Photos and information about past sites from Open House Chicago starting in 2015 are available in our archive.
About Open House Chicago
Open House Chicago 2026 will take place October 17-18.
Open House Chicago 2026 will take place October 17-18.
Every October, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is proud to host Open House Chicago (OHC)—a free public festival that instills civic pride through providing access to places of architectural, historical and cultural significance, and highlights businesses, organizations and creative leaders making positive impact in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.
OHC remains one of the largest events of its kind in the world. This festival is a part of Open House Worldwide, a network of almost 60 organizations hosting festivals and conversations about architecture, design and cities across the globe.
OHC 2026 will take place October 17-18.
OHC 2026 will take place October 17-18, 2026. The full list of sites and neighborhoods will be announced September 17. We look forward to seeing you out there!
OHC Hotel Partners
Spend a weekend exploring the city of architecture and take advantage of discounted rates at our partner hotels for the weekend of October 17-19.
Neighborhood Headquarters
Plan your day at one of our four Neighborhood Headquarters! Each of these gathering spaces offers restrooms, free wi-fi and CAC representatives to answer questions.
- Chicago Architecture Center - Downtown
- Ramova Theatre - Bridgeport
- KOVAL Distillery - Ravenswood
- Starling by Duo/. - North Lawndale
FAQs
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 the Open House Chicago (OHC) festival. Each year, the CAC collaborates with local design firms, chambers of commerce, neighborhood groups, arts and culture organizations and historical societies to curate the festival sites, programs and themes.
OHC is made possible through generous support from sponsors, donors and government agencies.
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.
OHC is a citywide event, with over 200 sites distributed throughout more than 30 neighborhoods all over Chicago.
OHC sites and neighborhoods represent the cultural diversity and dynamic history of Chicago. OHC sites are places of architectural, historical and cultural significance, and highlights businesses, organizations and creative leaders making positive impact in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.
The CAC team curates OHC sites in accordance with multiple criteria, including thematic focus, design excellence, architectural diversity and accessibility. If you represent a site you would like us to consider for inclusion, please complete this intake form. For timely updates about OHC, subscribe to our newsletter.
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.
Presenting Sponsor
2024 Sponsors
2024 Supporting Sponsors
2024 Artists & Partners
Members get Priority Access
Members enjoy year-round benefits including discounts in the design store and on tours, early access to exhibitions, and exclusive member-only events.
Become a Member