Featured Program
Engineering Fest
On Feb. 23 and 24, drop by anytime between 9:30am—5pm to build and learn, view two floors of exhibits…
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
Educator Open House 2019
Are you a K-12 educator interested in using CAC resources to help your students explore why design matters?…
Current Projects: Prefab Design on the Rise
Construction contractor Skender has joined a new prefab movement with the opening of an apartment module…
Reimagining Chicago's Alleys and Garages
Join us for a conversation with six designers, policymakers and artists who are re-imagining Chicago’s…
Architect Talk: An evening with Stanley Tigerman
Join us for an evening with with legendary Chicago architect and activist Stanley Tigerman as he reflects…
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.
5 Programs in this collection
LEGO® Lab
Join us on Thursdays to solve architecture-inspired design challenges using LEGO® in the ArcelorMittal…
Family Build: Transportation
Join us to explore how transportation connects our schools, homes and towns. Through hands-on activities…
Teen Open Studio - Jan. 24
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback…
Read and Build: Transportation
Roads and railways connect our schools, homes and towns. Be an urban planner and decide where things…
Teen Open Studio - Jan. 31
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback…
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.
2 Programs in this collection
Find a Program
Programs by Format
Programs by Audience
Read and Build: Transportation
Roads and railways connect our schools, homes and towns. Be an urban planner and decide where things go in a city we'll build together! Join us for readings of “Katy and the Big Snow” by Virginia Lee Burton.
LEGO® Lab
Join us on Thursdays to solve architecture-inspired design challenges using LEGO® in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio. Creative challenges will introduce you to iconic Chicago buildings, unique design challenges and essential architecture concepts.
Family Build: Transportation
Join us to explore how transportation connects our schools, homes and towns. Through hands-on activities, learn about roads and railways, and how urban planners decide where things go!
Teen Open Studio - Jan. 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.
Architecture Storytelling
Join us for an evening of fun and fascinating storytelling with architects, interior designers, CAC docents and regular folks who will share crafted tales about Chicago’s buildings and their personal experiences with the built environment.
Girls Build!: Adaptive Architecture
How do you take something old and make it new again? In this course, students will creatively examine how to repurpose an old structure. Students will visit a building and think outside the box by redesigning the structure for a new and different use…
Tall & Timber: Chicago's First Wooden Skyscraper
When you think of tall building materials, steel and concrete likely come to mind. But now, wood skyscrapers are moving closer to becoming a reality. Hear about the proposed River Beech Tower, an 80-story timber high-rise designed by Perkins+Will.
Teen Open Studio - Jan. 31
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.
Educator Open House 2019
Are you a K-12 educator interested in using CAC resources to help your students explore why design matters? Come learn about exciting offerings and programs for you and your students, both at CAC and in classrooms.
Teen Open Studio - Feb. 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.
Current Projects: Prefab Design on the Rise
Construction contractor Skender has joined a new prefab movement with the opening of an apartment module factory in South Lawndale. Learn how entire apartment modules are built off-site and later pieced together.
High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing
Join author Ben Austen for a two-part book club about his acclaimed book “High-Risers: Cabrini-Green and the Fate of American Public Housing.” Peter Landon of Landon Bone Baker Architects will join Ben on the second evening.
Reimagining Chicago's Alleys and Garages
Join us for a conversation with six designers, policymakers and artists who are re-imagining Chicago’s alleys and garages as vibrant civic spaces. This program coincides with the release of a new book, "Rebel Garages,” by the CAC and Future Firm.
Teen Open Studio - Feb. 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.
Engineering Fest
On Feb. 23 and 24, drop by anytime between 9:30am—5pm to build and learn, view two floors of exhibits, meet engineers and celebrate the 125th anniversary of the World’s Fair at the CAC’s annual two-day Engineering Fest—bigger and better than ever…