Programs & Events at CAC
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.
Program Archive
Programs by Format
Programs by Audience
Saturday Studio - May
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…
Sketch Like an Architect
Learn the basics from architectural drawing expert Joel Berman! This daylong workshop provides an introduction to architectural free-hand sketching that's appropriate for seasoned artists as well as those with little experience. Supplies are provided…
Members Only Travel Program: Springfield, Illinois
Join us for an exciting, architecture-rich trip to Springfield, the state capital of Illinois. Our two-day journey will take us to a pair of treasured Frank Lloyd Wright homes and to Springfield’s Greek Revival Old State Capitol building. We’ll also…
Book Signing: "Gates of Harvard Yard" by Blair Kamin
Experience a lecture, book signing and reception event featuring Chicago Tribune architecture critic and Pulitzer Prize-winner Blair Kamin, presented in partnership with the Harvard Club of Chicago.
Read and Build: Sammy and the Skyscraper Sandwich
In May, we'll hear a story about a gravity-defying sandwich, then build our own take-home towers, built layer by layer, the way Sammy does it. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of Lorraine Francis's "Sammy and the Skyscraper…
Minecraft: Build the Loop
In this series of eight 3-hour classes, students age 11-14 will learn about buildings in the Loop and recreate them in the video game Minecraft. Students will tour Loop buildings, work with gamers and design professionals, learn team-building skills and…
Saturday Studio - April
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…
The Grand(er) Tour: Architectural Imagination Beyond the Classical World
Experience a lecture, book signing and reception event featuring architectural historian, curator and writer Abraham Thomas, presented in partnership with The Royal Oak Foundation.
LEGO® Build Workshop: Federal Center
Architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is known for his simple designs and the phrase "less is more." Adults and children (grades 3 and up) are invited to join us from 12 to 3pm and discover the details on a site visit, do some outdoor sketches and recreate…
CAF's 50th Birthday Bash
Join us for a celebration of CAF's 50th anniversary! Activities for all ages will take place throughout the historic Railway Exchange Building, home to CAF since 1992. This building-wide anniversary blowout will feature a brand new exhibition, plus talks…
Current Projects: Chicago River Building Boom
With the upcoming completion of the main branch of the Riverwalk, the City’s long-held vision for our “second shoreline” is coming into focus. But high above the river banks, change is happening just as dramatically. Join us for a design review…
Chicago Architecture Foundation's 50th Anniversary Gala
For 50 years, the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) has welcomed the world to our great city and enriched Chicago's reputation as a foremost center of architectural innovation across the globe. On Friday, April 8, CAF will host Gala 2016 at the Hilton…
Read and Build: Roberto the Insect Architect
This month we'll learn about animal architecture from an insect builder, a termite named Roberto. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to make your take-home birdhouse and enjoy multiple readings of Nina Laden's "Roberto, The Insect Architect."
Saturday Studio - March
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…