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.
What makes a building strong? Touch materials like steel and concrete, then design your own house to keep out the big bad wolf! Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm for readings of "The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale" by Steven Guarnaccia.
The lines between art and architecture are further blurred when artist Mark Dion meets up with architect and designer David Rockwell (of Rockwell Group). Presented in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art.
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.
Join CAF as we explore San Diego's rich architecture from Spanish Colonial and Victorian buildings to Modern masterpieces such as the Salk Institute. The Pacific coast is calling you!
Hear about the past and future of the Uptown Theatre, a movie palace at the corner of Lawrence and Broadway. Designed by Rapp and Rapp, the elaborate Balaban and Katz Uptown Theatre has remained shuttered since 1981.
Join this two-part book club for a discussion of William Cronon’s trailblazing environmental work. Nature's Metropolis looks at how 19th-century Chicago became a bustling commercial hub due to unique ecological and economic circumstances.
Hear about three new towers overlooking Grant Park that will transform the South Loop skyline: 1000M (by JAHN), Essex on the Park (by Hartshorne Plunkard/Oxford Capital) and One Grant Park (by Rafael Viñoly Architects).
Are you an inventor? Construct a great invention from odds and ends, test it out and celebrate the flops and failures. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty.
As Chicago prepares for the Obama Presidential Center, hear from architect Richard Olcott (Ennead Architects) and landscape architect Mary Margaret Jones (Hargreaves Associates). They were key to the vision and design of the Clinton Presidential Center…
Join Susan King from Harley Ellis Devereaux as she discusses Lake Street Studios, the award-winning West Loop residence she designed in 2015, and why she believes micro units are vital to sustaining our city’s social fabric.
In this month's LEGO® Build, we'll investigate Wabash Tower, a "vertical campus" for college students with classrooms, dormitories and a cafeteria. Join us from 12–3pm for a mini-walking tour to Wabash Tower, then recreate it using LEGO®.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but we’re having lots of fun at CAF! Drop in any time between 10am and 2pm for a special winter celebration full of hands-on activities and, of course, some hot chocolate with marshmallows. We'll design and build…
“Composition, Contrast, Complexity” is a perfect summary of the rich sensory journey visitors experience in a space designed by Mecanoo Architects. It’s also the title of founding partner Francine Houben’s book about the Dutch firm. Join Houben…
Join your fellow CAF members to celebrate the holidays at the luxurious Peninsula Chicago. Tour this landmark mixed-use development on Chicago’s famed “Magnificent Mile” designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects. Then enjoy the elegance and sophistication…
Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "Larry Gets Lost in Chicago" by Michael Mullin and John Skewes. Join us in turning our city into a scavenger hunt as we look for Larry at iconic Chicago destinations.
Downtown Chicago is currently witnessing a burst of historic restorations. One such project is The National, a renovation of the former Chicago Public Schools headquarters building at 125 S. Clark. Lead architect Aric Lasher of HBRA Architects will let…
On this seven-day journey through Mexico City, you’ll marvel at the pyramids of Teotihuacan and explore the new architecture of the city. The trip includes a journey to the Palacio des Bellas Artes to admire the Tiffany stage curtain and take in a folk…
Using the recent "Our Great Rivers" report as a framework, we’ll take an intriguing look at the future of the Chicago River, focusing on both recent construction and the near- and long-term plans for the river’s use and look. Great Rivers Chicago…
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a book club led by the author himself! Richard Cahan, author of "Richard Nickel Dangerous Years: What He Saw and What He Wrote" tells the tale of how Chicago photographer and urban crusader Richard Nickel…
In this 90-minute talk inspired by CAF’s "50 Designers, 50 Ideas, 50 Wards" exhibition, join Chicago designers and community stakeholders in a conversation about design ideas aimed at strengthening local communities.