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.
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.
How do you take something old and make it new again? Campers ages 11-14 will use iconic Chicago buildings as case studies at this virtual camp June 29-July 3 to reimagine an existing building or empty space in their neighborhood for a new purpose.
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.
Join CAC docent Dick Clark on June 6 or June 17 as he shares fascinating stories about Chicago’s beautiful and serene Graceland Cemetery—from the lives of the people laid to rest there to a large variety of interesting monuments.
On June 13 or June 16, learn about the architecture, history and famous people that have made Chicago’s Downtown Theatre District a global destination for entertainment, from the mid−19th century to today.
Join museum expert and CAC Education Facilitator Paul Neumann as he looks at a broad array of house museums across the U.S., including Pabst Mansion, Glass House and Hearst Castle, along with Chicago’s Glessner House and Richard H. Driehaus Museum.
Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Going beyond the typical lecture or panel, this workshop lays out clear-cut steps for preparing your office for a returning workforce under social distancing guidelines.
Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Rush University Medical Center is uniquely suited to contain infectious diseases and respond to surges that occur during public health crises. What lessons does it offer for architects of future hospitals?
This live, 45-minute virtual tour on May 26 or 31 with docent Mike McMains describes the influences of the Contemporary style, defines its characteristics and profiles several wonderful buildings from the last 20 years and their amazing architects.
Explore the fascinating intersections between Chicago’s architecture and works of literature at this visual presentation with CAC docent Leanne Star on May 27 or 30.
On a mission to design the perfect kitchen of his own, historic preservationist John Ota traveled across North America to find inspiration in the kitchens of famed figures. Hear more about his journey, as documented in his new book “The Kitchen.”
Offered in partnership with the Music Box Theatre, this four-day, at-home film festival explores how filmmakers use architecture to tell extraordinary stories. Stream the movies at home, then join CAC staff and guest experts for discussion.
Modernism was the dominant style of high-rise architecture from the 1960s through the 1980s, but not everyone was a fan. Learn about new styles that emerged as reactions—Brutalism and Postmodernism—on this live, 45-minute tour on May 19 or 24.
When skyscrapers began to rise again after a long hiatus during World War II, a new style of architecture emerged: Mid-Century Modernism. Join CAC docent Mike McMains on May 12 or 17 for a live, 45-minute tour that highlights buildings from this era.
Did you know Chicago hosted two world's fairs, 40 years apart? Join us on April 29 or May 20 to compare and contrast the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the Century of Progress International Exposition held in 1933.
Why is Chicago often considered the birthplace of the skyscraper? Explore the history of these tall buildings on April 25 or May 16 and discover how Chicago became a global center for high-rise design, innovation and engineering.
Chicago’s public art collection is vast, varied and endlessly interesting. Join CAC docent Ed McDevitt on April 11 or May 13 as he leads this engaging introduction to some of Chicago’s greatest public art treasures.
Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Join leading landscape architect and urban designer Ernest C. Wong at this virtual program as he outlines the tensions spatial distancing will continue to impose on parks and shared public spaces.
Explore the ways architecture and design impact you every day! This five-day program introduces design thinking to young learners ages 6-12 through fun, interactive lessons, with support from CAC education staff.