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.
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER
The CAC showcases Chicago and ideas from cities worldwide to inspire better living through design.
Open House Chicago is Back!
OHC Hotel Partners
Spend a weekend exploring the city of architecture and take advantage of discounted rates at our partner hotels for the weekend of October 17-19.
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.
Engineering Fest 2026
Join us on February 28 for CAC’s biggest annual family event, where young people are invited to design and build alongside professionals.
City Tours
- Bus
Historic Route 66 by Bus
Hit the road on one of America’s first federal highways for a day of history, photos and kitschy roadside architecture.
- Bus
The Great Chicago Fire
Follow the route of the spread of the Great Chicago Fire and immerse yourself in its true story during this exclusive tour by bus. - Bus
Architectural Highlights by Bus
Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture on a bus tour from the Loop through historic neighborhoods along the lakefront and the South Side’s Parks and Boulevard system. - Bus
Beautiful Bungalows of Berwyn
Join the Chicago Architecture Center on a bus tour exploring the beautiful bungalows of Berwyn.
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 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.
FILM FEST 2025
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!
Open House Chicago
Save the date, OHC returns October 18-19 with 200+ sites across 25 neighborhoods.
Exhibitions
Plan your visit
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions- April 13 - February 28
Currents: 60 Years of the Chicago Architecture Center
Discover key ways the CAC has shaped the city's past, present and future across its 60-year history of innovation, advocacy and design. - March 30 - May 25
Here to Stay: Architecture After Arrival
How does a city build for permanence in an age of displacement? This is the question explored by three visionary architectural proposals in this exhibition.
Exhibitions
Celebrating 60 Years
For the past 60 years, the Chicago Architecture Center has taken on the challenges and opportunities of the moment — rising to meet them in ways that have left an enduring legacy on Chicago.
The New Game Plan for Urban Stadiums
With five professional sports teams pursuing new stadiums simultaneously, Chicago has a chance to rethink how we craft a win-win for our teams and our communities.
Behind the Exhibition
Learn more about Chicago Architecture Center's newest exhibition, Constructing Hope: Ukraine from one of the curators, Sasha Topolnytska.
Empowering the future of Chicago
The CAC offers design education to students from Pre-K to adults. With your support, we can continue to empower Chicagoans to shape a more equitable, sustainable vibrant city. Learn more about what the CAC offers. Watch the video.
DESIGN STORE
Get your holiday shopping started at the CAC!
Discover design-forward gifts, books, and apparel at the CAC Design Store. Member discounts increase from 15% to 20%, Nov 22 – Dec 31.
Chicago 1893 The City Beautiful Tile Game
$39.95
$33.96 member price
Chicago Connection Holiday Cards - Set of 8
$17.95
$15.26 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.