Featured Program
Geoffrey Baer's Architecture Road Trips
Planning a late-summer getaway? On July 22 CAC docent and WTTW host Geoffrey Baer will share his architecture…
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
Behind-the-Scenes: GEMS World Academy Upper School
The second phase of GEMS World Academy welcomes its first students later this year, completing a vertical…
Geoffrey Baer's Architecture Road Trips
Planning a late-summer getaway? On July 22 CAC docent and WTTW host Geoffrey Baer will share his architecture…
Discovering Bronzeville’s Lost Past at IIT
Last year, an astonishing architectural discovery occurred at the Illinois Institute of Technology—remnants…
Daytime Talk: Architecture's Role in the History of Photography
Longtime CAC docent Patrick Pyszka will share insights on the interesting intersection of architecture…
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: Inventions
Use your imagination to invent structures out of odds and ends, then test the strength of your creations…
LEGO® Build Workshop: Engineering Bridges
Chicago is the birthplace of skyscrapers, but it's also known for its innovative bridges. Learn about…
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.
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Your selections are: Kids & Families
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…
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!
Architecture Camp
New dates just added! Get an introduction to architecture basics by exploring buildings, bridges and iconic structures along the Chicago River. This week-long camp for ages 7-10 will include walking tours, sketching exercises and model building.
Read and Build: Inventions
Use your imagination to invent structures out of odds and ends, then test the strength of your creations! Drop in any time before 11am to enjoy multiple readings of “Audrey the Amazing Inventor” by Rachel Valentine.
LEGO® Build Workshop: Engineering Bridges
Chicago is the birthplace of skyscrapers, but it's also known for its innovative bridges. Learn about the Michigan Avenue bridge, a trunnion bascule that was invented right here in Chicago. Build our own bridge and test its strength!
Design Your Neighborhood Camp
Discover the history of Chicago and collaborate with your fellow campers to design and build an ideal neighborhood during this week-long urban planning camp for ages 11-14. Each camper receives a copy of the graphic novel "No Small Plans."
Girls Build! Summer 2019 Camp
In this week-long camp, you'll collaborate with other girls ages 11-14, develop leadership skills, meet female architects and learn about design thinking, engineering, architecture and digital design.
Read and Build: Science of Architecture
Have you ever wondered how buildings stand tall and strong? Join us to learn about the science of architecture! Drop in any time before 11am to enjoy multiple readings of “Elara STEM Girl” by Leela Ayyar.
Open House Chicago
The Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago is a free public festival on October 19 and 20, 2019, that offers behind-the-scenes access to over 250 buildings across Chicago. Explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s…