CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a non-profit organization that inspires people to discover why design matters.

Open House Chicago is Back!

Oct 19-20, 2024

On October 19-20, CAC will be hosting Open House Chicago, an annual free public festival that provides access to places of architectural, historical, and cultural significance, and highlights businesses, organizations, and creative leaders making positive impact in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods.

Explore the 2024 sites

City Tours

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Open House Chicago Photo Competition
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.
competition details
How was your Open House experience?
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!
Take the survey

Exhibitions

On View Now

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Exhibitions

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.

About the competition

screenshot of a video with Chicago Park District Headquarters

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.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Inside a gallery space with floor to ceiling windows with models of skyscrapers and people milling around.

Visit the CAC

Located at 111 E. Wacker Drive in Chicago and opened to the public in 2018, the Center’s riverfront location is in the heart of the city. Nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space features super-sized models and views of iconic skyscrapers. Learn more about the Chicago Architecture Center and its mission to inspire people to discover why design matters.

Visit the Center

Events & Programs

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Holiday Greetings: Watercolor Workshop

December 7

An Acre of Architecture

November 20

Photographing the Salt Shed: The Intersection of Art and Labor

December 10

Online Resources

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DESIGN STORE

The CAC Design Store offers a curated collection design-centered items including books, apparel, and gifts.

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Louis Sullivan Ornamental Designs Notecards

$16.95

$14.41 member price

Frank Lloyd Wright Chevron Earrings

$39.95

$33.96 member price

members get more

As a Chicago Architecture Center member, you'll have access to exclusive tours, programs and event year-round. Explore our many benefits.

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MEMBERSHIP

Free Essential Walking Tours

Discounts on virtual programs

Free admission to the Chicago Architecture Center

66% off Premier Walking Tours

Invitations to exclusive members-only events

Priority Access Passes to skip the line during Open House Chicago

what's next for chicago

The greatest gift
Give your time and talent to the CAC as a volunteer docent, exhibit host or education guide.
Volunteer
Support the future of design
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.
Donate

CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER

Open House Chicago is Here!

OHC Photo Competition

Open House Chicago is Back!

City Tours

CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady

The Old Post Office

Chicago Pedway

Chicago Icons: Connecting Past and Present

Open House Chicago Photo Competition

How was your Open House experience?

Disrupters

ReCovered: Lawndale’s Urban Tree Canopy

DESIGN COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

DESIGNING FOR COMMUNITIES

Visit the CAC

Events & Programs

Holiday Greetings: Watercolor Workshop

December 7

An Acre of Architecture

November 20

Photographing the Salt Shed: The Intersection of Art and Labor

December 10

Buildings of Chicago

Architecture Encyclopedia

CAC Watchlist

DESIGN STORE

Louis Sullivan Ornamental Designs Notecards

Frank Lloyd Wright Chevron Earrings

members get more

what's next for chicago

Our Changing Downtown

Greening the City

Century and Consumers Buildings

The greatest gift

Support the future of design