The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. CAF presents a comprehensive program of tours, exhibitions, lectures, special events, and adult and youth education activities, all designed to enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation of Chicago’s outstanding architectural legacy.

Because no art other than architecture so vividly expresses what Chicago is and where it is going, CAF will educate the public to expect the highest standards from Chicago's built environment.

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HISTORY, PURPOSE, PROGRAMS

In 1966, a group of community members came together to save H. H. Richardson’s architectural masterpiece, the Glessner House – a private home on Prairie Avenue – from demolition. The successful effort to save Glessner House brought together committed citizens from across disciplines and professions, and led to the founding of the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF).

In 1970, CAF initiated an award-winning volunteer docent education program and the following year, began offering its now world-renowned Loop walking tours. In 1976, the organization opened the first ArchiCenter in the Monadnock Building as a space for presenting exhibitions and conducting educational programs. In 1992, the organization moved to the historic Santa Fe Building, designed by Daniel Burnham, on South Michigan Avenue.

Today, CAF is the city’s primary resource for information about Chicago’s outstanding built environment. In addition to CAF’s architecture tours, the organization presents exhibitions, lectures, youth and adult education programs, many of which are open to the public free of charge.

CAF’s new, permanent exhibition, Chicago: You Are Here, in the ArcelorMittal CitySpace Gallery – with its bold, innovative approach to telling the story of the construction of Chicago – is challenging the way Chicago area residents and visitors think about the city. Also featuring a scale model of downtown Chicago and offering information about CAF’s extensive architecture tour offerings, the ArcelorMittal CitySpace Gallery provides the perfect orientation to Chicago’s built landscape.

The ArcelorMittal CitySpace Gallery is open to the public every day from 9:30am to 5pm.