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.
Art Deco epitomized the exuberance of the Roaring 20s, but it also included motifs from ancient times. See how images of Greek gods and goddesses added art and meaning to many of Chicago’s most beautiful Art Deco buildings at this virtual program.
Travel abroad—no passport required—beginning January 30, 2021, through six programs produced in partnership by the Association of Architecture Organizations and AAO members in Boston, Chicago, Copenhagen, Los Angeles, New York City and Prague.
During 28 years as architecture critic at the Chicago Tribune, Blair Kamin deepened civic awareness of design. Join Kamin as he revisits three decades of skyline-shaping towers, imaginative local projects and transformations of the public realm.
Don’t miss this lecture from 2020 Pritzker Prize laureates Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects, co-presented with the Irish Consulate General in Chicago. Founded in 1978, Grafton lays claim to noteworthy buildings worldwide.
Chicago goes all out for the holidays! Join us to hear about the city’s holiday traditions and the way its iconic architecture gets decorated for the holidays, from the windows at Macy’s on State to the Art Institute of Chicago lions.
Chicago has a storied sports history. Join CAC docent Kent Foutty at this virtual program to learn about the architecture of three fields—one old, one new and one completely redesigned—where many of those stories took place.
Chicago’s skyscraper-studded downtown core is home to a surprising number of houses of worship, serving believers of multiple faiths and representing a wide variety of architectural styles. Join CAC docent David Utech as he highlights six of them.
Discover the stories behind two Frank Lloyd Wright gems in north suburban Glencoe: Booth Cottage and Ravine Bluffs, a collection of homes that showcase Wright’s interest in community planning.
Don’t miss this signature lecture with internationally renowned architect Jeanne Gang, founding principal of Studio Gang. In more than 20 years of practice, Studio Gang has pushed the envelope to create stunning buildings and landscapes that strengthen…
Hear from North Lawndale residents about the positive impact more than 50 community gardens are making in their West Side neighborhood.
Exclusively for CAC members • Join hip-hop artist, community organizer, teacher and writer Che “Rhymefest” Kweku on a virtual tour to places that changed the course of his life and career, in Chicago’s Hyde Park and Kenwood neighborhoods.
CAC docent Mike McMains joins two community leaders, Allan Lindrup and Yvette Moyo, for this live-streamed, virtual tour of the South Shore neighborhood, showcasing its rich history and beautiful architecture.
Exclusively for CAC members • ”Walking Chicago” author, freelance journalist and photographer Robert Loerzel shares some of his favorite buildings and places in Edgewater and Rogers Park during this virtual tour.
Take a virtual tour of the former Central Park Theater in North Lawndale, a 1917 movie palace that marked the start of a fruitful partnership between architects Rapp and Rapp and theater corporation Balaban and Katz.
Exclusively for CAC members • Hear fascinating stories about the multi-year, award-winning Chicago Riverwalk project, from two women who worked together to bring it to fruition: architect Carol Ross Barney and CAC docent Michelle Woods.