Programs & Events at CAC

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…

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!

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…

Learn how architecture can help revitalize neighborhoods at this workshop with designers from global architecture firm Perkins and Will. We’ll look at the firm’s design for a new Green Line station and discuss how it can invigorate the Near West Side…

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 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.

Learn the guiding principles of landscape architecture by touring a notable public space in Chicago with architects from site design group, ltd. Then, exercise your own design thinking through a facilitated design challenge.

What happens when sculptures become architecture? Find out in this 3-hour workshop as we explore one of Millennium Park’s most iconic structures: Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Then, redesign a performance center for a bustling city using the design process…

In conversation with architect Brad Lynch, author and art critic Jed Perl will discuss his newly released biography on Alexander Calder and share fascinating insights about the life and times of the world-renowned sculptor.

On a mission to design the perfect kitchen of his own, historic preservationist John Ota traveled across North America to find inspiration in the kitchens of famed figures. Hear more about his journey, as documented in his new book “The Kitchen.”

Grab your friends and test your urban navigation, architecture and history skills at the CAC Scavenger Hunt, presented by the CAC Auxiliary Board! Spend three hours exploring the Loop and discovering hidden gems, then join us for an after-party at Revival…

Have you ever wondered how buildings stand up without falling over? Join engineers from Thornton Tomasetti to discover how skyscrapers reach incredible heights. Participants will construct their own tower and learn what it takes to be an engineer.

Don’t miss this signature lecture with internationally renowned architect Jeanne Gang, founding principal of Studio Gang. In more than 20 years of practice, she has challenged the presumed limitations on architects in order to create stunning places…

Get an introduction to architecture basics by exploring buildings, bridges and iconic structures along the Chicago River. Campers ages 8-10 will enjoy walking tours, sketching exercises and model building.

Discover the history of Chicago and collaborate with your fellow campers to design and build an ideal neighborhood in this urban planning camp. Campers ages 11-14 will go on tours and receive a copy of the graphic novel No Small Plans.