Photos and information about past sites from Open House Chicago starting in 2015 are available in our archive.
About Open House Chicago
Open House 2024 takes place October 19-20 across 22 Chicago neighborhoods.
Open House 2024 takes place October 19-20 across 22 Chicago neighborhoods.
Every October, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is proud to host Open House Chicago (OHC)—a free public festival that instills civic pride through providing access to places of architectural, historical, and cultural significance, and highlights businesses, organizations, and creative leaders making positive impact in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.
OHC remains one of the largest events of its kind in the world. This festival is a part of Open House Worldwide, a network of almost 60 organizations hosting festivals and conversations about architecture, design and cities across the globe.
OHC 2024 is planned for October 19-20. Sites and neighborhoods will be announced mid-September 2024 via our website and the CAC app.
We look forward to seeing you out there!
OHC is a free annual festival hosted by the CAC that offers behind-the-scenes access to buildings of architectural, cultural and historical significance during one weekend in October.
Since 2011, the CAC has produced each Open House Chicago (OHC) festival. The CAC is a nonprofit cultural institution that offers tours, exhibitions, programs and events for all ages.
The CAC's mission is to inspire people to discover why design matters. The CAC collaborates with community partners (such as chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, arts and culture organizations and historical societies) each year to present OHC.
OHC is also made possible through generous support from festival sponsors, donors and government agencies.
OHC is a citywide event, with sites and events distributed throughout multiple neighborhoods, areas and select Chicago suburbs.
OHC sites and neighborhoods represent the cultural diversity and dynamic history of Chicago, as well as the unique character of each community.
CAC staff members curate OHC sites in accordance with multiple criteria. Site consideration and selection may also be informed by each year's festival focus and themes. Proposals for site inclusion are not generally solicited. Subscribe to our newsletter to get timely updates about the CAC's plans for the next OHC.
Divvy, Chicago's bike-sharing system, and CTA buses and trains are great modes of transit during OHC. Many neighborhoods are easily accessible by CTA. Many sites and self-guided tours are typically located within walking distance of one another. For sites and self-guided tours not located along CTA routes, Metra train service is available. Some OHC neighborhoods have free or metered street parking.
Discover captivating events and activities at various OHC sites throughout the weekend. These experiences are designed to celebrate architecture, delve into Chicago's rich history, and showcase local businesses and organizations.
Explore the offerings of each site by visiting their respective pages and viewing the 'Visitor Experience' section.
CAC members receive exclusive benefits and discounts throughout Open House Chicago. More information about specific discounts and benefits can be found here.
If you need a replacement membership card, please call the CAC Call Center at 312.922.8687 or email membership@architecture.org.
OHC is part of the Open House Worldwide family of related events. Open House started in London in 1992 and launched in the United States in 2002 with Open House New York.
Now, more than 50 cities around the world have adopted Open House, creating the first global architecture festival reaching more than 1 million people. Similar events called Doors Open are held annually in cities including Denver, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and Toronto.
Presenting Sponsor
2024 Sponsors
2024 Supporting Sponsors
2024 Artists & Partners