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.
A prolific architect, trailblazing city planner and civic leader, Daniel Burnham has been described as both a pragmatic realist and a visionary idealist. CAC docent Marcia Matavulj dives into this apparent contradiction on July 25 and Sept. 5.
The CAC’s annual Churches by Bus tour celebrates 25 years in 2020. Two CAC docents who lead the tour will share the evolution of church architecture in Chicago and highlight three local examples at this program on July 29 and August 29.
With a focus on Chicago’s River North neighborhood, CAC docent Jeff Marcella—an expert in both buildings and beer—will lead this online version of one of the CAC’s popular Pub Tours on July 18 and August 26.
Chicago author and historian Dominic A. Pacyga leads this presentation on his 2019 book “American Warsaw: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Polish Chicago,” which explores the impact Chicago’s Polish community has made on the city’s culture and politics…
In Chicago, the Gothic style is often found in church designs, but can also be seen in many academic, commercial, municipal and residential buildings. Join CAC docent Dr. Thomas R. Stelmack on July 22 or August 22 to discover this intricate style.
Driven by tourism, multiple historic Chicago skyscrapers have recently been reimagined as chic hotels. CAC docent Monica Rodriguez leads this online version of the CAC’s popular tour, “Hotel Boom: Making Old New Again,” on July 11 and August 19…
Tune in to the CAC’s Facebook page for a 45-minute, virtual walking tour with CAC docent Mike McMains about Printers Row, a unique landmark district filled with beautiful mid-rise commercial buildings, many converted to residential lofts.
Part of the CAC's “What's Next” series • COVID-19 has created significant challenges to urban transit systems and efforts to reshape mobility in cities worldwide. Hear what strategies are on the table in Chicago for the future of transportation…
Chicago is the birthplace of innovations that allowed for the design and construction of the world’s first skyscrapers. CAC docent Bill Lipsman takes a closer look at these engineering breakthroughs on July 8 and Aug. 15.
Ready to think like an architect? Join us June 29-July 3 or July 6-10 for a virtual camp to learn architecture basics. Campers ages 8-10 will be introduced to sketching and model building through guided lessons, activities and virtual walking tours.
Tune in to the CAC’s Facebook page for a 45-minute, virtual walking tour about the history of the “L” with CAC docent Mike McMains, who’ll livestream interesting perspectives, tell stories at street level and take questions LIVE in the comments…
Join CAC docent Brian Kelly on July 1 or August 8 as he shares how innovative collaborations between merchants and architects, along with the emergence of architecturally significant department stores, brought a retail revolution to State Street.
The CAC Auxiliary Board’s annual river cruise fundraiser has been converted into an exciting virtual experience for 2020! Take a CAC-curated, self-guided tour of the Chicago Riverwalk and attend an online event to support the CAC Teen Fellows program…
Hear the story of the Chicago Riverwalk on June 20 or August 5 from Michelle Woods, a CAC docent and City of Chicago project manager who oversees the maintenance, operations and concession program for the 1.25-mile trail.
Discover the stories behind murals across Chicago on June 24 or August 1 with CAC docent Maurice Champagne. Learn how talented muralists use public art to enliven architecture, reflect social issues and honor both ordinary people and famous figures.
Every building has a past. Ellen Shubart talks with author and fellow CAC docent Joni Hirsch Blackman about Blackman’s book, “This Used to be Chicago,” and the stories it reveals about nearly 90 local buildings.
Discover the Chicago history and collaborate with fellow campers to design and build an ideal neighborhood in this online urban planning camp July 20-24. Campers ages 11-14 will go on virtual tours and talk with experts about their design decisions.
Explore what makes Chicago’s neighborhoods unique and reimagine a corner of your own neighborhood at this virtual camp July 20-24 for ages 8-10. Learn introductory model making, sketching and observational skills.
Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Bringing people, ideas, goods and services together are hallmarks of urban life. So how are places designed with that in mind adapting to the challenges—both immediate and prolonged—of the current…
Discover women who made lasting impacts on Chicago with a visit to their final resting places in Graceland Cemetery. CAC docent Mary Jo Hoag leads this 45-minute live, virtual tour in the beautiful North Side cemetery on July 7 and July 12.