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’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.
Learn about Art Deco—the opulent architectural style from the 1920s and 1930s—with CAC docent Mike McMains on this live, 45-minute virtual tour in downtown Chicago on May 5 or 10.
Learn how an abandoned railway freight yard was transformed into an important urban development called Illinois Center—home of the CAC. Join us on April 15 or May 9 to discover how Illinois Center was designed for people to “work, live and play.”
Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • Join architect and urban planner Doug Farr as he introduces Carbon Free Chicago, a 30-year campaign to equitably decarbonize our region’s economy.
Part of the CAC’s “What’s Next” series • The office environment, collaborative by nature, presents distinct challenges in a world still recovering from a pandemic. Hear how architects, designers and their clients are exploring creative solutions…
Several women played significant roles in making the 1893 World’s Fair a spectacularly grand affair. CAC docent Kathleen Carpenter will introduce you to these remarkable women artists, activists and achievers on April 18 and May 6.
Beaux-Arts style architecture can be found everywhere you turn in Chicago's Loop. Join CAC docent Mike McMains on May 1 or May 3 as he highlights several impressive Beaux-Arts buildings on this 45-minute live, virtual tour.
Join us on April 22 or May 2 to learn about some of Chicago’s most stunning Art Deco skyscrapers and the defining characteristics of the architectural style, which epitomized the prosperity and optimism of the Roaring Twenties.
How has the quest for Utopia shaped American cities? Join urban planner and professor Alex Krieger as he explores the dreams and ideals that have long influenced our urban settlements, as told in his new book, “City on a Hill.”
Take a 45-minute live, virtual tour of Chicago Commercial buildings with CAC docent Mike McMains! Hosted on April 21 and 26, this is the first topic in a series of weekly tours McMains will lead in downtown Chicago through the end of May.
A special program presented by the Chicago Architecture Center in partnership with the Association of Architecture Organizations
Author Ellen Lupton will share insights from her book “Design Is Storytelling,” filled with sharp commentary and social observations about the way designers use storytelling techniques to create satisfying graphics, products, services and experiences…
The school year is a busy time. We’ve combined all your favorite elements from our design studio, exhibits and Mobile Architecture Lab into a full day of architecture and exploration—just for families! Join us from 10am—2pm on the second Saturday…