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The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a non-profit organization that inspires people to discover why design matters.

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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.

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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. 

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Cruise boat full of tourists with Chicago flag flying. Gold and green and gold graphic as backgroundCruise boat full of tourists with Chicago flag flying. Gold and green and gold graphic as background

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.

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FILM FEST 2025

Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2025
Jan 29 - Feb 2, the CAC will host the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), featuring 13 full-length screenings across two downtown venues. Many showings will also include Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.
View all films
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A large passenger boat going down the Chicago river with skyscrapers in the surroundingsA large passenger boat going down the Chicago river with skyscrapers in the surroundings

River cruise tickets on sale now!

Experience the best—ranked the #1 boat tour in the U.S. by USA Today readers and named Chicago Reader’s Best Tour & Best Outdoor Tourist Attraction! Our 2025 season launches on March 16.
Secure your spot today

City Tours

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Open House Chicago is Back!

Oct 19-20, 2024
On October 19-20, CAC will be hosting Open House Chicago, an annual free public festival that provides access to places of architectural, historical, and cultural significance, and highlights businesses, organizations, and creative leaders making positive impact in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.
Explore the 2024 sites
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    Open House Chicago Photo Competition

    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.

    competition details
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    How was your Open House experience?

    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!

    Take the survey
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Open House Chicago

Save the date, OHC returns October 18-19 with 200+ sites across 25 neighborhoods.

Learn More
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Exhibitions

Plan your visit

Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

Exhibitions

screenshot of a video with Chicago Park District Headquartersscreenshot of a video with Chicago Park District Headquarters

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.

Support us
Soldier Field looking south. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Sea CowSoldier Field looking south. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Sea Cow

Stadium Working Group

The CAC has convened a group of 20 civic, business and industry leaders to rethink the model of how professional sports franchises and government collaborate such that everybody wins.

Inside of a dimly lit church with symmetrical pews and lit altar in focusInside of a dimly lit church with symmetrical pews and lit altar in focus

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.

Submit a proposal
Inside of a dimly lit church with symmetrical pews and lit altar in focusInside of a dimly lit church with symmetrical pews and lit altar in focus
Image of a woman with short brown hair in a colorful sweater smiling.Image of a woman with short brown hair in a colorful sweater smiling.

Behind the Exhibition

Learn more about Chicago Architecture Center's newest exhibition, Constructing Hope: Ukraine from one of the curators, Sasha Topolnytska.

Watch the video
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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

See program details
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DESIGN IN CHICAGO

IN THE NEWS
People walk past the Carbide & Carbon Building in Chicago’s Loop, July 29, 2025, where the Pendry Hotel is located.People walk past the Carbide & Carbon Building in Chicago’s Loop, July 29, 2025, where the Pendry Hotel is located.

August 17, 2025

Many historic buildings carry on legacy by serving as hotels

In Carl Sandburg’s famous 1914 poem “Chicago,” he praised the Windy City for its hardworking “Big Shoulders.” He might also have lauded the city’s…

Man in a green hat and woman with glasses in a blue button up looking down at papers on a table. Man in a green hat and woman with glasses in a blue button up looking down at papers on a table.

July 29, 2025

This Free Program Is Teaching Chicago Residents How to Have a Voice in Urban Planning

To many, urban planning feels like a mystery — something happening in the background until one day you wake up and …

Tour group in an art deco building interior with gold elevator doorsTour group in an art deco building interior with gold elevator doors

August 19, 2025

The city’s skyline, one story at a time

From towering glass skyscrapers to century-old landmarks, Chicago’s skyline tells the story of innovation and resilience. A riverboat or walking t…

Online Resources

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DESIGN STORE

The CAC Design Store offers a curated collection design-centered items including books, apparel, and gifts.

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Louis Sullivan Ornamental Designs Notecards

$16.95

$14.41 member price

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Frank Lloyd Wright Chevron Earrings

$39.95

$33.96 member price

members get more

As a Chicago Architecture Center member, you'll have access to exclusive tours, programs and event year-round. Explore our many benefits.
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MEMBERSHIP
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Free Essential Walking Tours
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Discounts on virtual programs
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Free admission to the Chicago Architecture Center
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66% off Premier Walking Tours
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Invitations to exclusive members-only events
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Priority Access Passes to skip the line during Open House Chicago
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    The greatest gift

    Give your time and talent to the CAC as a volunteer docent, exhibit host or education guide.

    Volunteer
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    Support the future of design

    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.

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