Read and Build: The Most Magnificent Thing
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!
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
Mobile Photography for Architecture 101
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…
Minecraft Workshop
This event has been cancelled. Please contact membership@architecture.org with any questions.
Daytime Talk: Saving Harley Clarke Mansion
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…
Behind the Scenes Tour: Logan Square
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…
Saturday Studio: September
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…
Members Only: Fourth Presbyterian Church and Gratz Center Tour
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.
Architect Talks: Gregg Pasquarelli of SHoP Architects
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…
Community Conversations: 50 Designers, 50 Ideas, 50 Wards
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.
Read and Build: A Few Blocks
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.
Back to School Block Party
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…
Saturday Studio: Interior 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…
Auxiliary Board River Cruise Fundraiser: Party Like It’s 1966!
Join the Chicago Architecture Foundation Auxiliary Board for the annual river cruise fundraiser benefiting CAF’s Taliesin Scholars. We're continuing CAF's 50th Anniversary celebrations with cocktails, small bites, raffle prizes and on-board entertainment…
Read and Build: Last Stop on Market Street
Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt Pena. At each of our activity stations, we'll explore what makes a neighborhood special and paint with patterns to create a mixed-media community…
Members Only Travel Program: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Join us for an exclusive four-day, three-night experience featuring Pittsburgh's architectural treasures. Along the way, you’ll find out why "The New Yorker" magazine said, "If Pittsburgh were situated somewhere in the heart of Europe, tourists would…