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Volunteer

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Discover meaningful ways to engage with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) through our diverse volunteer opportunities. Whether you're passionate about sharing Chicago's architectural wonders as a docent, greeting visitors during Open House Chicago, guiding educational experiences for students, hosting exhibits, or providing exceptional guest services, there's a role that matches your interests and schedule.

By volunteering with the CAC, you become a vital part of our mission to inspire people to discover why design matters. Join like-minded individuals in making a difference and showcasing the significance of Chicago's architecture to visitors from around the world.

There are many ways you can support the CAC depending on your interest and availability:

Become a Docent

CAC volunteer docents are skilled ambassadors and educators. They develop and conduct engaging public and private tours and serve as interpreters of Chicago’s architecture and its history. Our docents are carefully selected and trained to serve as the face of an internationally renowned organization.

Open House Chicago (OHC) volunteer

We’re thrilled to involve over 1,200 volunteers needed to greet and assist visitors at 150+ sites throughout the city. OHC volunteer greeters work ONE shift either Saturday or Sunday on OHC weekend.

Education guide

CAC education guides lead interactive experiences for students that focus on architecture and design.

Education guides facilitate 90-minute field trips for students. These interactive experiences focus on architecture, design and Chicago history. Sessions incorporate hands-on collaboration tools to foster critical thinking in young people.

Exhibit host

Exhibit hosts provide guests with an engaging overview of the CAC's offerings, as well as specific information about current exhibitions. Volunteers serve in shifts and help orient guests as they explore all the CAC's exhibits.

Guest services

Guest services volunteers are a welcoming presence at the CAC.

These volunteers welcome guests to the CAC and assist visitors as they begin their tours. They provide outstanding customer service and help the guest relations staff at the ticketing counter.

FAQ

  • With the exception of our Open House Chicago volunteers, volunteers are required to serve 30 hours per calendar year. Shifts are available seven days a week and scheduling is flexible and based on your availability.

  • While professional experience is celebrated, there is no need to have professional design experience.

  • Our typical volunteers are passionate about architecture and Chicago history. They are usually outgoing and enjoy working with people from all over the world.

See all Volunteer FAQs

Volunteer Testimonials

    • Caucasian woman in her early twenties, smiling, in a red and white striped tank top standing in front of the Chicago river.Caucasian woman in her early twenties, smiling, in a red and white striped tank top standing in front of the Chicago river.
      Volunteering with the CAC has taught me so much about architecture and helped me become a more confident person. I've learned to love and appreciate this city in whole new ways, and I feel grateful every time I get to share that Chicago wonder with a tour group!
      Lydia Spettel DOCENT CLASS OF 2023
    • I love Chicago! I love her architecture! And I love to share what I know with visitors. As a volunteer we’re invited on special tours to expand our knowledge and to get to know other volunteers.”
      Beth NajbergVolunteer exhibit host
    • I enjoy the people I meet on our tours, from all walks of life and all parts of the globe, all interested in learning about Chicago's architecture
      Gabe Labovitzcac DOCENT CLASS OF 2008
  • Young black volunteer showing a toddler how to draw

    An education guide showing a child how to draw during CAC's Read and Build program.