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 home to more than 100 fountains, from stately and eclectic to sober and whimsical. Greg Borzo’s new book, “Chicago’s Fabulous Fountains,” captures the whole spectrum. Come hear him share stories about some of the city’s favorite public…
A bold new crop of cultural spaces designed by local architects is popping up in Chicago. Hear the story behind several new museum and theater designs by Studio Gang, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and Wheeler Kearns Architects.
In these 3-hour “master-class” studios, teens will work alongside local architects and designers on a mini-design challenge inspired by the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Participants will learn about the Biennial’s themes then build, sketch, photograph…
In these 3-hour “master-class” studios, teens will work alongside local architects and designers on a mini-design challenge inspired by the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Participants will learn about the Biennial’s themes then build, sketch, photograph…
In these 3-hour “master-class” studios, teens will work alongside local architects and designers on a mini-design challenge inspired by the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Participants will learn about the Biennial’s themes then build, sketch, photograph…
In these 3-hour “master-class” studios, teens will work alongside local architects and designers on a mini-design challenge inspired by the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Participants will learn about the Biennial’s themes then build, sketch, photograph…
IIT Architecture and the Mies van der Rohe Society honor John Vinci and celebrate the new book by Robert Sharoff and William Zbaren: "John Vinci: Life and Landmarks."
Join author, docent and CAF life trustee Henry Kuehn for a tour through images and anecdotes from his new book, "Architects’ Gravesites: A Serendipitous Guide."
Join us for a review of seminal projects by Kieran Timberlake as the firm’s newest design, the U.S. Embassy in London, prepares to open. Founding Principal James Timberlake will discuss the critical considerations involved in designing for diplomacy…
In these 3-hour “master-class” studios, teens will work alongside local architects and designers on a mini-design challenge inspired by the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Participants will learn about the Biennial’s themes then build, sketch, photograph…
In these 3-hour “master-class” studios, teens will work alongside local architects and designers on a mini-design challenge inspired by the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Participants will learn about the Biennial’s themes then build, sketch, photograph…
In these 3-hour “master-class” studios, teens will work alongside local architects and designers on a mini-design challenge inspired by the Chicago Architecture Biennial. Participants will learn about the Biennial’s themes then build, sketch, photograph…
Bring the Chicago Architecture Biennial into your classroom this fall! Teachers are invited to attend a free training from 5-7pm to learn more about the Biennial’s themes and how it can support teaching and learning.
Homes come in all shapes and sizes. Drop in any time between 9am and noon for multiple readings of “Clancy & Millie and the Very Fine House” by Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood, then build your own home with unique features. Together, we’ll create…
CAF members are invited to take an exclusive tour of the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial with a trained CAF staff member. Pick from two dates, Thursday, Sept. 28 or Saturday, Oct. 7, and bring a guest!
Bring the Chicago Architecture Biennial into your classroom this fall! Teachers are invited to attend a free training from 5-7pm to learn more about the Biennial’s themes and how it can support teaching and learning.
Join CAF on a very special trip to Japan focusing on modern architecture, including two nights as guests to the invitation-only Frank Lloyd Wright 150th Birth Year Celebration and Symposium. In addition to Tokyo, we will be touring Nikko, Nagoya, Kyoto…
Columns, arches and acroteria combine to make this building a Chicago icon. Go on a mini-walking tour to learn about the Art Institute (weather permitting), then create your own mini museum with LEGO® and studio materials.
CAF invites you to discover the many architectural treasures of Columbus, Indiana—home to more than 75 buildings designed by internationally celebrated architects. Join us Sept. 7-9 on an exploration of works by I.M. Pei, Eliel Saarinen, Harry Weese…
Join us from 12-3pm in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio to work with architects, designers and professional mentors from the Chicago area. These hands-on studios help develop basic architecture and design skills while solving real-world challenges.
Travel with CAF on August 26 to Beverly Shores, Indiana for an exclusive tour of the legendary House of Tomorrow. See the major restoration underway and visit a neighboring World's Fair model home. We will depart CAF by coach at 9am and return at 5pm…
Learn about the history and planned restoration of the House of Tomorrow, a futuristic model home designed for the 1933-34 Century of Progress Exposition.
