President and CEO Lynn Osmond Departing the CAC After 25 Years

On March 16, the CAC announced the departure of Lynn Osmond after 25 years of service. During her tenure, she transformed the organization into a global leader promoting Chicago’s unique role as an architectural innovator and a singular destination for design savvy visitors from around the world. Osmond departs the CAC to take the helm as President of Choose Chicago. In honor of her dedicated years of service, our Board named her President Emerita. She will be dearly missed by the CAC community!

A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT AND CEO LYNN OSMOND

Dear CAC Family,

After 25 great years leading the Chicago Architecture Center, I’m moving on to become the new President and CEO of Choose Chicago, our city’s visitor and convention bureau.

This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my lifetime, because of my love and passion for the CAC and all the people that I have had a chance to work with and learn from along the way. However, I am excited that my new position will allow me to continue to promote the city that we all love.

READ THE FULL LETTER

LEARN MORE ABOUT ENERGY REVOLUTION

WHAT IS THE ENERGY REVOLUTION? A CONVERSATION WITH DOUG FARR

Thursday, April 21 at 6:00pm
Hybrid event: virtual and in-person viewing options available

Join us for a special introduction to CAC’s Energy Revolution exhibition with architect and co‐curator Doug Farr, FAIA. Learn how each of us can combat the climate crisis by dramatically transforming how we use energy in the built environment.

Explore the core tenets of the coming energy revolution which together offer a blueprint for a carbon‐free future. Doug will call on his national expertise in sustainable design and his campaign for carbon‐free cities to highlight key areas of the exhibition and describe the meaningful changes that architects, urban planners, policy makers and everyday citizens can enact starting today.

NEWHOUSE FACTS

Join us in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Newhouse Architecture & Design Competition!

Did you know that the first Competition ceremony was held at the Museum of Science and Industry in 1982? Recognizing a lack of opportunities to introduce low-income and minority students to careers in architecture and related fields, Senator Newhouse approached renowned Chicago architect Bruce Graham about convening a jury to award a $1,000 state scholarship in a competition for vocational students.

DISCOVER NEWHOUSE

ONLINE PROGRAMS

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!

Sacred to Secular Transformations
Wednesday, March 23 at 12:00pm

In the past decade, thousands of houses of worship have closed each year. But when the congregation leaves, what happens to the structures left behind? Join our discussion, where we will cover how these buildings are being adapted in new and creative ways.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Future of Downtown
Thursday, March 24 at 12:00pm

Floundering retail. Stunted tourism. Vacant offices. City centers across the globe are facing big challenges borne partly of the pandemic’s ongoing disruptions. Explore how designers, business leaders and city officials are working to keep Chicago moving forward.

You Are On Potawatomi Land, Andrea Carlson, 2021. Photo by Anna Munzesheimer.

Let's Talk About Land Acknowledgement
Wednesday, March 31 at 5:30pm

The Chicago Architecture Center stands on unceded Native land. Join us in a conversation about developing formal language and concrete actions to recognize Native peoples as traditional caretakers of the land and water near the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Blowin' in the Wind: Reducing Building Sway
Wednesday, April 27 at 12:00pm

In order to withstand the Windy City's namesake weather, some of Chicago’s tallest buildings are designed to sway in the breeze, which can leave residents and workers feeling seasick. Join us for a look at the innovative ways structural engineers minimize the sway - you’ll be surprised by some of the very interesting solutions!

FOR THE FAMILY

GIRLS BUILD! SPRING BREAK CAMP:
TREE TOP DESIGNERS

The Girls Build! program is excited to officially relocate to SR Crown Hall on the campus of IIT this spring! Our next camp aligns with Chicago Public Schools Spring Break from Monday, April 11–Thursday, April 14.

The relationship between climate change and architecture is an urgent conversation happening all over the world. In this week-long camp, designed for girls ages 11-14, campers will learn about responsibly and ethically sourced materials as we plan, design and build a model of a sustainable treehouse. The week will include a field trip to an architecture firm, a climate change exhibit and access to female design professionals.

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ONE MORE THING

WE WERE VOTED BEST IN CHICAGO

Thanks to your votes, the CAFC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady was named the Best Tour of 2021 by Chicago Reader! River cruise season starts April 1, so it's a perfect time to celebrate by experiencing the award-winning cruise for yourself. Tickets are on sale now - get yours today!

RIVER CRUISE TICKETS

DONATE

YOUR GIFT MATTERS

As a nonprofit, CAC relies on charitable donations to make the world of architecture and design within reach – for everyone. Your tax-deductible donation provides critical resources so that the CAC can educate, inspire and engage young people about the importance of good design in building the sustainable and livable communities we want, need and deserve.

DONATE TODAY

Interested in making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) through your IRA? Would you like to make a gift of stock or make an ACH transfer? Contact Emily Dreke, Vice President of Development at edreke@architecture.org or (312) 561-2119.

THE LATEST

UPDATED MASK POLICY

Effective Monday, February 28, masks will no longer be required for guests visiting the Center or on walking tours. We do suggest guests carry a mask with them as every interior visited has the option to require masks. Masks are required in the enclosed salon area onboard the vessels of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises but not in the outdoor seating space.

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UPDATED CENTER INFORMATION

Please note that in March the Center will be open Friday - Monday from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Starting March 15, the second floor of the Center will be closed to the public to install the Energy Revolution exhibition, opening April 9. Center admission will be half-priced while the second floor is closed.

VISIT THE CENTER

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