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.
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.
Redesign a green space at this virtual camp July 6-10 for ages 11-14. Through guided lessons, hands-on activities and explorations of their neighborhoods, campers will learn about landscape architecture and the importance of parks and public spaces.
Take a 45-minute live, virtual tour with CAC docent Mary Jo Hoag on June 30 or July 5 to discover stunning buildings designed by female architects. Highlights include the Equitable Building, Aqua Tower, Vista Tower and more.