Join us for an evening of bikes and brews at Revolution Brewing. Local experts will give rapid-fire presentations on Chicago’s bike culture and the state of cycling in our city, followed by an audience Q&A. Beer and a light buffet included!
Girls ages 11 to 14 are invited to learn about landscape architecture and design during this 5-day camp. They will explore parks and playgrounds near the Loop and design their own public park or backyard in our studio.
Join us for a grass-hopping good time as we draw, cut and paint our very own bug houses, created for and inspired by insects. Drop-in any time between 9am and noon for multiple readings of “Roberto the Insect Architect” by Nina Laden.
Step up your smartphone photography game during this walk-and-shoot seminar in the heart of the city! Local author, CAF docent and avid Instagrammer Molly Page will help you take better architecture photos with any smartphone.
Join us for a special walking tour of the Art Institute of Chicago’s South Garden. CAF has arranged this tour to coincide with our new exhibit, The Landscape Architecture Legacy of Dan Kiley.
Join the CAF Auxiliary Board on their annual river cruise fundraiser benefiting CAF’s Teen Academy. Guests will enjoy a sunset cruise with world-class architecture, cocktails, delicious small bites and on-board entertainment. This year’s theme is "Luau…
Join us from 12-3pm in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio to work with architects, designers and professional mentors from the Chicago area. These hands-on studios help develop basic architecture and design skills while solving real-world challenges.
Our members-only cruise is your chance to take in the city's architecture from a different perspective—on Lake Michigan. Join CAF for an exclusive architecture cruise highlighting Chicago's magnificent skyline, the Lake Michigan shoreline and the river…
Join us from 12-3pm in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio to work with architects, designers and professional mentors from the Chicago area. These hands-on studios help develop basic architecture and design skills while solving real-world challenges.
Hear about plans to renovate and modernize the Thomas Hughes Children’s Library at Harold Washington Library. Brian Vitale, design director and principal at Gensler, will share his firm’s re-imagination of the 25,000-square-foot space.
Celebrated architects Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi embrace the challenge of turning difficult urban sites into profound public spaces. Come hear how they marry architecture and landscape to create appealing places out of distressed locations.
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s birthday with a visit to some of his masterpieces in Madison and Spring Green, Wisconsin!
Think and create like a scientist as we explore the questions, “What are buildings are made of?” and “How do they stand so tall?” Drop in any time between 9am and noon for multiple readings of “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty.
Chicago's classic bungalows are increasingly the target of drastic renovation and expansion. New homebuyers are investing in the bungalow belt, amplifying calls for design guidelines to protect these buildings' historic character.
Theaters have been important in Chicago for many years. The Auditorium Building is more than 125 years old! We'll go on a short walking tour (weather permitting), learn about how function and aesthetic work together, then design our own theaters out of…
Join us in the CAF Store from 11am to 3pm for an exclusive event with Motawi Tileworks. You'll enjoy special discounts and a presentation from the company’s founder.
Learn about the complex restoration and revitalization work underway at Lathrop Homes, a historic Chicago Housing Authority site located between the Bucktown and Roscoe Village neighborhoods on Chicago’s North Side.
Building a skyscraper today also means preparing for possible threats: earthquakes, strong winds, environmental deterioration and terrorist plots, to name a few. Four experts address these critical issues for tall buildings of the future.
Trucks on a construction site have a lot of jobs! They push and pull, lift and twist, and scoop and pour. We'll trace shapes to create trucks, test out tools and build with blocks. Drop in between 9am and 12pm for readings of "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction…
What does urban living look like in the future? Join CAF and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) as we host a discussion with policy and design experts about the way our city and suburbs might change to become more livable in the coming…
Watch Buckingham Fountain spring to life at ComEd’s annual "Switch on Summer" event! Listen to live music and take part in free family activities from 4-7pm and admire the fountain when it gets turned on at 6pm.
