An international member-based network that connects, supports and advocates for advancing the role of architecture, planning and design.
About the CAC
The CAC is a nonprofit cultural organization offering education, tours, exhibitions, and cruises.
Our Story
CAC by the Numbers
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) highlights the stories behind the buildings and the visionaries who create them. Discover our reach and impact in bringing architecture and design to life for visitors and the community.
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Annual Visitors
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Citywide Tours
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Children and Families Directly Engaged
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Tours Run Each Season
our mission
The Chicago Architecture Center inspires people to discover why design matters.
our vision
The Chicago Architecture Center is the leading organization devoted to celebrating and promoting Chicago as a center of architectural innovation. As Chicago’s forum for the exchange of ideas on urban design, the CAC inspires people to participate in the building of vibrant communities and to demand the highest standard in urban design. The CAC awakens young people to achieve their potential through the discovery of architecture, engineering and design.
Our History
Formerly known as the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) was founded in 1966 to save the historic Glessner House. Since then, the CAC has grown to become one of the largest cultural organizations in Chicago.
Awards
2024
Best architecture tours of Chicago
2024
Voted #1 Boat Tour in the US
2024
Best Experiences in the US
2019
1 of 12 worldwide to receive the "Best Tour on Two Feet" award
2019
business impact of the year
2019
top five best new attractions
2022
AIA national design award for interior architecture
2024
#1 Chicago Boat Tour for 10+ years
2024
6 best tours and walks in Chicago
2024
Best architecture tours of Chicago
2024
Voted #1 Boat Tour in the US
2024
Best Experiences in the US
2019
1 of 12 worldwide to receive the "Best Tour on Two Feet" award
2019
business impact of the year
2019
top five best new attractions
2022
AIA national design award for interior architecture
2024
#1 Chicago Boat Tour for 10+ years
2024
6 best tours and walks in Chicago
2024
Best architecture tours of Chicago
2024
Voted #1 Boat Tour in the US
2024
Best Experiences in the US
2019
1 of 12 worldwide to receive the "Best Tour on Two Feet" award
2019
business impact of the year
2019
top five best new attractions
2022
AIA national design award for interior architecture
2024
#1 Chicago Boat Tour for 10+ years
2024
6 best tours and walks in Chicago
Our Team
Meet the dedicated team behind the Chicago Architecture Center—explore our leadership and board bios to learn more about the individuals driving our mission forward.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
CAC IS COMMITTED to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for its staff, volunteers and visitors. We recognize and value the unique life experience that every individual brings to our organization, and the need to include and reflect diverse voices in CAC content and programming, especially those from historically excluded populations. We will uphold this commitment starting from within, by:
- Building a culture of accountability and sharing, with opportunities for self-reflection.
- Educating ourselves about BIPOC histories, systemic racism, implicit bias and the need to adopt anti-racist actions.
- Creating brave spaces for staff to safely discuss thoughts and feelings about injustice, micro-aggressions or prejudiced behavior in constructive ways.
- Seeking to remove barriers to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of talented staff and volunteers from historically excluded populations who are currently underrepresented.
- Pursuing external input and feedback to incorporate inclusion into CAC’s strategic plan and organizational, departmental, and individual performance goals.
Architecture + Design Education Network
A forum for sharing resources and exchanging information on effective practices for K-12 architecture and design education.
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