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.
5 Programs in this collection
Architect Talk: An evening with Stanley Tigerman
Join us for an evening with with legendary Chicago architect and activist Stanley Tigerman as he reflects…
Pecha Kucha Chicago
Imagine this: 20 PowerPoint slides, shown for only 20 seconds each. The slides advance automatically—so…
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…
Reimagining Chicago's Alleys and Garages
Join us for a conversation with six designers, policymakers and artists who are re-imagining Chicago’s…
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.
6 Programs in this collection
One-Day Camp: Science of Architecture
This special one-day camp for students ages 7-10 is a fun way to spend a day off school! Take part in…
Family Build: Engineering
Join us on Sundays to build, invent and test out your engineering skills! Families will learn about the…
LEGO® Build Workshop: Apple Store
Foster + Partners’ Apple Michigan Avenue store is an impressive, airy glass box with a curved-edge…
Teen Open Studio - Feb. 21
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback…
Design Your Neighborhood Camp
Discover the history of Chicago and collaborate with your fellow campers to design and build an ideal…
Girls Build! Summer 2019 Camp
In this week-long camp, you'll collaborate with other girls ages 11-14, develop leadership skills, meet…
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.
6 Programs in this collection
Engineering Fest
On Feb. 23 and 24, drop by anytime between 9:30am—5pm to build and learn, view two floors of exhibits…
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…
Members' Night
On March 13, enjoy the CAC after-hours at this special members-only celebration. Mingle with fellow architecture…
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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LEGO® Build Workshop: Apple Store
Foster + Partners’ Apple Michigan Avenue store is an impressive, airy glass box with a curved-edge roof. Come learn about the engineering and structure of the building, and create your own LEGO® version of the store!
One-Day Camp: Science of Architecture
This special one-day camp for students ages 7-10 is a fun way to spend a day off school! Take part in interactive, STEM-based activities that explore structural elements and the science behind buildings. The camp also includes a walking tour.
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.
Leaning Out and Looking Back with Les Robertson
In celebration of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s 50th anniversary and in association with its historic 10th World Congress, the CTBUH is pleased to be hosting the Chicago premiere of the documentary "Leaning Out."
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…
Daytime Talk: Chicago’s Most Endangered Buildings of 2019
What are Chicago's most endangered buildings? Find out at the unveiling of Preservation Chicago's 17th annual "Chicago 7" list. The list identifies architecturally significant structures that preservationists hope to save from the wrecking ball.
Teen Open Studio - Feb. 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.
Architect Talk: An evening with Stanley Tigerman
Join us for an evening with with legendary Chicago architect and activist Stanley Tigerman as he reflects on his career and his impact on Chicago and architecture and design.
Teen Open Studio - Mar. 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.
Members' Night
On March 13, 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…
Teen Open Studio - Mar. 14
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.
Pecha Kucha Chicago
Imagine this: 20 PowerPoint slides, shown for only 20 seconds each. The slides advance automatically—so presenters have to keep up! Come hear 400-second stories about design and architecture at this fun and informal event with creative professionals…
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.