No image description available.No image description available.

Photography Policy

The Chicago Architecture Center is a popular place for photographers. While personal use photography is encouraged at the Center, it must be conducted without disruption to Center operations or visitors and with the safety of the exhibits in mind.

PERSONAL USE PHOTOGRAPHY

Personal photography is allowed in the permanent galleries. This includes cell phones, handheld cameras and video cameras that are set to take non-flash photos. Flash photography is prohibited without special permission.

Photography in galleries with special exhibitions is prohibited unless noted otherwise. Use of tripods requires a permit issued by security at the door. "Selfie sticks" are not permitted in the Center.

NEWS MEDIA

Members of the media must be escorted by a member of the Marketing Department or have permission from that office to shoot independently. All organized photo shoots inside the Center—for news coverage, school projects, tourism programs—require an escort from the Marketing Department. Call or email to schedule your visit to ensure a staff member is available. Unscheduled photo shoots that cannot be staffed will be declined.

COMMERCIAL SHOOTS

Photo shoots for commercial purposes (advertising, music videos, training videos, etc.) must be approved and scheduled in advance by the Marketing Department. A fee will be charged for use of facilities and staff time. The Marketing Department can provide a copy of our Commercial Rental Agreement and associated fees.

WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Outdoor photo shoots in front of the Center can take place at any time and do not require an escort.

Indoor portrait photography is allowed in the Center without escort if the following restrictions are followed:

  • Photographs must be shot in natural light only. No artificial lights, reflectors or diffusers allowed.
  • Tripods must be permitted by our security officers at the door, if used.
  • Stairwells, stairways and all other spaces in the Center cannot be blocked off or restricted from the public in any way.
  • There is no space for clothing bags or storage of personal items. Clothing changes can be made in the restrooms.
  • No large bags in the galleries per our regular security procedures.
  • Absolutely no live floral arrangements, balloons or other props.
  • Center security reserves the right to halt any photo shoot that is deemed disruptive.

RIGHTS & REPRODUCTIONS

Photography is permitted for private use only. Photographs may not be published, sold, or otherwise distributed for commercial purposes. Visitors may post images from their visit on personal social media sites, so long as they are not used for profit. Images of objects in the galleries are available for commercial and publishing uses through the Center’s Marketing Department.

The Center may photograph or videotape visitors for educational and promotional purposes. Attendance on Center property is implied consent for the use of visitors’ likenesses for marketing purposes.

CAC reserves the right to withhold or withdraw permission to photograph on the premises. CAC staff has the authority to approach and verify the intent of photography, and to enforce the CAC Photography Policy.

Questions? Call 312.922.3432.