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.
CAF’s popular Scavenger Hunt returns in Fall 2016. This year, in honor of CAF’s 50th anniversary, we’ll be adding a few twists! The Scavenger Hunt will again feature clues spread throughout Chicago, and you’ll have four weeks (October 11 through…
Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt. Ignite your little ones' imagination as we play with color and re-imagine our city with purple trees, pink taxis and rainbow skyscrapers!
Can a dream house be both sustainable and beautifully designed? We’ll find out as we think outside the box during a six-week class that's specially crafted to engage girls ages 11–14 in architecture and design.
With approachable instructors and architecture professionals, we’ll break down the basic studio skill sets that architects utilize every day. It’s the perfect opportunity to prep for your upcoming vacation or to brush up on techniques you learned…
Hear from Navy Pier President & CEO Marilynn Gardner as she reflects on the renovation of one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations, as well as the Pier’s plans for engaging the community with its reimagined spaces. Join us for a look at…
Newcity and the Chicago Architecture Foundation present a live recording of “A Lot You Got to Holler,” the Newcity podcast about architecture, urbanism and design.
This Saturday Studio will be led by Charles Arko from Solomon Cordwell Buenz.
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.
A flurry of new buildings and restorations has come to Chicago’s university campuses. Hear from designers who are completing or have completed projects recently at Northwestern University and University of Chicago: Bruce Kuwabara (KPMB Architects, Toronto)…
Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires. Come tinker with fun studio materials to create an invention for your favorite pet or pal!
Step up your smartphone photography game just in time for Open House Chicago on October 15-16! From 9:30am to 2:30pm, our seminar puts you in touch with experts in mobile photography who’ll help you take better architecture photos with any smartphone…
Evanston History Center’s Kris Hartzell and and Evanston Plan Commission’s Jack Weiss share the historical significance of the Harley Clarke Mansion, a Tudor-style home designed by Richard Powers and built in 1927. We’ll discuss the current demolition…
Go behind the scenes of two of Logan Square’s most exciting recent housing developments. We’ll visit Brininstool + Lynch’s Logan Square L Luxury apartments and Wheeler Kearns’ MiCA towers, for an exclusive tour with the architects and those involved…
Teens ages 13—18 will explore a new theme each month and work with great architects, designers, engineers and mentors from the Chicago area! In our ArcelorMittal Design Studio, we'll offer hands-on, studio-based workshops, fun design challenges and…
Our September 24, 10:00am departure is now sold out! For CAF members, tickets are still available for the tour’s September 24, 11:30am departure.
Hear SHoP Architects principal Gregg Pasquarelli talk through his most high profile projects. Founded in New York City in 1996, SHoP Architects has made a name for itself in designing large-scale projects that transform neighborhoods. From Brooklyn’s…
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.
Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "A Few Blocks" by Cybele Young. Together we'll learn about architecture through building block activities.
Celebrate the beginning of the school year with CAF at our block party—featuring actual building blocks! Drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm on the Saturday before Labor Day, bring your family and friends and join us for fun architecture and design…
This Saturday Studio will be led by Oak Park Station lead Evan Watson from FitzGerald Associates Architects. Alongside the architect, students will learn what it takes to make a building beautiful. Conceptualizing everything from doorknobs to draperies…