What’s Happening at the CAC!
Open House Chicago is taking place on October 14th and 15th! For one weekend only, you can go behind the scenes of Chicago’s architecture treasures with Open House Chicago. This free annual festival is one of the largest events of its kind in the world. Explore 170+ sites in 20+ neighborhoods across the whole city.
To check out our recently published sites and more information, click here!
CAC in the Media!
Chicago Architecture Center – September 20th
A Local’s Travel Guide to Chicago | HGTV, September 19. “What to see: Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise: Take in the city’s beautiful buildings by boat and get all the history behind them. “I’ve done this tour multiple times because the guides are a wealth of knowledge,” says Alison.”
Impressions: 5,761,645
Fifth Edition of Chicago Architecture Biennial: This is a Rehearsal Begins Next Fall | Chicago Loop Alliance, September 20. “This year CAB will feature programs and exhibitions from long-time partners such as the Chicago Architecture Center, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Chicago Humanities Festival, Hyde Park Art Center, Volume Gallery, the National Public Housing Museum and Villa Albertine. Returning CAB partner 6018NORTH will present Water, an exhibition that positions the Chicago River as a point of entry for exploring how the city and its people can be stewards of water and of the greater environment.”
Open House Chicago | Chicago Symphony Orchestra, September 19. “The city’s annual celebration of its architectural heritage comes to Symphony Center as part of Open House Chicago, presented by the Chicago Architecture Center. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 14, visitors can explore Orchestra Hall, designed by pioneering architect Daniel Burnham and other spaces throughout the historic 1904 building on Michigan Avenue and the 1997 Symphony Center enhancements and addition created by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.”
Chicago Architecture Center – September 19th
A Week of Excitement: unveiling Chicago’s Local Events from September 18th to 24th, 2023 | Illinois Weekend Events, September 17. “The Chicago Architecture Center Exhibition offers a tour of the center’s 4,250-building scale model of Chicago, exploring supersized scale models of famous skyscrapers, and learning about Chicago’s architectural history.”
Beyond the Dazzle: Inspiration, Admiration and Lessons in Chicago’s Architecture This Fall | Chicago Gallery News, September 19. “Overlapping with CAB5 is the annual public celebration of the rich range of Chicago’s architectural treasures, Open House Chicago, the Chicago Architecture Center’s free festival of self-guided behind-the scenes history and architecture trails throughout the city.”
Impressions: 6,617
Chicago Architecture Center – September 18th
What is the Best Chicago Architecture Boat Tour? | Virtual Tourist, September 17. “The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise is often regarded as the best architectural boat tour in the city. Led by knowledgeable docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, this 90-minute tour provides in-depth insights into Chicago’s architectural history and its iconic buildings. The open-air, double-decker boats offer unobstructed views, making it an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts.”
2023 Open House: Chicago Architecture Center | WFLD-TV, September 17. “The Chicago Architecture Center has just announced their expanded Open House Chicago programming and it’s packed with all kinds of exclusive access to some of Chicago’s most significant sites. We know, obviously, Chicago has a rich history of architecture. You can just see that when you look at the downtown landscape, that is for sure, and that’s why we’re going to talk a little bit more about it and here to give us the details of what we can expect will be Angela Esposito.”
Impressions: 1,351,174
Chicago Architecture Center – September 15th
My first time in Chicago – a charming city break full of striking sights and surprising kindness | Irish Independent, September 14. “One way to get a sense of this is by taking one of Chicago’s architectural boat tours, which provide a fascinating insight into the history and development of its buildings. I glided along the river, peering upwards on Chicago’s First Lady, the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise (architecture.org).”
AIA Chicago Lerch Bates People’s Choice Tall Buildings Awards | WFLD-TV, September 14. “This is the public’s chance to look at the projects that are new in Chicago and vote for their favorites. And so, the Lerch Bates People’s Choice Award, which we present in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center, people that definitely know Chicago’s architecture, and this is the chance for the public to look at about nine different categories of buildings everything from single family all the way up to skyscrapers.”
Impressions: 601,322
Chicago vs Boston: picking the perfect city for your fall break | Traveling Hobby, September 14. “Consider the architecture. Chicago invented the skyscraper – and then went right on pushing the boundaries of modern design. You’ll have a neck-ache from looking up at all the beaux-arts beauties, art deco landmarks and International Style edifices: a Chicago Architecture Center boat tour tells their stories as you glide by. Head (way) up to check out the stomach-lurching views atop the Willis Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings. Can you get this high in Boston? Not even close.”
Impressions: 3,123
Open House Chicago returns with free access to over 170 sites across the city | Archinect, September 14. “The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) has just announced an expanded slate of participants for this year’s Open House Chicago event, which takes place from October 13th to the 15th at various sites scattered across the Windy City.”
Impressions: 376,241
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Comp Ticket Request Form
Please utilize the “Comp Ticket Request Form” under quick links. All requests are processed by our Box Office Staff, so please allow at least 72 hours for all ticket requests.
UPDATED Neighborhood Tours Policy: Starting on June 1st, tickets for off-site tours will remain on sale until the tour begins. The Will Call lists will be posted on The Bridge at 5am on the day of the tour, but this list is advisory only. Tickets will remain on sale. Look for Will Call List under Quick Links. If the Will Call list is not posted, you can email ti*****@ar**********.org and staff will get an updated version up as soon as possible. If your tour is not listed on the current will call list, this means there are no sales but you still must show up for the tour.
Guests must sign up for neighborhood tours on line. We will now begin allowing walk-up purchases for neighborhood tours. This is now clearly stated on the CAC website. Notes under all neighborhood tours include this language:
- Access to building interiors featured on this tour may be subject to change, due to weekend and holiday schedules or unforeseen closures.
- Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour.
- View the CAC’s hours.
More Information on Mobile Ticket Sales can be found here: http://cacthebridge1966.com/?wpfb_dl=898
Please also be sure to fill out the Neighborhood Tour Report Form after your tour. If your tour has zero tickets, you do not need to fill out the report. If your tour is not listed, choose OTHER and fill in the tour name in the comments.
PARKING
We are no longer issuing the parking vouchers for members. The discounted parking is still available at 111 East Wacker Drive. CAC guests and members receive but YOU MUST GET YOUR PARKING TICKET STAMPED at the CAC Box Office or the dockside CFL River Cruise box office. To receive your discounted rate pay at the LAZ garage office located inside 111 E Wacker opposite Potbellies Sandwiches. The parking garage is open 24/7.
Several other public parking garages are available in the River North and Loop neighborhoods. SpotHero can help you find a good deal. To reserve your parking spot, visit the Chicago Architecture Center SpotHero Parking Page and book with rates up to 50% off drive-up. Please note: if parking is prepurchased, early arrival or departure is subjected to additional charges at the garage’s discretion. New to SpotHero? Click here to download the SpotHero app. Questions? Give SpotHero a call at (312) 566-7768.