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.
Think and create like a scientist as we explore the questions, “What are buildings are made of?” and “How do they stand so tall?” Drop in any time between 9am and noon for multiple readings of “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty.
Chicago's classic bungalows are increasingly the target of drastic renovation and expansion. New homebuyers are investing in the bungalow belt, amplifying calls for design guidelines to protect these buildings' historic character.
Theaters have been important in Chicago for many years. The Auditorium Building is more than 125 years old! We'll go on a short walking tour (weather permitting), learn about how function and aesthetic work together, then design our own theaters out of…
Join us in the CAF Store from 11am to 3pm for an exclusive event with Motawi Tileworks. You'll enjoy special discounts and a presentation from the company’s founder.
Learn about the complex restoration and revitalization work underway at Lathrop Homes, a historic Chicago Housing Authority site located between the Bucktown and Roscoe Village neighborhoods on Chicago’s North Side.
Building a skyscraper today also means preparing for possible threats: earthquakes, strong winds, environmental deterioration and terrorist plots, to name a few. Four experts address these critical issues for tall buildings of the future.
Trucks on a construction site have a lot of jobs! They push and pull, lift and twist, and scoop and pour. We'll trace shapes to create trucks, test out tools and build with blocks. Drop in between 9am and 12pm for readings of "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction…
What does urban living look like in the future? Join CAF and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) as we host a discussion with policy and design experts about the way our city and suburbs might change to become more livable in the coming…
Watch Buckingham Fountain spring to life at ComEd’s annual "Switch on Summer" event! Listen to live music and take part in free family activities from 4-7pm and admire the fountain when it gets turned on at 6pm.
Join us and take in the mystical world of Aladdin! We’ll start with a presentation from a member of the Aladdin production team who will discuss sets, costumes and more. After the presentation, enjoy the Cadillac Palace Suite for a reception before…
The new book "Chicago: Classic Photographs" showcases 100 images of the city taken over the past century by revered photographers. Enjoy a tour through the collection and a book signing with editors Richard Cahan and Michael Williams.
We partnered with ArcLight Cinemas Chicago to bring you an exclusive monthly film series that explores how filmmakers use our city and its architecture to tell extraordinary stories. The selected films will be screened and followed by a discussion and…
Join CAF for a curated trip to Bentonville, Arkansas. We'll visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (including a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house) and the Thorncrown Chapel. Lodging will be at the trendy 21c Museum Hotel. Travelers may add an…
Join us from 12-3pm in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio to work with architects, designers and professional mentors from the Chicago area. These hands-on studios help develop basic architecture and design skills while solving real-world challenges.
Chicago has a tremendous legacy of landscape design. In this four-part educational series, historian Julia Bachrach leads discussions on the evolution of landscape architecture in Chicago and takes us on a half-day tour to influential sites.