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.
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a non-profit organization that inspires people to discover why design matters.
City Tours
- Boat • our most popular tour!
CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
Voted #1 boat tour in the United States by USA Today readers in 2024, as well as Chicago Reader's Best Tour for over 10 years! - Walking
Macy's on State
Celebrate the holiday season with our special tours in December featuring holiday decor. Explore the construction, development and renovation of this State Street landmark by Daniel Burnham, surrounded by seasonal cheer! - Walking
Union Station: Icon of a Great Age
Take in the elaborate details of this historic landmark, including the stunning Great Hall, restored to its original 1925 glory and a festive Christmas tree during the month of December to add holiday cheer. - Walking
Palmer House Hotel
The Palmer House Hotel will be adorned with holiday decorations, creating a festive ambience during the month of December. Experience the glamour, intrigue and excitement of bygone 'Grand Hotel' era as you explore recently restored public spaces and renovated guest rooms.
Open House Chicago Photo Competition
competition detailsWhether 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.
How was your Open House experience?
Take the surveyWe 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!
DESIGN COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
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.
Is Housing broken?
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.
DESIGNING FOR COMMUNITIES
In the inaugural edition of our Design Matters video series, architect John Ronan discusses the stunning Chicago Park District Headquarters building in Brighton Park and explores how thoughtful design enhances daily life.
DESIGN STORE
The CAC Design Store offers a curated collection design-centered items including books, apparel, and gifts.
Louis Sullivan Ornamental Designs Notecards
$16.95
$14.41 member price
Frank Lloyd Wright Chevron Earrings
$39.95
$33.96 member price
what's next for chicago
The greatest gift
VolunteerGive your time and talent to the CAC as a volunteer docent, exhibit host or education guide.
Support the future of design
DonateThe 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.