Featured Program
What's Next for Eco-Friendly Housing in Chicago?
In celebration of Earth Day, come learn about passive housing—an internationally recognized, performance-based…
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
What's Next for Eco-Friendly Housing in Chicago?
In celebration of Earth Day, come learn about passive housing—an internationally recognized, performance-based…
Bringing Modernist Icons Back to Life
Efforts to preserve our Modernist architectural icons are ramping up in Chicago and around the nation…
Chicago: From Vision to Metropolis
In "Chicago: From Vision to Metropolis", journalist Whet Moser dissects the myths, legends and shifting…
Behind-the-Scenes: Farm on Ogden
Chicago’s newest community-based urban agriculture initiative brings together food, health and jobs…
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.
3 Programs in this collection
Family Build
Design and build with your family on Sunday mornings in the studio, where themed stations will introduce…
Read and Build: Nature
Explore architecture from a bugs-eye view! Drop in any time to enjoy multiple readings of Nina Laden's…
LEGO® Build Workshop: Aqua Tower
Come learn about Aqua Tower—a modern skyscraper inspired by water that is both sustainable and beautiful…
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
Chicago Riverwalk Summer Kick-off Celebration
Come celebrate the start of summer programming along the Chicago Riverwalk from May 13-18! We're leading…
Member Double Discount Weekend
Need a special gift for mom? Looking for something unique for an aunt, grandma or other special mother…
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Mobile Architecture Lab
Ready to take the Chicago Architecture Center to the next level?! Visit our Mobile Architecture Lab on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 3pm to interact with the CAC exhibits in new and exciting ways. The lab features fun, hands-on activities…
The Brilliance of American Architecture
Hear about the brilliance of American architecture at this three-part lecture series inspired by legendary Yale professor Vincent Scully. Held on the last three Tuesdays in April at 6pm, the series will examine significant American cities, buildings and…
What's Next for Eco-Friendly Housing in Chicago?
In celebration of Earth Day, come learn about passive housing—an internationally recognized, performance-based energy standard in construction—and hear how it is gaining traction in the U.S.
Teen Open Studio - Apr. 25
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.
Family Build
Design and build with your family on Sunday mornings in the studio, where themed stations will introduce you to architecture basics. Take part in design challenges and make a take home project. Themes change each month!
Read and Build: Nature
Explore architecture from a bugs-eye view! Drop in any time to enjoy multiple readings of Nina Laden's "Roberto, The Insect Architect” and make your own animal habitat.
Teen Open Studio - May 2
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.
Behind-the-Scenes: Farm on Ogden
Chicago’s newest community-based urban agriculture initiative brings together food, health and jobs in one oasis-like location in North Lawndale. Get an in-depth tour of the farm with the team that made it happen, from concept to design to operation…
Member Double Discount Weekend
Need a special gift for mom? Looking for something unique for an aunt, grandma or other special mother in your life? In honor of Mother's Day, we're offering members 20% off all weekend at the CAC store.
Chicago Architecture Center at the Confluence
Join CAC docents to hear their favorite stories about the larger-than-life characters who made the Chicago River the nation’s crossroad of commerce then transformed it into a cultural destination and a unique urban landscape lined with architectural…
Members Only: Architecture Essentials - May 14
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.
Chicago Riverwalk Summer Kick-off Celebration
Come celebrate the start of summer programming along the Chicago Riverwalk from May 13-18! We're leading five FREE walking tours, storytelling, and more during this week-long event hosted by the city.
LEGO® Build Workshop: Aqua Tower
Come learn about Aqua Tower—a modern skyscraper inspired by water that is both sustainable and beautiful. Then, find your own inspiration in nature and create a planet-friendly creation using LEGO®.
Bringing Modernist Icons Back to Life
Efforts to preserve our Modernist architectural icons are ramping up in Chicago and around the nation. In this 100th anniversary year of the Bauhaus, learn about the work underway to re-interpret and protect important Mid-Century Modern buildings.
Chicago: From Vision to Metropolis
In "Chicago: From Vision to Metropolis", journalist Whet Moser dissects the myths, legends and shifting aspirations for our city. Get an informed local’s take on Chicago’s arduous—and often scandalous—journey from trading post to global metropolis…