The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a non-profit organization that inspires people to discover why design matters.
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.
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.
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.
As programs like Teen Fellows grow, so does our impact on tomorrow's architects, designers, and builders. With your support, we can continue to empower young people to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant Chicago. Watch the video.
This popular free annual festival, hosted by the CAC, returns Oct 19-20 providing the public with access to places of architectural, historical, and cultural significance.
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. See competition details.
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.
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!
Exhibitions
Learn more about Chicago Architecture Center's newest exhibition, Constructing Hope: Ukraine from one of the curators, Sasha Topolnytska.
Chicago Architecture Center docent Jennifer McElroy takes us on a journey through the history of the Ferris wheel—uncovering its origin at the 1893 World’s Fair, and its evolution to the current iconic wheel on Chicago’s Navy Pier.
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
May 10, 2025
We took a tour to check it out. Our docent was Steve Gersten, a retired trader and architecture buff. Here’s what we learned.
May 19, 2025
Eleanor Gorski, CEO and president of the Chicago Architecture Center, joined ABC7 to talk about how the skyline has…
May 28, 2025
Collectively valued at $58.5 million, the projects were chosen from more than 250 recent applications to the Department of Planning and Developmen…
The CAC Design Store offers a curated collection design-centered items including books, apparel, and gifts.
$16.95
$14.41 member price
$39.95
$33.96 member price
Give your time and talent to the CAC as a volunteer docent, exhibit host or education guide.
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.
