The CAC will be open until 8pm on select Fridays & Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
At 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 CAC.
Chicago is synonymous with architecture and Chicagoans—especially CAC members—love to share their knowledge of architecture with family and friends. Come learn fun architecture facts you can share again and again at this members-only event.
Join CAC docents to hear their favorite stories about the larger-than-life characters who made the Chicago River the nation’s crossroad of commerce then transformed it into a cultural destination and a unique urban landscape lined with architectural…
Need a special gift for mom? Looking for something unique for an aunt, grandma or other special mother in your life? In honor of Mother's Day, we're offering members 20% off all weekend at the CAC store.
Join us at What's Next? Designing the Future City, a new forum exploring how business and design leaders can unite to make great cities.
Chicago’s newest community-based urban agriculture initiative brings together food, health and jobs in one oasis-like location in North Lawndale. Get an in-depth tour of the farm with the team that made it happen, from concept to design to operation…
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback and guidance on independent or competition projects. CPS students are eligible for a stipend.
Explore architecture from a bugs-eye view! Drop in any time to enjoy multiple readings of Nina Laden's "Roberto, The Insect Architect” and make your own animal habitat.
Hear about the brilliance of American architecture at this three-part lecture series inspired by legendary Yale professor Vincent Scully. Held on the last three Tuesdays in April at 6pm, the series will examine significant American cities, buildings and…
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback and guidance on independent or competition projects. CPS students are eligible for a stipend.
In celebration of Earth Day, come learn about passive housing—an internationally recognized, performance-based energy standard in construction—and hear how it is gaining traction in the U.S.
Come learn how architecture and engineering work together as you build and test a structure with design professionals. Receive coaching and feedback from a structural engineer as you learn the science behind building.
Join us in the ArcelorMittal Design Studio on Thursdays from 5—7pm during the school year to get feedback and guidance on independent or competition projects. CPS students are eligible for a stipend.
Ever wonder how buildings stand so tall? Take part in interactive, STEM-based activities that explore structural elements and the science behind buildings. Youth walking tours of Chicago’s most iconic engineering marvels depart at 11:30am and 1:30pm…
This drop-in workshop explores urban planning, community development and city systems. Students will consider the question, “What makes a good neighborhood?” and use the design process to create neighborhoods from scratch.
Chicago is made up of iconic bridges…but how do some of them move?! Come build and test your own bridge during this interactive, drop-in program. Educators from the McCormick Bridge House Museum will be on-site to give feedback from noon-1:30pm.
