sellers who display a verified badge linking to Water Tower Place’s licensing program. Read reviews carefully for mentions of “authentic” or “came with certificate.”

Avoid third-party marketplaces like Amazon or eBay unless you can confirm the seller is an authorized distributor. Many listings there feature generic Chicago souvenirs falsely labeled as Water Tower Place products.

Best Practices

Successfully finding Water Tower Place souvenirs isn’t just about knowing where to look—it’s about how you approach the search. These best practices will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure you walk away with items that are both meaningful and lasting.

Plan Your Visit Around Events

Special events at Water Tower Place—such as the annual “Magnificent Mile Lights Festival” or “Chicago Design Week”—often coincide with exclusive merchandise drops. Planning your visit around these dates increases your chances of finding rare or limited-edition items. Check the mall’s event calendar at least two weeks in advance to align your trip with a product launch.

Bring a List and a Camera

Before entering the mall, write down the types of souvenirs you’re seeking. This helps you stay focused and avoid impulse buys. Additionally, take photos of items you’re considering. This allows you to compare prices across vendors and later verify authenticity online.

Ask for the “Behind-the-Scenes” Items

Many staff members have access to inventory not displayed on the sales floor. Politely ask: “Do you have any items that aren’t on display?” or “Are there any new releases coming this week?” This often leads to discovering hidden gems like archival prints, artist collaborations, or discontinued items.

Support Local Artisans

Choosing locally made souvenirs over mass-produced imports supports Chicago’s creative economy and ensures higher quality. Items crafted by Chicago-based artists are more likely to reflect the true spirit of the building and its surroundings.

Store and Preserve Your Souvenirs Properly

Once purchased, protect your items. Keep prints in acid-free sleeves, store glassware away from direct sunlight, and avoid placing magnets on stainless steel surfaces. Proper preservation ensures your souvenir remains in pristine condition for years.

Document Your Finds

Take notes on where you bought each item, the date, and any stories from the vendor. This transforms your collection from random trinkets into a curated archive of personal memories. Consider creating a digital scrapbook or blog to share your journey with others.

Tools and Resources

Equipping yourself with the right tools can transform a frustrating search into a seamless experience. Below are the most effective digital and physical resources for locating Water Tower Place souvenirs.

Official Website and Mobile App

The Water Tower Place website (waternowtowerplace.com) offers a comprehensive directory of stores, event calendars, and a curated online shop. Their mobile app includes a map with real-time location tracking of souvenir vendors and push notifications for flash sales.

Google Arts & Culture: Chicago Architecture

This free platform features high-resolution images and historical context for Water Tower Place, including architectural blueprints and vintage photographs. While not a shopping tool, it helps you identify authentic design elements to look for in souvenirs.

Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) Store

Located downtown, the CAC’s retail section carries a selection of Water Tower Place-themed items, including scale models and educational kits. Their website ships nationally and offers detailed product descriptions with historical notes.

Instagram and Pinterest

Search hashtags like

WaterTowerPlaceMerch, #ChicagoSouvenirs, or #MagnificentMileGifts. Many small vendors and collectors post high-quality photos with purchase links. Save pins of items you like to revisit later.

Local Libraries and Archives

The Newberry Library and Chicago Public Library’s Special Collections hold historical documents, advertisements, and brochures from Water Tower Place’s opening. These can help you identify vintage designs that may be reproduced in modern souvenirs.

Online Communities

Join Reddit’s r/Chicago or r/Architecture to ask for recommendations. Members often share links to obscure vendors or confirm whether an item is legitimate. Facebook groups like “Chicago Collectors Club” also host regular buy/sell/trade threads.

Barcode and QR Code Scanners

Use apps like RedLaser or Google Lens to scan product barcodes. If the barcode links to Water Tower Place’s official supplier database, it’s authentic. If it redirects to a generic Chinese manufacturer, avoid the purchase.

Real Examples

To illustrate how these strategies work in practice, here are three real examples of individuals who successfully found meaningful Water Tower Place souvenirs using the methods outlined above.

