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.
Our members-only cruise is your chance to take in the city's architecture from a different perspective—on Lake Michigan. Join CAF for an exclusive architecture cruise highlighting Chicago's magnificent skyline, the Lake Michigan shoreline and the river…
Children age 7 to 10 will learn about the shapes and structures that keep Chicago’s buildings standing. We'll study examples in the Loop and explore architecture through sketching, model building, storytelling and of course, LEGO®.
The Pavilion's architect, Frank Gehry, created curved and abstract structures inspired by art and music. Join us as we visit the iconic pavilion (weather permitting) and learn about Chicago’s great parks. Back in the studio, use LEGO® to build your…
Design and build your own skyscraper city in Minecraft! Students age 7 to 10 are invited to take part in this 3-day camp, which includes short walking tours to visit and study buildings in the Loop.
Visit and study parks in the Loop and learn what it takes to design an outdoor space with the community in mind. Campers age 11 to 14 will meet with architects and designers and redesign an existing park in Minecraft.
Join us from 12-3pm in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio to work with architects, designers and professional mentors from the Chicago area. These hands-on studios help develop basic architecture and design skills while solving real-world challenges.
Hear about plans to renovate and modernize the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library at Harold Washington Library. Brian Vitale, design director and principal at Gensler, will share his firm’s re-imagination of the 25,000-square-foot space.
Inspired by water, Aqua Tower is aptly named. The skyscraper is both sustainable and beautiful, with wave-like balconies and views of the lake. What will your skyscraper be inspired by? Come find out and build your own sustainable tower using LEGO®.
Celebrated architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi embrace the challenge of turning difficult urban sites into profound public spaces. Come hear how they marry architecture and landscape to create appealing places out of distressed locations.
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday with a visit to some of his masterpieces in Madison and Spring Green, Wisconsin!
Think and create like a scientist as we explore the questions, “What are buildings are made of?” and “How do they stand so tall?” Drop in any time between 9am and noon for multiple readings of “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty.
Chicago's classic bungalows are increasingly the target of drastic renovation and expansion. New homebuyers are investing in the bungalow belt, amplifying calls for design guidelines to protect these buildings' historic character.
Theaters have been important in Chicago for many years. The Auditorium Building is more than 125 years old! We'll go on a short walking tour (weather permitting), learn about how function and aesthetic work together, then design our own theaters out of…
Join us in the CAF Store from 11am to 3pm for an exclusive event with Motawi Tileworks. You'll enjoy special discounts and a presentation from the company’s founder.
Learn about the complex restoration and revitalization work underway at Lathrop Homes, a historic Chicago Housing Authority site located between the Bucktown and Roscoe Village neighborhoods on Chicago’s North Side.