Join us and take in the mystical world of Aladdin! We’ll start with a presentation from a member of the Aladdin production team who will discuss sets, costumes and more. After the presentation, enjoy the Cadillac Palace Suite for a reception before…
The new book "Chicago: Classic Photographs" showcases 100 images of the city taken over the past century by revered photographers. Enjoy a tour through the collection and a book signing with editors Richard Cahan and Michael Williams.
We partnered with ArcLight Cinemas Chicago to bring you an exclusive monthly film series that explores how filmmakers use our city and its architecture to tell extraordinary stories. The selected films will be screened and followed by a discussion and…
Join CAF for a curated trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. We'll visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (including a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house) and the Thorncrown Chapel. Lodging will be at the trendy 21c Museum Hotel. Travelers may add an…
Join us from 12-3pm in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio to work with architects, designers and professional mentors from the Chicago area. These hands-on studios help develop basic architecture and design skills while solving real-world challenges.
Chicago has a tremendous legacy of landscape design. In this four-part educational series, historian Julia Bachrach leads discussions on the evolution of landscape architecture in Chicago and takes us on a half-day tour to influential sites.
Once a landscape of butchers and purveyors, Fulton Market is suddenly Chicago’s hottest district for development. Major undertakings by developer Sterling Bay are bringing new dynamism to the area. Join us to review the design of two key projects.
The 2017 Chicago Architecture Foundation Gala, No Small Plans, will take place on Thursday, April 6, at Morgan MFG in the West Loop. Proceeds will benefit CAF's education initiatives for Chicago students. Cocktail attire suggested.
Creatures of all shapes and sizes have homes. Come build a home that is just right for your favorite animal! We’ll make a mini-diorama and create an animal out of clay. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm for multiple readings of "Home" by Carson…
Obsolete public structures can be found in every Chicago neighborhood. Increasingly, however, these spaces are not being demolished. Architects are assisting in their preservation by re-defining the buildings through creative reuse.
Explore social impact design from 12-3pm with guest architect Ashley Rodriguez, associate at Demonica Kemper Architects. We’ll see examples of her work, go on a walking tour in the Loop and use sketching and bubble diagrams to develop our own designs…
Sixty years ago Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned a mile high tower for Chicago. Finally, we have entered the era of the mega-tall skyscraper (2,000+ feet). How high can buildings possibly go? Our expert speakers tackle this and more.
The Public Trust Doctrine introduced Chicagoans to the notion of an open, public lakefront. While many agree with the doctrine, the past century has been filled with battles over the land. Our panel discusses our lakefront’s past and future.
What makes a building strong? Touch materials like steel and concrete, then design your own house to keep out the big bad wolf! Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm for readings of "The Three Little Pigs: An Architectural Tale" by Steven Guarnaccia.
The lines between art and architecture are further blurred when artist Mark Dion meets up with architect and designer David Rockwell (of Rockwell Group). Presented in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Join us from 12-3pm in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio to work with architects, designers and professional mentors from the Chicago area. These hands-on studios help develop basic architecture and design skills while solving real-world challenges.
Join CAF as we explore San Diego's rich architecture from Spanish Colonial and Victorian buildings to Modern masterpieces such as the Salk Institute. The Pacific coast is calling you!
Hear about the past and future of the Uptown Theatre, a movie palace at the corner of Lawrence and Broadway. Designed by Rapp and Rapp, the elaborate Balaban and Katz Uptown Theatre has remained shuttered since 1981.
Join this two-part book club for a discussion of William Cronon’s trailblazing environmental work. Nature's Metropolis looks at how 19th-century Chicago became a bustling commercial hub due to unique ecological and economic circumstances.
Hear about three new towers overlooking Grant Park that will transform the South Loop skyline: 1000M (by JAHN), Essex on the Park (by Hartshorne Plunkard/Oxford Capital) and One Grant Park (by Rafael Viñoly Architects).
Are you an inventor? Construct a great invention from odds and ends, test it out and celebrate the flops and failures. Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty.
