VISIT THE CENTER

Learn how Chicago became “the city of architecture” and explore how design can shape the cities of tomorrow.

Buy Center Tickets

Learn how Chicago became “the city of architecture” and explore how design can shape the cities of tomorrow.

Buy Center Tickets
  • business impact of the year

  • AIA national design award for interior architecture

  • top five best new attractions

Location & Hours

Near the corner of Michigan & Wacker

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Dock
112 E. Wacker Drive, chicago, IL 60601
Map of downtown Chicago with icon for CAC and River Cruise DockMap of downtown Chicago with icon for CAC and River Cruise Dock
  • Sun - Thu

    9 AM - 5 PM

  • Fri - Sat

    9 AM - 7 PM

Holiday hours
The center is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. It closes early at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Admission Price

Center admission is included in the price of all walking and bus tours. Discounted CAC admission is available with the purchase of a River Cruise ticket.

Adults

$14

Students (With ID)

$10*

Children 5 & Under

FREE

*Student discount available when purchasing center tickets in person.

MEMBERS GET FREE ADMISSION!

CENTER MAP

Our center map helps visitors plan for their visit ahead of time

Download PDF
Screenshot of CAC's center floorplanScreenshot of CAC's center floorplan
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Accessibility & Safety

The Chicago Architecture Center welcomes all visitors and is committed to making its offerings feel safe and accessible to everyone.

Accessibility
CAC Store; Photo Credit_ James Steinkamp; Courtesy of CAC 1CAC Store; Photo Credit_ James Steinkamp; Courtesy of CAC 1

CAC Design Store

Books, home decor, gifts, and apparel. Find the perfect gift for Chicago, architecture and design enthusiasts.

Visit our Online Store
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Neighborhood Partners

CAC members and ticket-holders can save on hotels, restaurants and many other offerings around Chicago.

Meet our partners
View of the Center from outsideView of the Center from outside

WHERE THE STORIES OF THE CITY BEGIN

Our riverfront location is in the heart of the city, where Michigan Avenue meets the Chicago River, featuring nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space filled with super-sized models—and views—of iconic skyscrapers.
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Center Highlights

LEARN AT THE CENTER
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    Learn how Chicago became “the city of architecture” with exhibits about its many diverse neighborhoods, housing types, leading architects and current projects

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    Discover Chicago’s continued leading role in the design of tall buildings that have changed skylines around the world

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    Explore how design can shape and sustain the cities of tomorrow and imagine what urban life will look like in 2050

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    Interact with the Chicago City Model Experience, an incredibly detailed, three-dimensional cityscape activated by special effects and a short film