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.
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
The CAC facilitated a design competition for Missing Middle Infill Housing, highlighting innovative ways of reimagining Chicago’s single-family home, two- and three-flat, rowhouse, and six-flat typologies to better meet modern living. Meet the winners and download the design catalog.
Tour the En Masse Studio in Logan Square with its founding partner Mike Shively, to explore how thoughtful design helps meet daily needs.
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal recipient, shares why Chicago is considered the city of architecture.
February 5, 2025
Stadium-seeking sports teams are thinking big. It's time to think even bigger.
January 30, 2025
CAC's River Cruise aboard First Lady voted best tour and best tourist attraction (outdoor) in 2024.
March 7, 2025
“Constructing Hope: Ukraine,” opening Monday at the Chicago Architecture Center, spotlights architects, artists and mutual aid initiatives helping…
No matter the city, its size, its demographics, its spatial configuration or architectural bent, housing everywhere seems to be at a crisis point. Learn more about this challenging, important issue from Ben Schulman at New City.
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.