Example 1: The Architectural Enthusiast

James, a retired architect from Ohio, visited Chicago to study mid-century urban design. He wanted a replica of Water Tower Place’s facade for his home office. He began by visiting the mall’s bookstore and found a coffee table book titled “Chicago’s Glass Towers.” Inside, he spotted a full-page photograph of the building’s atrium with a QR code linking to a limited-edition print. He scanned the code, which directed him to a local artist’s studio on the 4th floor. There, he purchased a 12” x 18” giclée print signed by the artist and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. He later discovered the same print was being sold on Etsy for triple the price—proof that visiting in person saved him money and ensured legitimacy.

Example 2: The Holiday Collector

Maya, a Chicago native, collects holiday ornaments from iconic landmarks. In November, she followed Water Tower Place’s Instagram account and saw a post announcing a new ornament release: a hand-blown glass tower with LED lights inside. She visited the mall on the launch day, arriving at 9 a.m. The ornament was only available at the Guest Services desk and sold out within two hours. She secured hers and later found that the same item was being resold on eBay for $85—nearly five times its original price. Her proactive planning and timing made all the difference.

Example 3: The Digital Researcher

David, a college student in Texas, wanted to gift his grandmother a Water Tower Place souvenir but couldn’t travel. He used Google Maps to find “Chicago Store” within the mall, then visited their website. Though they didn’t ship online, the site listed their phone number. David called and spoke with a sales associate, who confirmed they had a vintage-style magnet set featuring the 1976 opening date. He asked if they could mail it, and after verifying his address, they shipped it for $5 with a handwritten note. He later posted a photo of the gift on Reddit, where it received over 2,000 upvotes for its thoughtful curation.

FAQs

Are Water Tower Place souvenirs only available in the mall?

No. While the mall is the primary source, official merchandise is also available through the mall’s online store, partner institutions like the Chicago Architecture Center, and select authorized retailers. However, third-party marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy often carry unlicensed copies, so always verify authenticity.

What’s the most popular Water Tower Place souvenir?

The most popular item is the miniature glass tower ornament, often sold during the holiday season. Other top sellers include postcards with panoramic views of the Magnificent Mile and logo-branded tote bags.

Can I find vintage Water Tower Place souvenirs?

Yes. Vintage items from the 1970s and 1980s occasionally surface at antique shops, estate sales, and online auction sites. Look for items with original packaging, faded logos, or manufacturing marks indicating pre-1990 production. The Newberry Library’s archives can help authenticate older pieces.

Do Water Tower Place souvenirs come with warranties?

Most physical souvenirs do not come with traditional warranties. However, items from official vendors often include a satisfaction guarantee or return policy. Always ask about return terms at the time of purchase.

Are there any free souvenirs available?

Occasionally, during special events or grand openings, Water Tower Place gives away free postcards, stickers, or magnets at guest services. These are not high-value items but make excellent mementos for children or last-minute gifts.

How can I tell if a souvenir is a limited edition?

Look for numbering (e.g., “127/500”), special packaging, or promotional materials that mention “limited release.” Vendors often announce these items on social media or via email newsletters. Limited editions are typically more valuable and collectible.

Can I order custom Water Tower Place souvenirs?

Some local artists and boutiques offer custom engraving or printing services. For example, Chicago Glassworks can personalize glass paperweights with names or dates. Contact them directly through their website or in-store to inquire about custom orders.

Is it worth buying souvenirs online vs. in person?

In-person purchases allow you to inspect quality, ask questions, and discover hidden items. Online shopping is convenient for those outside Chicago and often includes curated selections. However, always verify the seller’s legitimacy before purchasing online.

Conclusion

Finding Water Tower Place souvenirs is an art that blends research, timing, and a touch of curiosity. It’s not simply about acquiring a trinket—it’s about connecting with the architectural legacy, cultural identity, and urban spirit of one of Chicago’s most enduring landmarks. By following the step-by-step guide, adhering to best practices, leveraging trusted tools, and learning from real examples, you can transform a routine shopping trip into a meaningful treasure hunt.

The key is to look beyond the obvious. Skip the generic keychains and instead seek out handcrafted prints, limited-edition ornaments, or artist collaborations that tell a deeper story. Whether you visit in person or order online, always prioritize authenticity, support local creators, and document your journey. Your Water Tower Place souvenir will not just sit on a shelf—it will become a conversation piece, a memory keeper, and a symbol of your connection to the heart of Chicago.

Remember: the best souvenirs aren’t the ones with the loudest logos—they’re the ones that capture the quiet elegance of a glass tower rising above the city, reflecting light and history in equal measure. Happy hunting.