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.
Chicago is the birthplace of skyscrapers, but it's also known for its innovative bridges. In this LEGO® Build Workshop, we'll learn about three different types of bridges and how engineers built them strong enough to span the Chicago River. We'll also…
Nothing planned for your kids' day off from school? No problem. Let them play and discover with CAF's LEGO® Mindstorms 1.0! From 10am to 3:30pm, your kids can learn to program and design for LEGO® Mindstorms, the robotics construction kits that give…
We begin our 2016 Design Dialogues lecture series with a look at recent trends that are changing work and the workplace. How will we all commute to our next jobs? And to what place, real or virtual, will many of us be asked to travel? Join us for a discussion…
Join us for a morning of making and storytelling. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm for activities and multiple readings of "Young Frank, Architect" by Frank Viva. We'll learn about different styles of design from old Frank and young Frank as we build…
Join Paul Durica—author, historian and producer of Pocket Guide to Hell—for a deeper read of this season’s One Book, One Chicago selection The Third Coast: When Chicago Built the American Dream. At each session, we’ll dive into Thomas Dyja’s…
Work with great architects, designers, engineers and mentors from the Chicago area! Our hands-on, studio-based workshops offer design challenges and real-life problem solving. Free to attend and open to all teens, Saturday Studio sessions let you explore…
How do architects and designers come up with such great ideas? They use the design process! Join us in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio as we identify a design problem, build our ideas with LEGO® and present our solutions. LEGO® Build: Design Process…
Children ages 7–11 are invited to join us from 9am to 12pm on select Saturdays from January through March in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio, where we’ll work in teams and use the design process to imagine city skylines of the future. Campers will discover…
Join us for an exclusive, members-only presentation and cocktail reception featuring the talented people of the production team behind “Beautiful—The Carole King Musical.” They’ll be sharing with us the challenges and joys of recreating the show’s…
Join us for a morning of making and storytelling. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm for activities and multiple readings of “Katy and the Big Snow” by Virginia Lee Burton. Katy’s story will inspire us to think about big cities as we work together…
Join us for a magical evening beginning with a pre-show reception in the Cadillac Palace's Suite, enjoy light appetizers and drinks while mingling with fellow members, then make your way to orchestra level seats to experience the breathtaking performance…
Holidays are for togetherness. Celebrate with us every Sunday in December and design the ideal gathering space for you and your family!
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but we are having lots of fun at CAF! Join us for a special winter celebration full of hands-on activities and of course, some hot apple cider.
Which buildings do we save and which do we raze? Often, architects, community members, developers, and other stakeholders disagree about which buildings we should save and why. Some see aesthetics and the preservation of the past as the main values to…
Join us in celebrating the holidays with afternoon tea at the Pavilion, home to The Langham Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood. This special tradition of afternoon tea debuted at the Langham Hotel, London, in 1865. Enjoy an afternoon of elegance, featuring a…
