360 Chicago flies high in the sky with a degree of restoration

The John Hancock Center just received a major facelift at 875 North Michigan Avenue for patrons entering the immersive 360 Chicago experience. To enjoy the panoramic view 1,000 feet in the air, guests must purchase tickets on the ground floor. A revamped walk-through exhibition highlighting three of the 77 neighborhoods is where the journey starts for people as they enter. A swiftly moving elevator traveling at 20 miles an hour then takes riders up to the 94th floor of the building.

Upon arrival, the visitors may stroll at their leisure around the 5,000-square-foot space and see four different states in the process. Daredevils may try the Tilt attraction to lean out over the city and then calm their nerves with a spiked cocktail at CloudBar such as the Magnificent Margarita made with reposado tequila. There's even a themed drink titled Feeling Tilt-sy with tied in 360 Vodka and coconut rum poured into a souvenir glass. Wine, beer and cocktails can also be ordered at the bar along with snacks. Separate tickets and inclusive packages are offered at 360chicago.com.

An exclusive cocktail party followed a ribbon cutting on April 25 with managing director Nichole Benolken. Among the esteemed guests were employees of the architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill who contributed to the renovations and Illinois House of Representatives member Kimberly Neely du Buclet blended support. Local Korean artist Katie Chung also attended the festivities to highlight her commissioned display on the premises. Her Chicago-focused mural can currently be found in the CloudWalk section of the top floor.

Festivities included passed appetizers, dessert and a live band.

See the multi-million dollar upgrade for yourself thanks to accommodating hours from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Look for unique opportunities such as yoga classes and happenings times to holidays at 360chicago.com.