Featured Program
Designing a More Livable City with Henning Larsen
What can architects do to keep rapidly growing urban areas livable? How can they create more sustainable…
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.
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.
2 Programs in this collection
The Versatile Skyscraper of the Future
What does the future hold for skyscrapers? We’ll take a look at buildings with flexible floor plates…
Designing a More Livable City with Henning Larsen
What can architects do to keep rapidly growing urban areas livable? How can they create more sustainable…
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.
4 Programs in this collection
Chicago Architecture Biennial Family Festival - November 2019
Join us at our Biennial Family Festival from noon to 4pm! We invite families with children ages 5-12…
Read + Build Early Childhood Camp
We invite our littlest learners to listen to a story, create an art project, build and learn at this…
Family Day
The school year is a busy time. We’ve combined all your favorite elements from our design studio, exhibits…
Gingerbread Bungalows with Pastry Chef Gale Gand
Build a gingerbread house inspired by Chicago’s bungalows! Tour the CAC to learn more about this iconic…
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Family Day
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 on the second Saturday of every month…
Teen Open Studio - Oct. 24
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.
Daytime Talk: Art, Scandal & Architecture in the Gilded Age
Join historian Suzanne Hinman as she discusses her new book, “The Grandest Madison Square Garden.” It is a tale of architecture, art and spectacle that unfolds in scandal-ridden 1890s New York, with some Chicago connections.
Chicago Architecture Biennial Family Festival - November 2019
Join us at our Biennial Family Festival from noon to 4pm! We invite families with children ages 5-12 to come learn about architecture and design through hands-on activities.
Teen Open Studio - Nov. 7
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.
Read + Build Early Childhood Camp
We invite our littlest learners to listen to a story, create an art project, build and learn at this new drop-off camp. We’ve packed storytelling, problem solving, visual thinking and teamwork into three hours of fun for ages 4-6. Join us!
Teen Open Studio - Nov. 14
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.
LEGO® Build Workshop: City Planning
Learn about urban planning, zoning and how cities are designed through fun LEGO® activities! Take a walk to observe the buildings, infrastructure and green space at a busy intersection. Then, work together to imagine and build your ideal city block!
The Versatile Skyscraper of the Future
What does the future hold for skyscrapers? We’ll take a look at buildings with flexible floor plates, movable walls, robotic features and other abilities to reconfigure. What bold innovations are still to come? Hear from our panel of experts.
Teen Open Studio - Nov. 21
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.
Gingerbread Bungalows with Pastry Chef Gale Gand
Build a gingerbread house inspired by Chicago’s bungalows! Tour the CAC to learn more about this iconic housing type, then learn tips and tricks to building a gingerbread house from expert pastry chef Gale Gand. Call 312.922.3432 to register.
Designing a More Livable City with Henning Larsen
What can architects do to keep rapidly growing urban areas livable? How can they create more sustainable cities? Danish architecture firm Henning Larsen is among those leading the charge to respond to such challenges. Hear how from one of the partners…
Teen Open Studio - Dec. 5
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.
2019 Year in Review: Chicago Design and Development
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.