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.
Travel abroad—no passport required—beginning January 30, 2021, through six programs produced in partnership by the Association of Architecture Organizations and AAO members in Boston, Chicago, Copenhagen, Los Angeles, New York City and Prague.
Don’t miss this lecture from 2020 Pritzker Prize laureates Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of Grafton Architects, co-presented with the Irish Consulate General in Chicago. Founded in 1978, Grafton lays claim to noteworthy buildings worldwide.
During 28 years as architecture critic at the Chicago Tribune, Blair Kamin deepened civic awareness of design. Join Kamin as he revisits three decades of skyline-shaping towers, imaginative local projects and transformations of the public realm.
Rosehill Cemetery is the final resting place of many individuals involved in the Civil War including political leaders, newspaper editors who shaped public opinion and officers who led brigades.
The pandemic puts health and safety in the workplace to the test, with improved airflow and sanitation taking on new urgency. Learn what goes into designing healthy buildings and how these approaches apply to office and residential settings alike.
Chicago is home to more moveable bridges than any other city in the country, keeping all sides of the city connected despite waterways that cut across them. Explore how these marvels of engineering helped shape the Chicago we know today.
Don’t miss this donor-exclusive virtual tour of the nearly complete St. Regis Chicago (formerly Vista Tower). The architect-led tour reveals design and engineering moves, newly finished spaces and sweeping skyline views. A live Q&A follows.
During the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Midway Plaisance offered visitors an array of food and fun, ways to visit far-off places, the first-ever Ferris Wheel and other diversions. But the Midway was more than that.
Join designers and planners from Chicago and London as we discuss how tall buildings and the zero-carbon agenda affect both cities.
From historic buildings that escaped the Chicago Fire of 1871 to stunning contemporary designs, explore how Chicago's schools have been adapted for today's needs.
Twenty-one years in to the new millennium, innovative construction materials are altering Chicago in noticeable ways. CAC docent Kevin Griebenow highlights changes in skyscraper construction and engineering tied to recent material breakthroughs.
Join us for an exclusive screening of Episode 3 of Bruce Orenstein’s new documentary series, The Shame of Chicago, exploring predatory contract home sales in Chicago after World War II. Moderated discussion to follow.
Join us as we commemorate 50 years of the CAC Docent program. Enjoy reflections from a panel of docents as they revisit memorable chapters and look towards the future.
Brooks + Scarpa founding principal Lawrence Scarpa explores how design excellence can revolutionize housing for communities in need, in conversation with Maurice Cox, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development.
Architecture in Chicago has long drawn influence from Japan. Trace the connections beginning with parallels to Japanese architectural tradition found in Frank Lloyd Wright’s work and continuing on to Japanese architects practicing in Chicago today.