The Great Fire, Center reopening and family activities

JUNE 1, 2021 • ISSUE 38

150 YEARS AFTER THE FIRE

The Chicago Architecture Center is commemorating 150 years of resilience after the Great Fire with a series of programs illuminating the myths and untold stories surrounding this pivotal moment in the city’s history. Over the next few months, public programs, family walking tours, a new bus tour and an Open House Chicago trail will dive into how the fire fundamentally changed Chicago’s built environment and the ways it impacted people’s lives.

The series kicks off with a book talk on June 22. Register below and stay tuned for more updates!

Book Talk: Historian Carl Smith on Chicago's Great Fire
Tuesday, June 22 at 6pm

The CAC’s Great Chicago Fire program series is made possible by Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

WE MISSED YOU

WELCOME BACK TO THE CAC

The Center has reopened! Be sure to look for our two new exhibits: Housing for a Changing Nation and Hyper Green High-Rises: Towards a Zero-Energy Skyscraper. We've also made some exciting updates to fan favorites like the Chicago Model and the Skyscraper Gallery.

The CAC Box Office, Design Store and galleries are now open Thursday through Monday from 10am–5pm.

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WE'VE BEEN NOMINATED!

The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady has been nominated by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards travel editors as one of the best boat tours in the country. Our river cruise is the only Chicago boat tour nominated; support us by voting!

Everyone can vote once per day until polls close on Monday, June 7.

VOTE

SAVE THE DATE

TOGETHER AGAIN GALA 2021

Tuesday, September 14, 2021
The Old Post Office Rooftop
433 W. Van Buren St.

Join us to reconnect and celebrate with the CAC community on the Old Post Office Rooftop! Proceeds will support the CAC’s educational mission.

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BUS TOURS ARE BACK

Discover Chicago's Historic Neighborhoods

Explore the city's mosaic of neighborhoods with CAC and its partner, Big Bus Chicago. Discover the unique art, architecture and histories of Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen, Chinatown and Bronzeville.

Buses depart Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am.

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Discover Chicago's Historic Neighborhoods

ONLINE PROGRAMS

Architect Talk: Lawrence Scarpa with Planning Commissioner Maurice Cox
Thursday, June 3 at 6pm

In an original film screening followed by live Q&A, Brooks + Scarpa founding principal Lawrence Scarpa explores how design can revolutionize housing for communities in need. Maurice Cox, Commissioner of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development, joins Scarpa in conversation.

This program is offered in conjunction with the CAC’s exhibit, Housing for a Changing Nation, sponsored by a generous gift of AARP Illinois and the AARP Foundation.

Japan to Chicago: Architectural Connections
Wednesday, June 9 at noon

Architecture in Chicago has long drawn influence from Japan. Trace the connections beginning with parallels to Japanese architectural tradition found in Frank Lloyd Wright’s work and continuing on to Japanese architects practicing in Chicago today.

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

WHAT'S NEXT PROGRAM

The Future of the Urban Middle Class
Tuesday, June 15 at noon

Research shows Chicago has become more segregated by income over time with growing pockets of extreme wealth and extreme poverty. This special hour-long event tackles the challenges of rebuilding the middle class as we mount recoveries in our cities.

What's Next? Designing the Future City is generously supported by Sandra Helton and Norman Edelson.

FOR THE FAMILY

FAMILY PROGRAMS WITH THE CAC

Explore architecture with the little ones this summer; join us for story time and artmaking!

CAC STORY Time

Saturday, June 26 at 10am

Join us for a unique story time at the inspiring Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, as we learn about the impact of women in architecture. Let your child’s imagination come to life as we read The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter.

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Art in the Design Studio

Saturday, July 10 at 10am

Add a splash of color to your child’s day when they spend an hour in our Design Studio creating a masterpiece using color, shapes and materials. Be inspired with a story as we read Maybe Something Beautiful by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howel.

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LOOKING UP

NEW WALKING TOUR

From CAC docent Corinne Rohr

Join us on the new Moveable Bridges walking tour and learn about Chicago's unique style of bridges. Questions we will ponder include why ramped bridges didn't work in Chicago, why and when bridges went up 100 times a day, and how a small motor can move an enormous bridge leaf. Along the way, we will enjoy the newly landscaped Riverwalk East and its public art displays. A bridge over the river is a wonderful sight; one going up is even more magical.

ONE MORE THING

CIVIL WAR TO CIVIL RIGHTS AT
OAK WOODS CEMETERY

In recognition of Juneteenth, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, the CAC invites you to join our very special tour of Oak Woods Cemetery on Chicago's South Side. The lush 19th-century landscape is the final resting place for several of Chicago's most celebrated and iconic African American residents, including Mayor Harold Washington, journalist Ida B. Wells, Olympian Jesse Owens, and musicians Thomas A. Dorsey and Roebuck "Pops" Staples. On a day that celebrates freedom, this guided walk through the historic burial ground offers an opportunity for education and reflection.

Departures on June 19 are limited, but additional dates have been added.

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. The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruises aboard Chicago’s First Lady are now running. All CAC tour attendees are prompted to acknowledge and accept the CAC’s safety policies. In accordance with the City of Chicago's optional masking requirement for businesses, the CAC will continue to require masks for all staff, volunteers, and guests at this time. Located at 111 East Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, the Center's galleries are now open.

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