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UPCOMING

Currents: 60 Years of the Chicago Architecture Center

Discover key ways the CAC has shaped the city's past, present and future across its 60-year history of innovation, advocacy and design.

Date

April 13, 2026 - March 1, 2027

Location

Orientation Space

  • Black and white photo of people standing on steps. Black and white photo of people standing on steps.

    Board of Trustees Chair Marian Despres introduces the first docent class at their graduation in 1971. Photo from the CAC archives.

The Exhibition

For the past 60 years, the Chicago Architecture Center has taken on the challenges and opportunities of the moment. Born from passionate, determined Chicagoans who took a stand to save a treasured historic building and then share that passion for architecture with the public, CAC continues today to make an impact on Chicago and inspire millions to discover why design matters.

Explore CAC’s long history of seeing a challenge in the city — from the loss of important historic buildings during urban renewal to disinvestment in vocational training — and rising to meet the moment in ways that have left, and will continue to make, an enduring legacy on Chicago. 

  • Skyscrapers at dusk.

    The Kemper Building is among the many featured tall buildings that has been part of Open House Chicago — CAC's largest annual event. Photo by Anne Evans, from the CAC archives.

  • Black and white photo of people protesting.

    One of the Chicago School of Architecture Foundation founders, Richard Nickel, protests the demolition of the Garrick Theater. Photo courtesy of Eric Nordstrom and the Chicago Sun-Times.

  • Skyscrapers on a river with a boat on the water.

    Over the years, CAC boat partner First Lady has perfected a boat design that is large enough for audience demand and low enough to clear bridges, while still providing a quiet, comfortable ride. Photo from the CAC archives.

  • Kids and an adult working on a project together.

    Tour director and docent Evelyn Goltz guides third and fourth graders through lessons about weight, gravity and common design solutions in a “Structure: The Secret of Skyscrapers” field trip. Photo by Anne Evans, from the CAC Archives.