Featured Program
Too Big To Fail: Revitalizing Our Iconic Skyscrapers
Many of the most recognizable tall buildings dotting our skylines are more than 50 years old. How do…
Programs & Events at CAC
At Chicago Architecture Center, our programs and events help you think differently about the places we live, work and play. Get behind-the-scenes access to the city's architectural treasures. Practice your design skills while you play with your family. Participate in expert-led discussions about the latest urban design issues. With these offerings and so many more to choose from, we guarantee there’s something inspiring and fun for you at CAC.
Recommended Programs
Adult Programs
With our focused lectures, members-only events, classes for adult learners and much more, CAC brings you inspiring new ways to stay engaged with Chicago’s architecture and built environment.
Kids, Families & Teens
Dive into the design process with a CAC camp or studio visit. Or have fun with your family as you read, build a project and hone your creative problem-solving skills.
Special Events
Don't miss these once a year or one-time-only special events. Get to know CAC through festivals, members events, exhibition openings and more.
Adult Programs
With our focused lectures, members-only events, classes for adult learners and much more, CAC brings you inspiring new ways to stay engaged with Chicago’s architecture and built environment.
4 Programs in this collection
Too Big To Fail: Revitalizing Our Iconic Skyscrapers
Many of the most recognizable tall buildings dotting our skylines are more than 50 years old. How do…
Daytime Talk: Building the New Chicago City Model
The newly expanded Chicago City Model Experience features more than 4,000 buildings and interactive elements…
Design Dialogues: The Changing Face of Downtown Retail
What are signs of change on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile? Hear why new experiments in branded design—like…
The Best (and Worst) of Architecture and Design in 2018
From the birth of a "Me Too" movement in architecture to the death of icon Robert Venturi, it's been…
Kids, Families & Teens
Dive into the design process with a CAC camp or studio visit. Or have fun with your family as you read, build a project and hone your creative problem-solving skills.
Special Events
Don't miss these once a year or one-time-only special events. Get to know CAC through festivals, members events, exhibition openings and more.
3 Programs in this collection
Members Only: Tour the Willis Tower Transformation
This members-only tour will take you behind-the-scenes of Willis Tower’s ongoing restorative transformation…
Members Only: Family Gingerbread House Workshop
Bring the whole family to the CAC to build a Chicago-inspired gingerbread house! Get a mini-tour of our…
Members Only: Architecture Essentials - Jan. 15
Chicago is synonymous with architecture and Chicagoans—especially CAC members—love to share their…
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Family Build: Bridges
Chicago is the birthplace of skyscrapers, but it's also known for its innovative bridges. We'll learn about three types of bridges and how engineers built them. We'll also build our own bridges and test their strength.
Guest Lecture: Short Cuts: Alternative Infrastructures in Hong Kong and Chicago
During this special guest lecture organized by quarterly urbanism journal MAS Context, architect Jonathan Solomon will explore the roles that underground pedestrian networks play in two very different cities: Hong Kong and Chicago.
Docent Application Information Session - Nov. 27
Applications for the docent class of 2019 will open Dec. 4, 2018. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the requirements of becoming a docent. No RSVP is required.
Members Only: Tour the Willis Tower Transformation
This members-only tour will take you behind-the-scenes of Willis Tower’s ongoing restorative transformation project. See plans for new tenant amenity spaces and hear from key players involved in the project.
Daytime Talk: Building the New Chicago City Model
The newly expanded Chicago City Model Experience features more than 4,000 buildings and interactive elements that help visitors interpret and understand the city. Come learn how the model was made and hear stories about the work behind the upgrades.
Teen Open Studio - Nov. 29
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback and guidance on independent or competition projects. CPS students are eligible for a stipend.
Too Big To Fail: Revitalizing Our Iconic Skyscrapers
Many of the most recognizable tall buildings dotting our skylines are more than 50 years old. How do we ensure these icons remain operable, profitable and vital to our cities for years to come? When does it make sense to tear down and build anew?
Docent Application Information Session - Dec. 3
Applications for the docent class of 2019 will open Dec. 4, 2018. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the requirements of becoming a docent. No RSVP is required.
Teen Open Studio - Dec. 6
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback and guidance on independent or competition projects. CPS students are eligible for a stipend.
The Best (and Worst) of Architecture and Design in 2018
From the birth of a "Me Too" movement in architecture to the death of icon Robert Venturi, it's been a busy year in architecture design. CAC contributor Reed Kroloff will provide a lively and unorthodox review of important events in the field that occurred…
Members Only: Family Gingerbread House Workshop
Bring the whole family to the CAC to build a Chicago-inspired gingerbread house! Get a mini-tour of our Chicago Gallery and learn about iconic Chicago housing types from an expert. This family-friendly workshop is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Design Dialogues: The Changing Face of Downtown Retail
What are signs of change on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile? Hear why new experiments in branded design—like the eye-catching Burberry store and the Starbucks Reserve Roastery—appeal to today’s consumers.
Teen Open Studio - Dec. 13
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback and guidance on independent or competition projects. CPS students are eligible for a stipend.
Docent Application Information Session - Dec. 15
Applications for the docent class of 2019 will open Dec. 4, 2018. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the requirements of becoming a docent. No RSVP is required.
Members Only: Architecture Essentials - Jan. 15
Chicago is synonymous with architecture and Chicagoans—especially CAC members—love to share their knowledge of architecture with family and friends. Come learn fun architecture facts you can share again and again at this members-only event.