Membership FAQ
Welcome to our members!
As a CAC member, you’ll have access to exciting exhibits, tours, programs and events year-round. Below, you'll find answers to many of your questions about membership benefits, from how to make a reservation to information on your parking discount. If you have additional questions, please call us at 312.922.8687 or email us at membership@architecture.org.
My CAC Membership Card and Account
Whether you're joining for the first time or renewing your membership, your CAC Membership Card(s) will be sent by email 3-5 days after you join or renew.
iPhone users:
- Open the email containing your digital card from your iPhone
- Tap “Download Your Digital Card”
- Tap “Add to Wallet,” then “Add”
- The card will automatically be loaded into your iPhone’s Apple Wallet where it can be accessed at any time
Android users:
- Open the email containing your digital card from your smartphone
- Tap “Download”
- The card will automatically be loaded into your designated Wallet application, where it can be accessed at any time
Please check your junk, spam, trash and updates folder for an email from membership@architecture.org, which will include a link to download your card. If you are still unable to find your digital card invitation, please contact us at 312.561.2110 or email membership@architecture.org. We can resend the email for you to download and enjoy your digital membership card.
No, but it is easier to make reservations if you have your membership number ready. If you are purchasing tour tickets in-person or over the phone, a CAC employee will be able to look up your account information and book your tour without your membership card. If you are purchasing tickets online, you will need to log into your online account before booking a tour. Visit the member account sign-in page to log in.
We automatically create an account for you using the email address you provided us when you purchased your membership. Go to the member account sign-in page, enter your email address and click on “Forgot password?” to create a password.
If you have an iPhone, the card will automatically download to Apple Wallet, check the Wallet app for your new card. If you have an Android, your card will be in either Google Wallet or Wallet Union, whichever you choose during the download process. For both types of phone, scroll through any cards that are already in your wallet—it may be hiding!
On the “back” of your digital membership card, you’ll find helpful links to our website, your membership level, and details on benefits included with your membership. To see the back of the card:
On your iPhone, tap on the information icon (the lowercase “i” in a circle).
On your Android phone, tap on the 3 small dots at the upper right corner of your card.
No. You’ll need to download your digital card again. When you renew or upgrade your membership, you’ll be invited to download a new version of your card.
We’re committed to going green at CAC and eliminating thousands of plastic membership cards (plus all the paper used when they’re mailed) that we print every year will make a huge difference. For Individual level members, you can access your benefits without a plastic card. Just log on to your account or show your photo ID at the Box Office at the Center—no plastic card required.
If you are a member at the Dual level or above, you can request a plastic card so that you may enjoy reciprocal museum benefits through NARM. Please note: physical membership cards will incur a $5 eco-fee per request. Please contact our Membership team at membership@architecture.org to request a physical membership card.
Please contact our Call Center at 312.922.8687 or email us at membership@architecture.org. We’ll look at your account and issue a duplicate card as quickly as possible.
To change your address or make other status updates it is recommended that you contact our Call Center at 312.922.8687 or email us at membership@architecture.org. We’re happy to help you update your information.
Individual, Dual and Family memberships are not tax deductible. Deco, Beaux Arts and all Burnham Society levels are tax deductible only to the extent allowed by law. Members may not use donor-advised funds (DAFs) to purchase memberships.
Member Reservations
To use your benefit, please contact our Call Center at 312.922.8687 or visit the CAC Box Office at 111 E. Wacker Dr. You are welcome to use the benefit for any weekday and Sunday departure before 5pm. Please note there are limited Friday and Saturday departures when the benefit can be used for the CAC River Cruise.
Early Spring (March 31 – April 27)
- Saturday: Can only purchase/redeem at 11am and 12pm
Late Spring (April 28 – May 25)
- Saturday: Can only purchase/redeem at 9:30am and 11am
Summer (May 26 – October 14)
- Friday: Can only purchase/redeem at 9:30am, 12pm, and 3:30pm
- Saturday: Can only purchase/redeem at 9:30am
Early Fall (October 15 – November 3)
- Saturday: Can only purchase/redeem at 11am and 12pm
Late Fall (November 4 – 24)
- Saturday: Can only purchase/redeem at 11am and 12pm
Members at and above Family-Level Membership receive an annual buy-two-get-two-free CAC River Cruise benefit.
No. In order to use this benefit you must either contact our Call Center at 312.922.8687 or visit the CAC Box Office at 111 E. Wacker Dr.
We’re so sorry for the inconvenience. Your login will typically consist of your username (the primary email address for your account) and your password. If it is your first time logging in, enter the email you used when you purchased your membership and click “Forgot password?” to create a password. If you’re still experiencing problems, please contact our Call Center at 312.922.8687 or email us at membership@architecture.org.
To redeem your benefits online, you’ll need to login using the email address provided when setting up your membership. To confirm the email address linked to your account, or for help setting up your account online, please contact our Call Center at 312.922.8687 or email us at membership@architecture.org. We’re happy to help sort out the problem.
NARM is the North American Reciprocal Museum Association, one of the largest reciprocal programs in the world. NARM comprises more than 1,300 arts, cultural, and historical institutions offering reciprocal benefits to NARM members. This benefit is available for Members at Dual level and above. Click on this link to view a map of all NARM institutions.
Member Communications
There are two ways that CAC communicates with its members:
CAC@Home
Our bi-weekly e-newsletter is always full of interesting info. Be the first to know about pre-sale tickets for popular events and learn about exclusive members-only tours and programs. This is one email you’ll look forward to receiving.
Member E-News
Sent monthly, this e-newsletter goes exclusively to members and highlights special events, programs, discounts and offerings just for you.
Architecture.org
The CAC website is available 24 hours a day and will always have the most up-to-date information on CAC events and offerings.
CAC Admission for Members
Individual level allows admission for one adult. Dual level allows admission for two adults or one adult and one guest. Family level allows admission for two adults and up to four children (under the age of 18).
