Programs & Events at CAC

Don’t miss this special year-end summary of the biggest design and development trends in Chicago with CAC President and CEO Lynn Osmond. Hear about a wide range of transformative projects underway across the city.

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 when they attend eight or more studios.

The school year is a busy time. We’ve combined all your favorite elements from our design studio, exhibits and Mobile Architecture Lab into a full day of architecture and exploration—just for families! Join us from 10am—2pm on the second Saturday…

Creatures of all shapes and sizes have homes. Come learn about different types of homes and build a habitat that is just right for your favorite animal with LEGO^®!

Join us for a special STEM festival designed just for girls ages 11-17! Girls will build, learn and network with professionals from more than 15 different STEM organizations. To register, call 312.922.8687.

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.

The rich architecture of Chicago’s South Side has never truly gotten its due—until now. Join photographer, historian and architecture critic Lee Bey for a look at his new book, “Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago’s South…

Take a guided tour through the CAC to explore technological innovations architects and engineers use to keep building higher, then use your imagination to build your own innovative structure with LEGO^®!

Hear from preservationists and advocates about what went into researching and applying for the World Heritage status that was recently awarded to eight Frank Lloyd Wright sites across the U.S.—including local icons Robie House and Unity Temple.

This six-week scholarship program for girls ages 11-14 will give students a chance to explore the exciting world of interior design, through hands-on projects, interactions with professional designers and behind-the-scenes tours of design firms.

Learn about Adaptable House, a re-imagining of the classic Chicago bungalow as a flexible home that grows with changing family needs. Meet Greg Tamborino, the architect behind the award-winning design, which won the 2019 Disruptive Design competition…

This class, designed for first-time Girls Build! participants, will help female-identifying students ages 11-14 understand architecture essentials. Together we'll use the design process to create a series of architectural plans and a massing model.

Learn how cities move and groove during our annual Engineering Fest! Drop by anytime between 10am—4pm on Feb. 22 and 23 to build and learn, view exhibits, meet engineers and discover systems that move us around Chicago. Ages 12 and younger are FREE…

Chicago is a leader in eco-friendly building design, with civic buildings like libraries and academic facilities often setting the highest bar. Hear architects discuss their newest green projects and explore how the private sector can follow suit.

What are Chicago's most endangered buildings? Find out at the unveiling of Preservation Chicago's 18th annual "Chicago 7" list. The list identifies architecturally significant structures that preservationists hope to save from the wrecking ball.