Featured Program
Utopia in American History
How has the quest for Utopia shaped American cities? Join urban planner and professor Alex Krieger as…
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.
5 Programs in this collection
Utopia in American History
How has the quest for Utopia shaped American cities? Join urban planner and professor Alex Krieger as…
Get to Know Your House
If you live in an older home, it can be exciting and enlightening to learn about the history of your…
Retrofitting the Suburbs
How do we retrofit suburbs to be livable, sustainable, and economically viable places in the long run?…
Architecture’s “-isms”
Learn about the formation and influence of two “isms”—Modernism and Postmodernism—in American…
Designing a More Livable City with Henning Larsen
This event has been rescheduled from its original December 4 date.
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® BUILD: NBC Tower
Take a walk outside to observe NBC Tower, an iconic Postmodern building across the river from the CAC…
Newhouse Workshop: Fine Arts and Graphic Design
If you’re working on the “Fine Arts” or “Graphic Design” Newhouse Competition challenges, this…
Girls Build!: Affordable Dream Homes
This camp for first-time Girls Build! participants will help girls ages 11-14 understand the nuts and…
Family Day
The school year is a busy time. We’ve combined all your favorite elements from our design studio, exhibits…
Architecture Camp
Get an introduction to architecture basics by exploring buildings, bridges and iconic structures along…
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.
4 Programs in this collection
Member Night
On March 18, enjoy the CAC after-hours at this special members-only celebration. Mingle with fellow architecture…
Chicago Architecture Center Gala 2020
With the theme "Open Doors, Open Minds" the 2020 gala will kick off the 10th anniversary of Open House…
Architecture’s “-isms”
Learn about the formation and influence of two “isms”—Modernism and Postmodernism—in American…
Members Only: Architecture Essentials
Chicago is synonymous with architecture and Chicagoans—especially CAC members—love to share their…
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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 from 10am—2pm on the second Saturday…
Engineering Fest
Learn how cities move and groove during our annual Engineering Fest! Drop by anytime between 9:30am—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…
Newhouse Workshop: Planning and Modeling
If you’re working on the “Architecture + Planning” or “Architectural Modeling” Newhouse Competition challenges, this free workshop is for you. Come gain valuable insights from CAC staff and get help getting started on your project. This workshop…
Get to Know Your House
If you live in an older home, it can be exciting and enlightening to learn about the history of your house. Get the tools to research your home at this two-part class on March 3 and 10, facilitated by architectural historian and planner Matt Wicklund…
Newhouse Workshop: Open Design and Engineering
If you’re working on the “Open Design + Build” or “Architecture + Engineering” Newhouse Competition challenges, this free workshop is for you. Come gain valuable insights from CAC staff and get help getting started on your project. This workshop…
LEGO® BUILD: NBC Tower
Take a walk outside to observe NBC Tower, an iconic Postmodern building across the river from the CAC. Discover how Art Deco inspired the design, then create your own version of the office building.
Member Night
On March 18, enjoy the CAC after-hours at this special members-only celebration. Mingle with fellow architecture enthusiasts, enjoy light snacks and beverages, take a mini-tour through the CAC and hear about Chicago’s newest architecture developments…
Newhouse Workshop: Fine Arts and Graphic Design
If you’re working on the “Fine Arts” or “Graphic Design” Newhouse Competition challenges, this free workshop is for you. Come gain valuable insights from CAC staff and get help getting started on your project. This workshop is from 10am - 2pm…
Utopia in American History
How has the quest for Utopia shaped American cities? Join urban planner and professor Alex Krieger as he explores the dreams and ideals that have long influenced our urban settlements, as told in his new book, “City on a Hill.”
Teen Saturday Studio: Interior Design with OKW Architects
Are you constantly re-arranging your bedroom? Perhaps you’re a future interior designer! Learn what it takes to become one, from selecting furniture and fabrics to creating room layouts. Then work with professionals to design your future dorm room.
Retrofitting the Suburbs
How do we retrofit suburbs to be livable, sustainable, and economically viable places in the long run? Join this illuminating discussion with an urban planner, a developer and a designer on the front lines of reshaping Chicago’s suburbs.
Girls Build!: Affordable Dream Homes
This camp for first-time Girls Build! participants will help girls ages 11-14 understand the nuts and bolts of architecture and design. Together we’ll use the design process to explore the fundamentals of designing an affordable dream home!
Architecture’s “-isms”
Learn about the formation and influence of two “isms”—Modernism and Postmodernism—in American architecture and explore ideas of new “isms” yet to come at this annual three-part lecture series inspired by legendary Yale professor Vincent Scully…
LEGO® BUILD: Marina City
Take a mini tour through the CAC’s Drake Family Skyscraper Gallery to learn about Marina City, the iconic “corncob” towers on the river. Discover what it means when a building is mixed-use, then create your own “city within a city” using LEGO®…
Chicago Architecture Center Gala 2020
With the theme "Open Doors, Open Minds" the 2020 gala will kick off the 10th anniversary of Open House Chicago—the CAC's signature festival that welcomes everyone to celebrate Chicago's vibrant culture and amazing architecture.