Programs & Events at CAC

Need a special gift for mom? Looking for something unique for an aunt, grandma or other special mother in your life? In honor of Mother's Day, we're offering members 20% off all weekend at the CAC store.

Join us at What's Next? Designing the Future City, a new forum exploring how business and design leaders can unite to make great cities.

Chicago’s newest community-based urban agriculture initiative brings together food, health and jobs in one oasis-like location in North Lawndale. Get an in-depth tour of the farm with the team that made it happen, from concept to design to operation…

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.

Explore architecture from a bugs-eye view! Drop in any time to enjoy multiple readings of Nina Laden's "Roberto, The Insect Architect” and make your own animal habitat.

Hear about the brilliance of American architecture at this three-part lecture series inspired by legendary Yale professor Vincent Scully. Held on the last three Tuesdays in April at 6pm, the series will examine significant American cities, buildings and…

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.

In celebration of Earth Day, come learn about passive housing—an internationally recognized, performance-based energy standard in construction—and hear how it is gaining traction in the U.S.

Come learn how architecture and engineering work together as you build and test a structure with design professionals. Receive coaching and feedback from a structural engineer as you learn the science behind building.

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.

Ever wonder how buildings stand so tall? Take part in interactive, STEM-based activities that explore structural elements and the science behind buildings. Youth walking tours of Chicago’s most iconic engineering marvels depart at 11:30am and 1:30pm…

This drop-in workshop explores urban planning, community development and city systems. Students will consider the question, “What makes a good neighborhood?” and use the design process to create neighborhoods from scratch.

Chicago is made up of iconic bridges…but how do some of them move?! Come build and test your own bridge during this interactive, drop-in program. Educators from the McCormick Bridge House Museum will be on-site to give feedback from noon-1:30pm.

Come test your design skills as you build a structure with a licensed architect! Learn the insider tricks and tips from a pro.

Join us on this one-time, members-only bus trip to the Elmhurst Art Museum to see “The Whole World a Bauhaus," an international traveling exhibition that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bauhaus.

After sitting vacant for nearly 40 years, the Uptown Theatre will soon reclaim its status as an entertainment mecca. Hear the story behind the planned renovation and discover what the theater’s return could mean for the neighborhood.

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.

Save the date for the Chicago Architecture Center Designing Futures Gala on Thursday, April 4 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago! Funds raised that evening will support the expansion of our award-winning education programs in our brand new Chicago Architecture…

Enjoy multiple readings of “Larry Gets Lost in Chicago” by Michael Mullin and go on a scavenger hunt in the Chicago Gallery, where you’ll explore the 3D Chicago City Model and learn about iconic buildings.

Design and build with your family on Sunday mornings in the studio, where themed stations will introduce you to architecture basics. Take part in design challenges and make a take home project. Ages 3 and up.