Seeing the City: 50 Years of the Chicago Architecture Foundation

In 1966, an army of allies united to protect and promote Chicago’s architectural heritage. Today, that group—now known as the Chicago Architecture Foundation—uses the city as the lens through which we help the public understand why design matters.

CAF has come a long way in the 50 years since its beginnings in the landmark Glessner House on Prairie Avenue. Our world-renowned docent program offers rigorous training for the dedicated volunteers that lead thousands of architecture tours each year. The Chicago Model draws visitors from around the world to its bird’s-eye view of the Loop. And our award-winning education programs encourage students to explore careers as architects, engineers, designers and change-makers.

With its "Seeing the City" exhibition, open now through December 31, 2016, CAF invites you to dive deeper into our history and get a glimpse of where our future is headed.