As Chicago prepares for the Obama Presidential Center, hear from architect Richard Olcott (Ennead Architects) and landscape architect Mary Margaret Jones (Hargreaves Associates). They were key to the vision and design of the Clinton Presidential Center…
Join Susan King from Harley Ellis Devereaux as she discusses Lake Street Studios, the award-winning West Loop residence she designed in 2015, and why she believes micro units are vital to sustaining our city’s social fabric.
In this month's LEGO® Build, we'll investigate Wabash Tower, a "vertical campus" for college students with classrooms, dormitories and a cafeteria. Join us from 12–3pm for a mini-walking tour to Wabash Tower, then recreate it using LEGO®.
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but we’re having lots of fun at CAF! Drop in any time between 10am and 2pm for a special winter celebration full of hands-on activities and, of course, some hot chocolate with marshmallows. We'll design and build…
“Composition, Contrast, Complexity” is a perfect summary of the rich sensory journey visitors experience in a space designed by Mecanoo Architects. It’s also the title of founding partner Francine Houben’s book about the Dutch firm. Join Houben…
Join your fellow CAF members to celebrate the holidays at the luxurious Peninsula Chicago. Tour this landmark mixed-use development on Chicago’s famed “Magnificent Mile” designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects. Then enjoy the elegance and sophistication…
Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "Larry Gets Lost in Chicago" by Michael Mullin and John Skewes. Join us in turning our city into a scavenger hunt as we look for Larry at iconic Chicago destinations.
Downtown Chicago is currently witnessing a burst of historic restorations. One such project is The National, a renovation of the former Chicago Public Schools headquarters building at 125 S. Clark. Lead architect Aric Lasher of HBRA Architects will let…
On this seven-day journey through Mexico City, you’ll marvel at the pyramids of Teotihuacan and explore the new architecture of the city. The trip includes a journey to the Palacio des Bellas Artes to admire the Tiffany stage curtain and take in a folk…
Using the recent "Our Great Rivers" report as a framework, we’ll take an intriguing look at the future of the Chicago River, focusing on both recent construction and the near- and long-term plans for the river’s use and look. Great Rivers Chicago…
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a book club led by the author himself! Richard Cahan, author of "Richard Nickel Dangerous Years: What He Saw and What He Wrote" tells the tale of how Chicago photographer and urban crusader Richard Nickel…
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.
CAF’s popular Scavenger Hunt returns in Fall 2016. This year, in honor of CAF’s 50th anniversary, we’ll be adding a few twists! The Scavenger Hunt will again feature clues spread throughout Chicago, and you’ll have four weeks (October 11 through…
Drop in any time between 9am and 12pm to enjoy multiple readings of "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt. Ignite your little ones' imagination as we play with color and re-imagine our city with purple trees, pink taxis and rainbow skyscrapers!
Can a dream house be both sustainable and beautifully designed? We’ll find out as we think outside the box during a six-week class that's specially crafted to engage girls ages 11–14 in architecture and design.
With approachable instructors and architecture professionals, we’ll break down the basic studio skill sets that architects utilize every day. It’s the perfect opportunity to prep for your upcoming vacation or to brush up on techniques you learned…
Hear from Navy Pier President & CEO Marilynn Gardner as she reflects on the renovation of one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations, as well as the Pier’s plans for engaging the community with its reimagined spaces. Join us for a look at…
Newcity and the Chicago Architecture Foundation present a live recording of “A Lot You Got to Holler,” the Newcity podcast about architecture, urbanism and design.
This Saturday Studio will be led by Charles Arko from Solomon Cordwell Buenz.
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.
A flurry of new buildings and restorations has come to Chicago’s university campuses. Hear from designers who are completing or have completed projects recently at Northwestern University and University of Chicago: Bruce Kuwabara (KPMB Architects, Toronto)…
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!
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Design isn't just about architecture—it's a part of the fashion and music worlds, too! Campers ages 11-14 will explore how fashion, music and architecture share ideas and change throughout the decades. We'll tour the Loop, meet design professionals…