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.
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a non-profit organization that inspires people to discover why design matters.
Constructing Hope: Ukraine
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.
HELP US WIN BEST BOAT TOUR
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.
The Cruise that Puts Architecture First
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.
River cruise tickets on sale now!
City Tours
- Bus
Devil in the White City
Step back in time to the 1893 World’s Fair with a tour that highlights Chicago’s historic architecture and the fascinating stories behind it. - Walking
Gold Coast: Astor Street
Discover the architectural treasures of the Astor Street Historic District, one of Chicago's most affluent neighborhoods. - Walking
Lakeshore Living: Steel and Stone
See the evolution of deluxe residential buildings in and around Streeterville, from stately stone mansions to sleek glass high-rises. - Walking
Lights, Camera, Architecture!
Visit buildings featured in famous films and learn about Chicago's film industry.
Empowering the future of Chicago
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.
Open House Chicago is Back!
Open House Chicago Photo Competition
competition detailsWhether 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.
How was your Open House experience?
Take the surveyWe 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
Plan your visit
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions- March 10 - September 1
Constructing Hope: Ukraine
This exhibition 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. - June 23 - October 26
The Prize is the Beginning
Illuminating Architectural Excellence Through the Americas Prize.
Exhibitions
Built on Belief
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.
Behind the Exhibition
Learn more about Chicago Architecture Center's newest exhibition, Constructing Hope: Ukraine from one of the curators, Sasha Topolnytska.
Upcoming program
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
DESIGN STORE
The CAC Design Store offers a curated collection design-centered items including books, apparel, and gifts.
Louis Sullivan Ornamental Designs Notecards
$16.95
$14.41 member price
Frank Lloyd Wright Chevron Earrings
$39.95
$33.96 member price
The greatest gift
VolunteerGive your time and talent to the CAC as a volunteer docent, exhibit host or education guide.
Support the future of design
DonateThe 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.