Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) | Chicago

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly known as the Chicago Architecture Foundation, is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about architecture, design, and urban planning—especially the remarkable story of Chicago’s architectural heritage. It serves as a hub for architectural discovery, offering exhibits, tours, educational programs, and events that highlight Chicago’s vital role in the development of modern architecture and city design.

History and Mission

Founded in 1966, the CAC’s mission is to inspire people to discover why design matters by providing access to the stories, ideas, and experiences behind architecture and the built environment. Chicago’s rich architectural history—from the birth of the skyscraper to innovations in urban planning—makes the city an unparalleled classroom for architecture enthusiasts and the general public alike. The CAC preserves this legacy while promoting thoughtful discussion about the future of cities.

Location and Facilities

Address: 111 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601

The CAC is housed in a modern, architecturally significant building along the Chicago River, providing visitors with easy access to the heart of downtown and the starting point for many tours.

The Center features interactive exhibits, a theater, a gift shop, classrooms, and event spaces.

Exhibits and Educational Experiences

The CAC offers permanent and rotating exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds:

Chicago City Model Experience: A large, detailed 3D-printed model of downtown Chicago, displaying over 4,000 buildings. Visitors can explore the city’s architecture from above and engage with interactive displays that highlight key landmarks, historic moments, and urban development stories. The experience includes a short film that brings Chicago’s architectural evolution to life.

Legacy of Wrigley Field: An exhibit dedicated to Chicago’s iconic baseball stadium, showcasing its design, cultural significance, and evolution since 1914.

People’s Choice Awards Exhibit: Highlights contemporary architectural projects that have made a lasting impact on Chicago’s skyline and neighborhoods, fostering appreciation for modern design and innovation.

Architecture Gallery: Rotating exhibitions that focus on various aspects of architecture, urbanism, and design, both local and global.

Architectural Tours

One of the CAC’s signature offerings is its wide range of guided tours that allow visitors to experience Chicago’s architecture firsthand:

Chicago River Architecture Tour: The most famous tour, this 90-minute boat cruise aboard the “Chicago’s First Lady” takes visitors along the Chicago River while expert guides explain the stories behind the city’s towering skyscrapers, historic bridges, and architectural styles. It’s widely regarded as one of the best architecture tours in the world.

Walking Tours: Docent-led tours that explore Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and architectural highlights on foot. These tours cover topics such as Art Deco, Prairie School, Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence, and modernist landmarks.

Bus and Train Tours: Longer tours that explore outlying neighborhoods, architectural themes, and urban design concepts beyond the downtown core.

Specialty Tours: Seasonal or thematic tours focusing on topics like skyscrapers, green architecture, the Loop’s history, or architectural photography.

Educational Programs

The CAC is deeply involved in education for all ages:

School Programs: Curriculum-aligned programs for students and teachers, including field trips and classroom resources that integrate architecture and urbanism into learning.

Workshops and Lectures: Programs for adults, professionals, and families that cover architectural design, urban planning, and city living.

Youth Programs: Camps, competitions, and interactive workshops designed to inspire the next generation of architects and designers.

Open House Chicago

Every October, the CAC hosts Open House Chicago, a free public festival offering unprecedented access to more than 200 buildings across the city, many of which are normally closed to the public. This event attracts thousands of architecture fans and curious visitors, providing tours, talks, and exhibits that celebrate Chicago’s architectural diversity and history.

CAC Design Store

The Center’s design store offers a curated selection of architecture books, gifts, home decor, prints, and apparel. It’s a resource for architecture lovers to take a piece of Chicago’s design culture home.

Visitor Information

Hours: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. Closed on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Admission:

Adults: $15

Students (with ID): $10

Children under 5: Free

Members: Free year-round

Tickets for tours include admission to the Center, and many tours can be booked online in advance.

Accessibility: The CAC building and tours are accessible to visitors with mobility challenges, with accommodations available upon request.

Why Visit?

The Chicago Architecture Center is essential for anyone wanting to understand why Chicago is often called the birthplace of modern architecture. It provides context and insight into the city’s skyline and urban environment, enriching the visitor’s experience through expert interpretation and immersive experiences. Whether you’re an architecture aficionado, student, or casual visitor, the CAC offers an inspiring and educational look at the city’s built environment.

The Chicago Architecture Center is much more than a museum—it is a gateway to understanding the design, history, and future of one of America’s most architecturally significant cities.