Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

• What are your hours?

  View center hours and learn other helpful information to plan your visit.

• Where can I park?

  The closest parking garage is located at 111 East Wacker Drive. CAC guests and members receive a discount on parking at this garage for up to 4 hours. You can receive a validated parking sticker at the Center box office or the dockside CFL River Cruise box office. The parking garage is open 24/7.

  Several other public parking garages are available in the River North and Loop neighborhoods. You can also book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.

  To reserve your parking spot, visit the Chicago Architecture Center SpotHero Parking Page.

• What is the address for the boat dock for the CAC River Cruise Aboard Chicago's First Lady?

  The dock is located at 112 E. Wacker Drive, on the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. See map for details.

• What is the Chicago Architecture Center?

  The Chicago Architecture Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. The CAC pursues this mission through architecture tours, exhibitions, panel discussions, civic engagement, and youth and adult education programs.

• Where is the CAC?

  The Chicago Architecture Center is located at 111 E. Wacker, Chicago, Illinois, 60601.

• How much is admission to the CAC?

  Admission to the CAC is $14 for adults, $10 for students with ID and free for CAC members and children under age 5. All of our adult programs and most family programs are fee-based and an admission price is listed with each event description. Tour pricing begins at $30.

• Why do you charge for admission to the CAC?

  Because the Center is a self-supporting, education-based not-for-profit, there is a modest admission fee of $14 (adults), $10 (students with ID), and free for children ages five and under. In addition, memberships cost as little as $80 and offer free admission year-round.

  The new CAC admission helps support free and discounted programs for Chicago's youth. In 2023, the CAC provided free programming for thousands of Chicago-area students and teens.

  We thank you for visiting our center—and supporting our mission to bring the awe and wonder of architecture to all.

• Do you offer military discounts?

  Yes, CAC is pleased to offer active-duty U.S. military personnel, with proper military ID, one free walking tour ticket or one free admission ticket to the CAC for their own use. Please note that dependents and family are not included in this offer. For more information on this benefit, please call 312.922.TOUR (8687).

• Where are your programs and exhibitions held?

  Unless otherwise stated in the program or exhibition details, all programs and exhibitions are held at the CAC, 111 E. Wacker.

• What tours are going on today?

  Visit our online calendar for information on all tour departures.

• I know a teenager interested in architecture and design. Do you have any programs for this age range?

  We offer a variety of workshops and programs for teenagers. Visit our Teens page for details.

• How can my son/daughter participate in the Newhouse Program and Competition?

  Visit our Newhouse Program and Competition page for complete details.

• What programs do you offer for families?

  We offer a wide variety of programs for families and even a family membership. Visit our families page to learn more.

• How can I use architecture to teach in the classroom?

  Our award-winning publications "Schoolyards to Skylines" and "The Architecture Handbook" are excellent resources for using architecture as a teaching tool as well as teaching architecture itself. See our Resources page for more information.

• How do I request a CAC donation for my fundraising event?

  The CAC donates Exhibit Admission Vouchers and Walking Tour Vouchers exclusively to non-profit organizations. All requests must be made via e-mail to donationrequests@architecture.org. Requests by phone or at the box office are not accepted. Please include in your request:

  • A copy of your 501(c)(3) exemption letter, stating that you are a non-profit organization in the state of Illinois.
  • Date of your event – vouchers will be valid for 1 year beyond this date.
  • Organization name and address to which we can mail the vouchers.
  • Do you prefer 4 Center Admission Vouchers ($56 value) OR 4 walking tour vouchers ($120 value, includes Center Admission).

  
  

  Due to the volume of requests CAC receives on an annual basis, priority will be given to organizations whose educational and cultural mission aligns with the CAC.

• What is your photography policy?

  By visiting the CAC or attending any CAC-related event, you acknowledge you may be photographed by either an official CAC photographer or another party.

  Photography is allowed for personal, non-commercial use. Tripods are not permitted, except for members of the press. Show us your best pictures by tagging @ChiArchitecture on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  Read our full Photography Policy.