Celebrating the Life and Work of Helmut Jahn

Helmut Jahn: Life + Architecture is a new retrospective honoring the late Chicago architect and style icon, opening July 23. The exhibit showcases more than a dozen designs, illuminated by photography, models and sketches, that define an eclectic and prodigious career. Included are signature early projects like the Michigan City Public Library (1977) and the pioneering but polarizing J.R. Thompson Center (1985), as well as more contemporary landmarks like Berlin’s Sony Center (2000) and the Pritzker Military Archives Center, currently under construction in Somers, Wisconsin. At the same time, video interviews and written recollections from those closest to the architect help portray Jahn the sportsman, the fashion connoisseur and the family man. Life + Architecture celebrates Jahn’s talent and charisma, as well as his stunning body of work that is sure to inspire generations to come.

The CAFC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady has expanded its hours as the summer season picks up! Departures are now taking place all seven days of the week. The award-winning open-air boat tour provides a behind the scenes look at some of the most iconic buildings along the Chicago River. Each 90-minute tour is led by a CAC docent, expertly blending educational and storytelling elements to provide an exciting glimpse into Chicago's rich architectural history. Discover for yourself why the CAFC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady was voted best boat tour by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Hey families! Commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire with a Family Walking Tour. Chicago Architecture Center Education Guides introduce the lessons learned after the fire and relics from that era we can still see today on tours curated specifically for youth ages 8 and up.

Any family who books a Family Walking Tour from June 15 – July 31 will be entered into a raffle for four Chicago Fire or Chicago Red Stars Major League Soccer tickets!

Volunteer at Open House Chicago!

Open House Chicago 2021 will be October 16-17, 2021, and we're excited to share that the weekend of fun throughout Chicago will be in person once again! The weekend will be bookended by a month of OHC virtual programming and self-guided neighborhood trails through the OHC app (October 1-31). We are going to need volunteers! OHC Volunteer Greeters welcome visitors to OHC sites all over the city. Volunteers typically work one 4-hour shift on either day. Join us as a volunteer on October 16-17.

Updated Mask Policy

Effective Friday, June 11, in accordance with CDC, State, and City guidelines moving Chicago fully into Phase 5 of the City Recovery Plan masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated individuals visiting the Chicago Architecture Center. Masks are still encouraged for those who aren’t fully vaccinated. Safety measures like enhanced cleaning and social distancing will continue to be practiced. We will not require proof of vaccination but ask for guests’ responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy.