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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Your selections are: LEGO® Build
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.
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®…
LEGO® Build: Jay Pritzker Pavilion
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…