Programs & Events at CAC

Hear the fascinating story behind Farnsworth House, an iconic International Style home located about 60 miles west of Chicago designed by famed architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

When skyscrapers began to rise again after a long hiatus during World War II, a new style of architecture emerged: Mid-Century Modernism. Join CAC docent Mike McMains on May 12 or 17 for a live, 45-minute tour that highlights buildings from this era.

Did you know Chicago hosted two world's fairs, 40 years apart? Join us on April 29 or May 20 to compare and contrast the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the Century of Progress International Exposition held in 1933.

Why is Chicago often considered the birthplace of the skyscraper? Explore the history of these tall buildings on April 25 or May 16 and discover how Chicago became a global center for high-rise design, innovation and engineering.

Chicago’s public art collection is vast, varied and endlessly interesting. Join CAC docent Ed McDevitt on April 11 or May 13 as he leads this engaging introduction to some of Chicago’s greatest public art treasures.

Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Join leading landscape architect and urban designer Ernest C. Wong at this virtual program as he outlines the tensions spatial distancing will continue to impose on parks and shared public spaces.

Explore the ways architecture and design impact you every day! This five-day program introduces design thinking to young learners ages 6-12 through fun, interactive lessons, with support from CAC education staff.

Learn about Art Deco—the opulent architectural style from the 1920s and 1930s—with CAC docent Mike McMains on this live, 45-minute virtual tour in downtown Chicago on May 5 or 10.

Learn how an abandoned railway freight yard was transformed into an important urban development called Illinois Center—home of the CAC. Join us on April 15 or May 9 to discover how Illinois Center was designed for people to “work, live and play.”

Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Join architect and urban planner Doug Farr as he introduces Carbon Free Chicago, a 30-year campaign to equitably decarbonize our region’s economy.

Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • The office environment, collaborative by nature, presents distinct challenges in a world still recovering from a pandemic. Hear how architects, designers and their clients are exploring creative solutions…

Several women played significant roles in making the 1893 World’s Fair a spectacularly grand affair. CAC docent Kathleen Carpenter will introduce you to these remarkable women artists, activists and achievers on April 18 and May 6.

Beaux-Arts style architecture can be found everywhere you turn in Chicago's Loop. Join CAC docent Mike McMains on May 1 or May 3 as he highlights several impressive Beaux-Arts buildings on this 45-minute live, virtual tour.

Join us on April 22 or May 2 to learn about some of Chicago’s most stunning Art Deco skyscrapers and the defining characteristics of the architectural style, which epitomized the prosperity and optimism of the Roaring Twenties.

How has the quest for Utopia shaped American cities? Join urban planner and professor Alex Krieger as he explores the dreams and ideals that have long influenced our urban settlements, as told in his new book, “City on a Hill.”