At the 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 the CAC.
Ready to think like an architect? Join us June 29-July 3 or July 6-10 for a virtual camp to learn architecture basics. Campers ages 8-10 will be introduced to sketching and model building through guided lessons, activities and virtual walking tours.
How do you take something old and make it new again? Campers ages 11-14 will use iconic Chicago buildings as case studies at this virtual camp June 29-July 3 to reimagine an existing building or empty space in their neighborhood for a new purpose.
Take a 45-minute live, virtual tour with CAC docent Mary Jo Hoag on June 30 or July 5 to discover stunning buildings designed by female architects. Highlights include the Equitable Building, Aqua Tower, Vista Tower and more.
Redesign a green space at this virtual camp July 6-10 for ages 11-14. Through guided lessons, hands-on activities and explorations of their neighborhoods, campers will learn about landscape architecture and the importance of parks and public spaces.
Ready to think like an architect? Join us June 29-July 3 or July 6-10 for a virtual camp to learn architecture basics. Campers ages 8-10 will be introduced to sketching and model building through guided lessons, activities and virtual walking tours.
Join CAC docent Dick Clark on June 6 or June 17 as he shares fascinating stories about Chicago’s beautiful and serene Graceland Cemetery—from the lives of the people laid to rest there to a large variety of interesting monuments.
On June 13 or June 16, learn about the architecture, history and famous people that have made Chicago’s Downtown Theatre District a global destination for entertainment, from the mid−19th century to today.
Join museum expert and CAC Education Facilitator Paul Neumann as he looks at a broad array of house museums across the U.S., including Pabst Mansion, Glass House and Hearst Castle, along with Chicago’s Glessner House and Richard H. Driehaus Museum.
Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Going beyond the typical lecture or panel, this workshop lays out clear-cut steps for preparing your office for a returning workforce under social distancing guidelines.
Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Rush University Medical Center is uniquely suited to contain infectious diseases and respond to surges that occur during public health crises. What lessons does it offer for architects of future hospitals?
This live, 45-minute virtual tour on May 26 or 31 with docent Mike McMains describes the influences of the Contemporary style, defines its characteristics and profiles several wonderful buildings from the last 20 years and their amazing architects.
Explore the fascinating intersections between Chicago’s architecture and works of literature at this visual presentation with CAC docent Leanne Star on May 27 or 30.
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.”
Offered in partnership with the Music Box Theatre, this four-day, at-home film festival explores how filmmakers use architecture to tell extraordinary stories. Stream the movies at home, then join CAC staff and guest experts for discussion.
Modernism was the dominant style of high-rise architecture from the 1960s through the 1980s, but not everyone was a fan. Learn about new styles that emerged as reactions—Brutalism and Postmodernism—on this live, 45-minute tour on May 19 or 24.
