
Book Launch & Discussion: Humanize by Thomas Heatehrwick
From one of the world’s most innovative designers comes a fiercely passionate manifesto on why so many places have become miserable and boring and how we can make them better for everyone.

From one of the world’s most innovative designers comes a fiercely passionate manifesto on why so many places have become miserable and boring and how we can make them better for everyone.

As a seasonal extension of the CAC Design Store, the center’s entry space will be transformed into a gallery featuring prototypes, passion projects, and other one-of-a-kind items produced by the Chicago architecture and design community.

Join us for a special book signing with Barry Butler, the famous Chicago photographer known for his stunning city photos. Get his latest book, "Chicago: A City Above All," and 2024 calendar and enjoy a brief presentation of his work.

Design and decorate the mini gingerbread house of your Malibu dreams. Participants will learn a brief history about toy doll dream houses, be introduced to the Design Process, and then construct their very own mini gingerbread dream house!

On December 16, between 11-11:45am, the CAC will feature a pop-up performance by the Amundsen High School string quartet! The ensemble will perform classical and contemporary music, bringing holiday cheer.

LEGO aren’t just for kids. Join CAC staff at Right Bee Cider to learn about the Design Process and construct your very own LEGO build with a design challenge.

Called the Mother Road, U.S. Highway 66 has been a fixture in American history since its inception in 1926. Join us for a trip along the highway - known simply as Route 66 – as we look at the best examples of what has been called Roadside Architecture: the visual reflections of the American regions […]

Join us at the CAC for a film line-up that includes 15 feature films and more than a dozen free film shorts from all across the world, each sharing a unique story of innovation and sustainability in architecture, design and fashion.

Join us at the CAC for a film line-up that includes 15 feature films and more than a dozen free film shorts from all across the world, each sharing a unique story of innovation and sustainability in architecture, design and fashion.

Join us at the CAC for a film line-up that includes 15 feature films and more than a dozen free film shorts from all across the world, each sharing a unique story of innovation and sustainability in architecture, design and fashion.

Join us at the CAC for a film line-up that includes 15 feature films and more than a dozen free film shorts from all across the world, each sharing a unique story of innovation and sustainability in architecture, design and fashion.

Join us at the CAC for a film line-up that includes 15 feature films and more than a dozen free film shorts from all across the world, each sharing a unique story of innovation and sustainability in architecture, design and fashion.

The Making of Mahalia Jackson Court (2023) / US Director: Christopher Hoerdemann Runtime: 9:48 Architects, artists, craftspeople, and community stakeholders work together to rapidly transform a vacant lot on the South Side of Chicago into a vibrant community gathering space. On Saturday, 2/3 at 3 PM there will be a special free screening of The Making of […]

Join us at the CAC for a film line-up that includes 15 feature films and more than a dozen free film shorts from all across the world, each sharing a unique story of innovation and sustainability in architecture, design and fashion.

Join us to make a handmade Valentine for someone special on your lunch break, Thursday, February 9 from noon to 2 PM. Stop by the CAC Design Studio to create a one-of-a-kind card that will make anyone feel extra special this Valentine’s Day. CAC’s love for the folks of 111 Illinois Center is 'designed' to […]

Midcentury modern design is still as present and popular as it was when it first appeared on the scene. By taking this virtual tour of Midland, Michigan, you'll learn about the impact of Alden B. Dow on modernist design with breathtaking examples from his home and studio. Never heard of architect Alden B. Dow? That’s […]

This workshop is designed to provide youth with hands-on experience in creating 2D visualizations of architectural designs using cutting-edge computer-generated imagery (CGI) software. Teens will discover how architects use CGI software to bring their designs to life and learn about tools and techniques used to create stunning visualizations of buildings, interiors, and landscapes. Using CGI […]

Night of Ideas: Outside the Lines - Shaping Narratives and Urban Futures Villa Albertine’s signature Night of Ideas will take place from February 24 to March 3 across 20 US cities. The event invites thought leaders, activists, performers, authors, and academics to engage the public in late-night discussions addressing major global issues. This year’s unifying theme, “Outside the Lines,” centers […]

March 4, 2024, is Chicago’s 187th Birthday and we look good for our age! If you are visiting the Center or taking a tour on Monday, March 4 between 12p and 2p – stop by the Chicago Gallery and learn from one of our experts about how and why Chicago became the City of Architecture. […]

Join the Chicago Architecture Center and Preservation Chicago as we reveal Chicago's 7 Most Endangered Buildings for 2024. Since 2003, the Chicago 7 Most Endangered has sounded the alarm on imminently threatened historic buildings and public assets in Chicago to mobilize the stakeholder support necessary to save them from demolition. Join the Chicago Architecture Center […]