Become a Docent
Join the ranks of Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) docents who happily share their knowledge and passion for Chicago, its world-class architecture, and the urban environment.
Join the ranks of Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) docents who happily share their knowledge and passion for Chicago, its world-class architecture, and the urban environment.
What is a Chicago Architecture Center Docent?
CAC volunteer docents are skilled ambassadors and educators. They develop and conduct engaging public and private tours and serve as interpreters of Chicago’s architecture and its history. Our docents are carefully selected and trained to serve as the face of an internationally renowned organization.
Who Qualifies To Be A Docent?
Although CAC docents come from all walks of life, they share a few common traits. Each of our docent volunteers is a curious and creative lifelong learner. They are passionate about architecture and Chicago. They are flexible and open to feedback and enjoy interacting with people from all over the world.
- We accept adults of all backgrounds.
- You must have a flexible enough schedule to attend Saturday training sessions.
- We do not accept full-time undergraduate students into our docent training program.
- We do not accept people who work for or plan to work for a tour company.
- You must also pass a simple background check.
What Is Expected Of a CAC Docent?
Our docent training is a rigorous experience. The program aims to give new docents a broad understanding of architecture and architectural language, as well as the confidence and skills necessary to lead specific tours.
Our docents commit to giving a required number of tours every year. Docents also commit to continuing their education by attending docent-planned enrichment and continuing education activities. Most importantly, our docents are expected to enthusiastically represent the CAC and the city of Chicago.
6 steps to becoming a docent
- Information Session
- Apply
- Interview
- Training
- Certification
- Lead Tours!
information sessions
We offer information sessions to help you understand the requirements of becoming a docent. You must attend an information session before applying to be a docent.
Applications for our 2026 Class will be available in late August 2025.
Thursday, AUGUST 21 at 5:30 - 7 P.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Saturday, AUGUST 30 at 9:30 - 11 A.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 at 9:30 - 11 A.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Apply
Our application and interview process is highly competitive. Docent classes are typically held starting in January and continue through the spring. Attendance at in-person classes is required.
If you’re ready to begin the process, you may start your application.
Applications for our 2026 Class will be available in late August 2025.
Interview
Applications are evaluated and candidates are invited to interview. We hold interviews throughout the fall and candidates who pass the interview screening are invited to participate in our next docent class. If you are accepted into the docent training program and can attend the scheduled dates, we will pair you with a docent mentor to assist you in getting ready to attend class.
Training
Our docent training is a rigorous experience. The program aims to give new docents a broad understanding of architecture and architectural language, as well as the confidence and skills necessary to lead specific tours.
Docent training has 3 learning components: orientation, Fundamentals of Architecture and tour training. You must complete all components to become a docent.
- Training orientation
- Fundamentals of Architecture class meets once a week for six weeks to discuss Chicago architecture and history. It includes a broad look at architecture and techniques for developing and conducting tours.
- The second component is tour training. Based on CAC’s needs, we will offer trainees the opportunity to learn walking tours or the river cruise.
Training orientation
Saturday, January 10 at 9:30 A.M. - 11 A.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Fundamentals of architecture
Saturday, January 17 at 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Saturday, January 24 at 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Saturday, January 31 at 9 A.M, - 5 P.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Saturday, February 7 at 9 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.
Location TBD*
Saturday, February 14 at 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Saturday, February 21 at 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Training For Walking Tours
For trainees learning walking tours, you will meet every Saturday for four weeks to focus on developing and mastering a CAC walking tour.
These classes include tour demonstrations, tour practice, and assistance in creating a tour that meets CAC standards.
Following training for your first walking tour, you will learn a second walking tour. This training typically occurs over two Saturdays.
Walking Tour #1
Saturday, March 7 at 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Saturday, March 21 at 9am-5pm, Lecture Hall
In-person at CAC's Gand Lecture Hall
Walking Tour #2
Saturday, May 2 at 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Location TBD
Saturday, May 16, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
In-person at CAC's Design Studio
Training For River Tours
For trainees learning the river cruise, you will have 5 weeks of in-person training every other Saturday, followed by 2-5 onboard practice cruises and as many observation cruises as you choose (typically about 5).
Training includes at-home learning, one-on-one coaching sessions, and hands-on practice in-class and on-board, all designed to equip you to develop your own river cruise that meets CAC standards.
River tour training
KICK OFF VIA ZOOM
Saturday, March 7 at 10 A.M. - 11 A.M.
CLASSROOM SESSIONS
Saturday, March 14 at 9:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
233 N. Michigan, 28th Floor
Saturday, March 28 at 9:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
233 N. Michigan, 28th Floor
Saturday, April 11 at 9:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
233 N. Michigan, 28th Floor
Saturday, April 25 at 9:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
233 N. Michigan, 28th Floor
Saturday, May 9 at 9:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
233 N. Michigan, 28th Floor
ONBOARD SESSIONS (tentative schedule and times TBD)
Saturday March 21: Kickoff Cruise
Sunday May 17: Practice #1
Sunday May 31: Practice #2
Sunday June 14: Practice #3
Sunday June 28: Practice #4
Certification
After training, docent trainees will have time to practice their tour with a mentor. Trainees need to certify before giving tours to the public. The deadline for certification is pending which tour opportunities are available.
Lead Tours!
Once you are certified, you become an ambassador for CAC and Chicago. You will educate and entertain locals and visitors from around the world.
One of my favorite things about CAC tours is that you'll never hear the same tour twice. We learn so much about the buildings, we're able to create our own dialogue, so you can keep coming back for a different twist from a different docent!
Connie LordDocent class of 2023
Docent spotlight
Apply
Thank you for your interest in becoming a CAC docent! Applications are currently closed but they will reopen in late summer or early fall of 2025.
