The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a non-profit organization that inspires people to discover why design matters.
Visit this new exhibition that explores short and long term reconstruction efforts in Ukraine bringing together a wide range of grassroots projects to illustrate how architecture can foster mutual aid and facilitate crucial support networks for entire communities.
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady has been nominated for Best Boat Tour in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. With your support, CAC can win #1! Vote daily now through May 26 to help us secure the top spot.
Whatever architectural style floats your boat, you can see and learn more about it from our passionate, informative docents aboard the river's finest vessels.
As programs like Teen Fellows grow, so does our impact on tomorrow's architects, designers, and builders. With your support, we can continue to empower young people to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant Chicago. Watch the video.
This popular free annual festival, hosted by the CAC, returns Oct 19-20 providing the public with access to places of architectural, historical, and cultural significance.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a hobbyist with a camera phone, this is your chance to show off your best photos taken while exploring Open House Chicago sites. See competition details.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a hobbyist with a camera phone, this is your chance to show off your best photos taken while exploring Open House Chicago sites. Submit your entries by October 27.
We hope you enjoyed exploring the city with us. Please take our survey to tell us about your experience. And save the date for Oct 18-19, 2025!
Exhibitions
The CAC is seeking a site partner to collaborate on a year-long public project that explores the intersections of architecture, religion, and spirituality; expanding public access to Chicago’s rich religious heritage.
Learn more about Chicago Architecture Center's newest exhibition, Constructing Hope: Ukraine from one of the curators, Sasha Topolnytska.
On April 23, join us for Constructing Housing During Crisis: Ukraine, a discussion of the role of temporary housing as a place of care and healing during the ongoing crisis. This program is hosted in collaboration with the exhibition Constructing Hope: Ukraine which is currently on view in the CAC’s Skyscraper Gallery through September 1, 2025
June 9, 2025
Since the summer of 2024, Williams has been one of four docents to take visitors on a walking tour of what was once called Circle Campus. She’s th…
July 3, 2025
I have lived in New York most of my life, but I was born in Chicago and I try to get back at least once a year. I w…
July 8, 2025
Chicago is not just a big city. It’s a big deal. It is a story of strength, vision, talent and grit that you truly have to see to appreciate. Than…
The CAC Design Store offers a curated collection design-centered items including books, apparel, and gifts.
$16.95
$14.41 member price
$39.95
$33.96 member price
Give your time and talent to the CAC as a volunteer docent, exhibit host or education guide.
The CAC relies on donors like you to help fund our design education programs. We're grateful for every one-time contributor and life-long supporter.
