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The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a non-profit organization that inspires people to discover why design matters.

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Open House Chicago is Back!

Oct 18-19, 2025
On October 18-19, CAC will be hosting Open House Chicago, an annual free public festival that provides access to places of architectural, historical, and cultural significance, and highlights businesses, organizations, and creative leaders making positive impact in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.
Explore the 2025 sites
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OHC Hotel Partners

Spend a weekend exploring the city of architecture and take advantage of discounted rates at our partner hotels for the weekend of October 17-19.


See Participating hotels
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Constructing Hope: Ukraine

Visit this new exhibition that explores short and long term reconstruction efforts in Ukraine bringing together a wide range of grassroots projects to illustrate how architecture can foster mutual aid and facilitate crucial support networks for entire communities.

View exhibition details
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HELP US WIN BEST BOAT TOUR

The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady has been nominated for Best Boat Tour in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. With your support, CAC can win #1! Vote daily now through May 26 to help us secure the top spot. 

Vote
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Graphic collage of different images in comic book style depicting different sports uniforms and scenes.Graphic collage of different images in comic book style depicting different sports uniforms and scenes.

The New Game Plan for Urban Stadiums

With five professional sports teams pursuing new stadiums simultaneously, Chicago has a chance to rethink how we craft a win-win for our teams and our communities. 

READ THE REPORT
Graphic collage of different images in comic book style depicting different sports uniforms and scenes.Graphic collage of different images in comic book style depicting different sports uniforms and scenes.

City Tours

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The Cruise that Puts Architecture First

Whatever architectural style floats your boat, you can see and learn more about it from our passionate, informative docents aboard the river's finest vessels.

GET TICKETS
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FILM FEST 2025

Jan 29 - Feb 2, 2025
Jan 29 - Feb 2, the CAC will host the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), featuring 13 full-length screenings across two downtown venues. Many showings will also include Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.
View all films
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River cruise tickets on sale now!

Experience the best—ranked the #1 boat tour in the U.S. by USA Today readers and named Chicago Reader’s Best Tour & Best Outdoor Tourist Attraction! Our 2025 season launches on March 16.
Secure your spot today
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    Open House Chicago Photo Competition

    Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a hobbyist with a camera phone, this is your chance to show off your best photos taken while exploring Open House Chicago sites. Submit your entries by October 27.

    competition details
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    How was your Open House experience?

    We hope you enjoyed exploring the city with us. Please take our survey to tell us about your experience. And save the date for Oct 18-19, 2025!

    Take the survey
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Open House Chicago

Save the date, OHC returns October 18-19 with 200+ sites across 25 neighborhoods.

Learn More
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Exhibitions

Plan your visit

Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

Exhibitions

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Empowering the future of Chicago

The CAC offers design education to students from Pre-K to adults. With your support, we can continue to empower Chicagoans to shape a more equitable, sustainable vibrant city. Learn more about what the CAC offers. Watch the video.

Support us
Soldier Field looking south. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Sea CowSoldier Field looking south. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons user Sea Cow

Stadium Working Group

The CAC has convened a group of 20 civic, business and industry leaders to rethink the model of how professional sports franchises and government collaborate such that everybody wins.

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Built on Belief

The CAC is seeking a site partner to collaborate on a year-long public project that explores the intersections of architecture, religion, and spirituality; expanding public access to Chicago’s rich religious heritage.

Submit a proposal
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Behind the Exhibition

Learn more about Chicago Architecture Center's newest exhibition, Constructing Hope: Ukraine from one of the curators, Sasha Topolnytska.

Watch the video
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Upcoming program

On April 23, join us for Constructing Housing During Crisis: Ukraine, a discussion of the role of temporary housing as a place of care and healing during the ongoing crisis. This program is hosted in collaboration with the exhibition Constructing Hope: Ukraine which is currently on view in the CAC’s Skyscraper Gallery through September 1, 2025

See program details
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DESIGN IN CHICAGO

IN THE NEWS
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September 17, 2025

Stadium task force says Chicago is reacting, not planning — and needs to flip the script

Chicago should overhaul its sports facilities authority and make it the lead negotiator on stadium deals rather tha…

Man standing in front of a wall of paintings all the same size hung in a grid.Man standing in front of a wall of paintings all the same size hung in a grid.

September 30, 2025

This Art Installation Memorializes The Places We’ve Lost Forever, In Chicago And Beyond

At “The Disappointed Tourist,” which runs through April at the Chicago Architecture Center, you can see paintings of Riverview Park, Berlin nightc…

Tour group in an art deco building interior with gold elevator doorsTour group in an art deco building interior with gold elevator doors

August 19, 2025

The city’s skyline, one story at a time

From towering glass skyscrapers to century-old landmarks, Chicago’s skyline tells the story of innovation and resilience. A riverboat or walking t…

Online Resources

View Online Resources

DESIGN STORE

The CAC Design Store offers a curated collection design-centered items including books, apparel, and gifts.

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Louis Sullivan Ornamental Designs Notecards

$16.95

$14.41 member price

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Frank Lloyd Wright Chevron Earrings

$39.95

$33.96 member price

members get more

As a Chicago Architecture Center member, you'll have access to exclusive tours, programs and event year-round. Explore our many benefits.
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MEMBERSHIP
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Free Essential Walking Tours
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Discounts on virtual programs
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Free admission to the Chicago Architecture Center
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66% off Premier Walking Tours
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Invitations to exclusive members-only events
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Priority Access Passes to skip the line during Open House Chicago
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    The greatest gift

    Give your time and talent to the CAC as a volunteer docent, exhibit host or education guide.

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    Support the future of design

    The CAC relies on donors like you to help fund our design education programs. We're grateful for every one-time contributor and life-long supporter.

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