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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. 

Winter Camp: Girls Build! (Affordable) Dream House

Think outside the box and design a dream house! This Girls Build! camp is specially crafted to engage girls ages 11–14 in architecture and design. From 2 to 5pm on select Sundays in January, February and March, girls will work through the design process…

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Chicago's Most Endangered Buildings 2022

What buildings in Chicago are most endangered this year? Find out at the unveiling of the 20th annual “Chicago 7,” a list from Preservation Chicago that identifies significant structures and public spaces preservationists hope to protect from the…

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Blowin’ in the Wind: Reducing Building Sway

In order to withstand the Windy City's namesake weather, some of Chicago’s tallest buildings are designed to sway in the breeze, which can leave residents and workers feeling seasick. Join us for a look at the innovative ways structural engineers minimize…

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Not Set in Stone: Cement and Concrete

Many of today’s commercial buildings are made of concrete. One of concrete’s crucial components is cement, which releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the environment. Join us as we learn what other alternatives exist to mitigate cement’s…

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Let's Talk About Land Acknowledgement

The Chicago Architecture Center stands on unceded Native land. As we work to better represent Chicago’s diversity in everything we do, this spring the CAC will begin to incorporate land acknowledgement into all public offerings (tours and programs)…

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Sacred to Secular Transformations

In the past decade, thousands of houses of worship have closed each year. But when the congregation leaves, what happens to the structures they leave behind? Join our discussion, where we will cover how these buildings are being adapted in new and creative…

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WHAT’S NEXT: The Future of Downtown

Floundering retail. Stunted tourism. Vacant offices. City centers across the globe are facing big challenges borne partly of the pandemic’s ongoing disruptions. Explore how designers, business leaders and city officials are working to keep Chicago moving…

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The Olmsted in all of Us

April marks the 200th anniversary of Frederick Law Olmsted’s birth. To celebrate, we're exploring the deeper legacy of this pioneering figure—designer, planner, educator, reformer, advocate, activist, inventor, innovator and enduring influencer.

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Healy & Millet: Chicago's Art Glass All-Stars

After meeting in Paris, portraitist George Healy and stained glass artist Louis Millet came to Chicago to start their interior design business. Their artistry won them national acclaim and the attention of Louis Sullivan. This is their story.

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Meet the New AIA Guide to Chicago

Get a special insider’s look at the making of the fourth edition of the AIA Guide to Chicago. Editor Laurie Peterson and AIA Chicago Executive Director Jen Masengarb highlight new additions to our city’s definitive architectural guidebook.

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Bold Start at The 78: Discovery Partners Institute

The University of Illinois-backed Discovery Partners Institute is sparking large investments from new tech, starting with a future-forward design from Dutch superfirm OMA. It will also be the first building to break ground at The 78—a massive new development…

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Louis Sullivan and His “Jewel Box” Banks

During the latter part of his career, Louis Sullivan designed eight “Jewel Box” banks, known for their modern facades and their lavishly ornamented interiors resembling jewel boxes. Join us for a midwestern virtual tour of these architectural masterpieces…

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Open House Chicago 2022 Preview

Join us for a sneak peek of Open House Chicago as we gear up for the free annual festival's return on October 15-16. Hear about what’s new and exciting in this 12th year of the event.

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LaSalle Street at a Crossroads

Join us for a roundtable conversation exploring ideas for a renewed LaSalle Street corridor, which currently finds itself at a crossroads. How does an austere financial district transform into a vibrant 24-hour neighborhood, and who will call this neighborhood…

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Engineering Fest 2023

Our annual Engineering Fest is back! Join us for a day of discovery, as children ages 8-14 are invited to build and learn, view the CAC's special exhibitions, meet engineers and explore how architecture and engineering partner to create the cities we…

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Saints and Sinners: Gold Coast Sights and Stories

From the Cardinal’s Mansion to the Playboy Mansion, Chicago’s Gold Coast is celebrated for its extravagant residences--befitting its influential, and often colorful, inhabitants. Join us as we explore Gilded Age architecture and examine how its residents…

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Girls Build! Day 2023

Join us for a special STEM festival designed just for girls ages 11-17! Girls will build, learn and network with professionals from more than 15 different STEM organizations.

Price
$8 Adults, $6 Adult CAC Members, FREE for children under 18
Date
March 25, 2023
Time
10:00 am

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Date
March 25, 2023
Time
10:00 am

Architecture Essentials

Learn fun facts about significant Chicago buildings and key architectural terms, styles and materials with CAC's Director of Interpretation, Adam Rubin. A must-see for architecture enthusiasts!

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Chicago’s Most Endangered Buildings 2023

Join Preservation Chicago as they reveal Chicago’s 7 Most Endangered list for 2023. For 20 years, this list of imminently threatened historic buildings and community assets is used to mobilize the support necessary to save these sites from demolition…

Price
Free with registration
Date
March 8, 2023
Time
12:00 pm

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Date
March 8, 2023
Time
12:00 pm

Architect Talk: Ralph Johnson's Chicago

Join us for an evening with Perkins&Will principal and design director Ralph Johnson, recipient of the 2022 AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award. Over a half-century at Perkins&Will, Johnson has produced defining buildings of the era while mentoring…

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