Find your perfect tour, learn the secrets behind the 1893 World's Fair and register for our masterclass series

MARCH 25, 2021 • ISSUE 33

WHICH WALKING TOUR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Walking tours are back! Let our entertaining and expertly trained docents guide you through the city, from magnificent downtown architecture to awe-inspiring neighborhood gems. There are lots of CAC walking tours to choose from. We're here to help you figure out which one is right for you.

BROWSE TOURS

IF YOU'RE NEW TO ARCHITECTURE

Want a quick introduction to Chicago’s magnificent architecture? A Walk Through Time takes a comprehensive look at the city’s architectural history by viewing buildings in chronological order, from early skyscrapers to new supertall high rises.

IF YOUR MOTTO IS "LESS IS MORE"

Try Mid-Century Modern. You'll discover the stories behind iconic buildings like inland steel, Marina city, the IBM building and other "Mad Men" worthy skyscrapers. If you’re interested in iconic buildings, public art, urban planning or government this is your tour.

IF YOU CAN QUOTE ALL OF FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF

We recommend Lights, Camera, Architecture! This 90-minute walk unveils the story behind more than a dozen buildings that have made an appearance in films shown around the world. You'll learn why movies are filmed here and how the city's economy has benefited from the industry in recent years.

FEATURED PROGRAM

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR LAST TWO SCULLY CLASSES

Tuesday, April 6 at 6pm and Tuesday, May 4 at 6pm

It's not too late to register for the last two sessions in our Vincent Scully Masterclass Series. Attendees of the first class gave host Reed Kroloff rave reviews.

Get tickets to these entertaining explorations of an architecture-informed worldview today!

The 2021 Vincent Scully Masterclass Series: See Like an Architect is generously sponsored by Ann and Richard Carr. A member of Yale University’s class of 1961, Mr. Carr was a student of Vincent Scully.

MORE ONLINE PROGRAMS

The (Whole) Story Of The 1893 Midway
Wednesday, April 14 at noon

During the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Midway Plaisance offered visitors an array of food and fun, ways to visit far-off places, the first-ever Ferris Wheel and other diversions. But the Midway was more than that. Get the whole story at this online program.

This program is supported by a gift of the Gary family in memory of Myra Gary and in honor of the Docents’ 50th Anniversary.

LOOKING UP

In the last issue of CAC@Home, we tested your architectural knowledge with trivia questions put together by our docents about adaptive reuse. Here are the answers:

1. Postcard Place Lofts
Answer: Curtis Teich Postcard Factory, 1733 W. Irving Park Rd.
2. Prairie District Lofts
Answer: Eastman Kodak Co., 1727 S. Indiana Ave.
3. The Lofts at 1800
Answer: E. R. Moore Co., Cap & Gown Factory, 1800 W. Grace St.
4. Shoemaker Lofts
Answer: Florsheim Shoe Factory, 3963 W. Belmont Ave.

To learn more about Chicago architecture, be sure to join CAC docents on downtown, neighborhood, and soon, river cruise tours. Stay tuned for additional installments of “Looking Up,”—including more trivia—contributed by our docents, in future issues of CAC@Home.

ONE MORE THING

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’ve compiled a list of five historic, trailblazing women architects who made their mark in Chicago. The challenges and setbacks these women faced in their lives still affect female architects today. As recently as the 1970s—decades after some of these women made their contributions to the field—it was reported that less than 1 percent of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chicago members were women.

While there's more work to be done to increase the number of women in the field, we can look to the past for inspiration. Here are five women architects who paved the way for other women pursuing careers in design and architecture in Chicago.

IN MEMORIUM

The entire CAC community mourns the passing of Richard H. Driehaus as we celebrate a life’s work championing architecture, preservation and culturally vibrant cities. Born and raised in Chicago, Richard was a prominent investment banker who, since the early 80s, backed a range of causes going far beyond the built environment, including anti-poverty initiatives and protection of our democratic institutions.

Among his signature achievements in the world of art and design is the founding of the Driehaus Museum within the restored Gilded Age Nickerson Mansion, containing an unrivaled decorative arts collection, and the creation of the influential Driehaus Architecture Prize to carry forward his mission of recognizing excellence in classical architectural styles. Through the Driehaus Foundation, Richard has been a longtime supporter of the CAC. His enduring philanthropic work is a gift to the city he loved, and his incredible focus and generosity earned him the 2015 AIA Lifetime Achievement Award. Chicago will miss him dearly.

THE LATEST

Select CAC walking tour departures are now available for purchase. Please note that advance reservations and face coverings are required for all CAC walking tours. Those who attend CAC walking tours departing through April may request vouchers for complimentary Center admission once exhibits reopen in May. Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruises aboard Chicago’s First Lady will resume in spring 2021 on a date to be announced. Located at 111 East Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, the Center remains temporarily closed to visitors.

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