Open House Chicago FAQ
Find answers to common questions about Open House Chicago, a free annual festival in October offering behind-the-scenes access to the city's most iconic and historic sites.
Find answers to common questions about Open House Chicago, a free annual festival in October offering behind-the-scenes access to the city's most iconic and historic sites.
Our FAQ should point you in the right direction, but if you're still curious about something, contact us at 312.922.3432. We're happy to help.
FAQs
CAC Members and OHC Volunteers receive a priority access pass which allows them to jump the line during Open House Chicago. Members can use their CAC digital membership card, which will automatically convert to a Priority Access Pass the week prior to OHC weekend. Volunteers will receive their pass via email before the event.
CAC members receive exclusive benefits and discounts throughout Open House Chicago. More information about specific discounts and benefits can be found here.
If you need a replacement membership card, please call the CAC Call Center at 312.922.8687 or email membership@architecture.org.
Open House Chicago is a rain-or-shine event. In case of severe weather, updates will be shared through our website, mobile app and social media.
OHC is run by the Chicago Architecture Center, a nonprofit organization, and it is free to all participants. You can help keep OHC free by donating to the CAC here.
CAC staff members curate OHC sites in accordance with multiple criteria. Site consideration and selection may also be informed by each year's festival focus and themes. Proposals for site inclusion are not generally solicited. Subscribe to our newsletter to get timely updates about the CAC's plans for the next OHC.
OHC is a free annual festival hosted by the CAC that offers behind-the-scenes access to buildings of architectural, cultural and historical significance during one weekend in October.
Since 2011, the CAC has produced each Open House Chicago (OHC) festival. The CAC is a nonprofit cultural institution that offers tours, exhibitions, programs and events for all ages.
The CAC's mission is to inspire people to discover why design matters. The CAC collaborates with community partners (such as chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, arts and culture organizations and historical societies) each year to present OHC.
OHC is also made possible through generous support from festival sponsors, donors and government agencies.
OHC is a citywide event, with sites and events distributed throughout multiple neighborhoods, areas and select Chicago suburbs.
OHC sites and neighborhoods represent the cultural diversity and dynamic history of Chicago, as well as the unique character of each community.
Divvy, Chicago's bike-sharing system, and CTA buses and trains are great modes of transit during OHC. Many neighborhoods are easily accessible by CTA. Many sites and self-guided tours are typically located within walking distance of one another. For sites and self-guided tours not located along CTA routes, Metra train service is available. Some OHC neighborhoods have free or metered street parking.
Discover captivating events and activities at various OHC sites throughout the weekend. These experiences are designed to celebrate architecture, delve into Chicago's rich history, and showcase local businesses and organizations.
Explore the offerings of each site by visiting their respective pages and viewing the 'Visitor Experience' section.
OHC is part of the Open House Worldwide family of related events. Open House started in London in 1992 and launched in the United States in 2002 with Open House New York.
Now, more than 50 cities around the world have adopted Open House, creating the first global architecture festival reaching more than 1 million people. Similar events called Doors Open are held annually in cities including Denver, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and Toronto.
Neighborhood Headquarters are local stations staffed by CAC employees and volunteers during OHC weekend. Stop by for information, giveaways, and assistance during the festival. Locations will be announced closer to the event.
Many sites are open both days, but some may have limited hours or only be available on one day of the festival. Be sure to check individual site listings for details.
Yes! Open House Chicago is family-friendly, and many sites welcome visitors of all ages. Please check site descriptions for any age restrictions.
Occasionally, sites may need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. We recommend checking the website and mobile app for real-time updates during the festival where we will communicate any closures.
Printed materials with basic site listings will be available at neighborhood headquarters and the Chicago Architecture Center, downtown. You can also plan ahead by printing information from our website before the festival.
Photography is generally allowed unless otherwise noted. Please be respectful of site rules and other visitors. Don't forget to enter our photo competition as well!
The OHC Photo Competition invites photographers of all skill levels to capture their best shots at Open House Chicago sites on October 18-19, 2025. Submit up to five photos across five categories by October 26 for a chance to be featured in a CAC exhibition.
Open House Chicago (OHC) is a free annual festival hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center that offers behind-the-scenes access to buildings of architectural, cultural and historical significance during one weekend in October.
Since 2011, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) has produced each Open House Chicago festival. The CAC is a nonprofit cultural institution that offers tours, exhibitions, programs and events for all ages. The CAC’s mission is to inspire people to discover why design matters. The CAC collaborates with community partners (such as chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, arts and culture organizations and historical societies) each year to present Open House Chicago. OHC is also made possible through generous support from festival sponsors, donors and government agencies.
OHC is a citywide event, with sites and programs distributed throughout multiple neighborhoods, areas and select Chicago suburbs. OHC sites and neighborhoods represent the cultural diversity and dynamic history of Chicago, as well as the unique character of each community.
CAC staff members curate OHC sites in accordance with multiple criteria. Site consideration and selection may also be informed by each year’s festival focus and themes. Proposals for site inclusion are not generally solicited.
Divvy, Chicago's bike-sharing system, and CTA buses and trains are great modes of transit during OHC. Many neighborhoods are easily accessible by CTA. Many sites and self-guided tours are typically located within walking distance of one another. For sites and self-guided tours not located along CTA routes, Metra train service is available. Some OHC neighborhoods have free or metered street parking.
OHC includes engaging events and activities at various sites throughout the weekend. These experiences are designed to celebrate architecture, explore Chicago's rich history and showcase local businesses and organizations. Explore the offerings of each site by visiting their respective pages and viewing the 'Visitor Experience' section.
CAC members receive exclusive benefits and discounts throughout OHC. More information about specific discounts and benefits can be found here.
If you need a replacement membership card, please call the CAC Call Center at 312.922.8687 or email membership@architecture.org.
OHC is part of the Open House Worldwide family of related events. Open House started in London in 1992 and launched in the United States in 2002 with Open House New York. Now, more than 50 cities around the world have adopted Open House, creating the first global architecture festival reaching more than 1 million people. Visit openhouseworldwide.org to learn more. Similar events called Doors Open are held annually in cities including Denver, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and Toronto.
