Featured Program
Restoring the Uptown Theatre: A New Neighborhood Anchor
After sitting vacant for nearly 40 years, the Uptown Theatre will soon reclaim its status as an entertainment…
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
Restoring the Uptown Theatre: A New Neighborhood Anchor
After sitting vacant for nearly 40 years, the Uptown Theatre will soon reclaim its status as an entertainment…
The Brilliance of American Architecture
Hear about the brilliance of American architecture at this three-part lecture series inspired by legendary…
Daytime Talk: The Man in the Glass House
With his famous Glass House design, Philip Johnson set the stage for his long and controversial career…
Behind-the-Scenes: Farm on Ogden
Chicago’s newest community-based urban agriculture initiative brings together food, health and jobs…
The House You Live In: Chicago's Homegrown Architecture
Ever wonder how Chicago’s housing styles came to be? A noted architectural historian will lead this…
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
One-Day Camp: LEGO® Architecture Camp
What better way to spend a day off school than with the CAC? This special one-day camp for ages 7-10…
Family Build: Materials + Construction
Design and build with your family on Sunday mornings in the studio, where themed stations will introduce…
Read and Build: Chicago Icons
Enjoy multiple readings of “Larry Gets Lost in Chicago” by Michael Mullin and go on a scavenger hunt…
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.
3 Programs in this collection
Chicago Architecture Center Designing Futures Gala
Save the date for the Chicago Architecture Center Designing Futures Gala on Thursday, April 4 at the…
Member Double Discount Weekend
Need a special gift for mom? Looking for something unique for an aunt, grandma or other special mother…
Members Only: Architecture Essentials - May 14
Chicago is synonymous with architecture and Chicagoans—especially CAC members—love to share their…
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Family Build: Materials + Construction
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. Ages 3 and up.
The House You Live In: Chicago's Homegrown Architecture
Ever wonder how Chicago’s housing styles came to be? A noted architectural historian will lead this two-part class that delves into Chicago’s vernacular architecture and highlights common housing stock in the city.
Daytime Talk: The Man in the Glass House
With his famous Glass House design, Philip Johnson set the stage for his long and controversial career. Hear Dallas Morning News architecture critic Mark Lamster discuss “The Man in the Glass House,” his new biography on this fascinating architect…
Teen Open Studio - Mar. 28
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.
Read and Build: Chicago Icons
Enjoy multiple readings of “Larry Gets Lost in Chicago” by Michael Mullin and go on a scavenger hunt in the Chicago Gallery, where you’ll explore the 3D Chicago City Model and learn about iconic buildings.
Chicago Architecture Center Designing Futures Gala
Save the date for the Chicago Architecture Center Designing Futures Gala on Thursday, April 4 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago! Funds raised that evening will support the expansion of our award-winning education programs in our brand new Chicago Architecture…
One-Day Camp: LEGO® Architecture Camp
What better way to spend a day off school than with the CAC? This special one-day camp for ages 7-10 teaches students what makes Chicago "the city of architecture." Tour the Loop, sketch ideas and create a LEGO® building to take home!
Teen Open Studio - Apr. 11
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.
Restoring the Uptown Theatre: A New Neighborhood Anchor
After sitting vacant for nearly 40 years, the Uptown Theatre will soon reclaim its status as an entertainment mecca. Hear the story behind the planned renovation and discover what the theater’s return could mean for the neighborhood.
Members-Only Bus Trip: Bauhaus Exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum
Join us on this one-time, members-only bus trip to the Elmhurst Art Museum to see “The Whole World a Bauhaus," an international traveling exhibition that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus.
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!
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…
Teen Open Studio - Apr. 18
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.
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.