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Members Get More

Becoming a member is more than just gaining access to exclusive perks, it's your opportunity to actively support the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and its vital mission.

Member login

Becoming a member is more than just gaining access to exclusive perks, it's your opportunity to actively support the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and its vital mission.

Member login

Member Benefits

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    Show Your Support

    Become a vital partner in inspiring others to discover why design matters, including providing access to our acclaimed youth education programs

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    Unlock Exclusive Benefits

    Enjoy exclusive benefits like members-only events, discounts on tours and programs and much more

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    Be part of a community

    Meet other architecture and design enthusiasts dedicated to shaping the future of our city and beyond

All members receive:

To receive member benefits, the tour or program date you book must fall within your membership validity period. Otherwise, renew today.

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† Dual and Family memberships are not tax-deductible. Individual, Deco, Beaux Arts and Burnham Society memberships are tax-deductible only to the extent allowed by law. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) and IRA distributions may not be used to purchase memberships. 

*River Cruise ticket benefits are valid for 1 redemption per membership year. Benefits are not valid on departures after 5 p.m. and are available on select Friday and Saturday departures. The River Cruise benefit is available exclusively to CAC members and is not included with NARM reciprocal benefits. See the Membership FAQ or call 312.922.8687 for details. 

**Students and educators with valid ID receive 15% off all memberships by calling 312.922.8687 or visiting the CAC Box Office.

For more information on our Premier, Select and Essential walking tours, visit the Walking Tour FAQ page.

Two teens with red t-shirts working on a building projectTwo teens with red t-shirts working on a building project

Burnham Society Membership

Named after legendary architect and Chicago city planner Daniel H. Burnham, the Burnham Society was formed to help the CAC achieve its mission to advance public interest in Chicago's magnificent architecture.

Burnham Society members give $1,500 or more annually*. 

  • Burnham Society - $1,500 - $2,999
  • Burnham Society Leader - $3,000-$4,999
  • Burnham Society Benefactor - $5,000 +

*Burnham Society memberships are tax deductible only to the extent allowed by law.

See benefits and details

What Our Members Have to Say

    • Photo courtesy of CAC/ Anna MunzesheimerThree people on a city street. One in a red docent t-shirt is pointing off screen. Photo courtesy of CAC/ Anna MunzesheimerThree people on a city street. One in a red docent t-shirt is pointing off screen.
      All of the CAC docents are amazing. As a geographer, the urban and built environment are important topics. I (we) have learned so much about the city from these folks.
      CAC Member
    • A panel of 4 men and 1 woman in front of a projector screen. The man on the right is standing and holding a microphone. A panel of 4 men and 1 woman in front of a projector screen. The man on the right is standing and holding a microphone.
      Your virtual programs and their hosts and participants are SUPERB!! Especially for those of us with hearing impairment, these programs and the option for closed captioning are a godsend.
      CAC Member
    • A group of people outside. The center figure is a blond woman in a red CAC polo shirt. Photo courtesy of CAC/ Anna MunzesheimerA group of people outside. The center figure is a blond woman in a red CAC polo shirt. Photo courtesy of CAC/ Anna Munzesheimer
      We visit whenever we are in town and love the walking tours!
      CAC Member

FAQS

  • Whether you're joining for the first time or renewing your membership, your CAC Membership Card(s) will be sent by email 3-5 days after you join or renew.

  • iPhone users: 

    1. Open the email containing your digital card from your iPhone
    2. Tap “Download Your Digital Card”
    3. Tap “Add to Wallet,” then “Add”
    4. The card will automatically be loaded into your iPhone’s Apple Wallet where it can be accessed at any time.

    Android users: 

    1. Open the email containing your digital card from your smartphone
    2. Tap “Download”
    3. The card will automatically be loaded into your designated Wallet application, where it can be accessed at any time


  • Please check your junk, spam, trash and updates folder for an email from membership@architecture.org, which will include a link to download your card. If you are still unable to find your digital card invitation, please contact us at 312.651.2110 or email our Membership team. We can resend the email for you to download and enjoy your digital membership card.

  • We automatically create an account for you using the email address you provided us when you purchased your membership. Go to the member account sign-in  page, enter your email address and click on “Forgot password?” to create a password. 

  • Individual, Dual and Family memberships are not tax deductible. Deco, Beaux Arts and all Burnham Society levels are tax deductible only to the extent allowed by law. Members may not use donor-advised funds (DAFs) to purchase memberships.

See more membership FAQs
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    volunteer with us

    Be a part of Chicago's architectural past, present and future in a volunteer role at the CAC.

    Volunteer
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    have any questions?

    We're here to help. Contact the Center for more information and assistance.

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