SIX REASONS TO SUPPORT THE CAC TODAY

Today is #GivingTuesday—a global movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform communities worldwide. Your tax-deductible contribution helps the CAC:

1. Make dreams come true for CAC Teen Fellows, who we support through in-depth mentorship and internships with leading design firms.

2. Invest in equitable futures for Chicago’s South and West Sides through neighborhood representation in our exhibitions, public programs, during the Newhouse Architecture + Design Competition and more.

3. Remove barriers and open pathways to success in architecture, construction, engineering and design, especially for young women, BIPOC youth and others systemically underrepresented in these professions.

4. Inspire you as you explore the city safely year-round through online programs and virtual tours, plus in-person events and top-rated tours.

5. Continue to lead the largest architecture festival in North America, as we “make no small plans” for the 12th annual Open House Chicago in 2022.

6. And, as a bonus, all donations of $25 or more will be entered for a chance to win two first-class roundtrip airfare tickets from United Airlines!*

Donate now and take part in Giving Tuesday!

Did you know that many companies match employee contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations? Check with your employer to increase your gift's impact.

Extended due to popular demand

Don't miss your chance to experience the Helmut Jahn: Life + Architecture exhibit at the CAC. Now running through February 2022, this exhibit honors the legacy of the late Chicago architect and style icon.

Dive deeper into Jahn's legacy by attending our virtual event Werner Sobek on Bringing Bold Ideas to Life on Thursday, December 16 at 12:00pm.

Architect and engineer Werner Sobek's imaginative structural solutions have aided the work of Helmut Jahn, Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel, Rem Koolhaus and others over a 40+ year career. In this talk, Sobek discusses how evolving building technologies facilitate exciting new designs. He will also focus on his fruitful collaboration with Jahn, and the pair's iconic projects including Sony Center in Berlin and State Street Village here in Chicago. IIT Professor and former Dean of Architecture Donna Robertson joins Sobek in conversation.

ENGINEERING FEST 2022

On Saturday, February 26, drop by the CAC anytime between 10am—3pm to view two floors of exhibits, meet engineers and learn how architecture and engineering partner to create cities we know and love. This festival is FREE!

The theme for this year’s festival is “Access to Experts.” Join us as we explore the multiple avenues of the engineering profession through interactive stations and activities, including a tour around the city, hands-on building stations, a photo booth and more!

CAC encourages Engineering Fest participants to learn about Chicago’s unique architecture and engineering, and think through and test out engineering solutions. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEWHOUSE COMPETITION

Be the first to know about our upcoming Newhouse Competition, celebrating 40 years of impact, by signing up for our notifications on December 1. Named after Senator Richard H. Newhouse, who had a vision to make architecture more accessible to all minority youth and disadvantaged students, the Competition is now open to all youth who want to learn more about the architecture, construction, engineering, and design (ACED) fields. This year's projects will center around participants creating a youth-friendly Chicago. The Newhouse Competition is free to all Chicagoland youth and will culminate in the spring with professional jurors reviewing projects and awarding prizes. Winners will be showcased in the CAC galleries.

HELMUT JAHN WALKING TOUR CONCLUDES SOON

There are only a few more chances to take the Helmut Jahn: Architecture in Real Life premiere walking tour! Visit five of Jahn’s most striking buildings throughout downtown Chicago and trace the evolution of his designs in the 1980s. This walking tour ends in December, so don't miss your opportunity to experience Jahn's legacy across the city.

THE IMPACT OF THE CAC

Throughout the year, we are proud to live out our mission of sharing why design matters through youth and adult education programs, tours that explore the rich history of Chicago and Open House Chicago, the largest architecture festival in North America.

"So grateful for these insightful, educational, entertaining discussions via video. Soaking up knowledge in these isolated times is so much easier with CAC in my life!"

"I am thrilled with your programming. The tours of the architecture of the city are so special. The knowledge of the architecture of the buildings, which we see all the time enhances our enjoyment of our downtown! Bravo."

"I fell in love with Chicago for its architecture. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. What is so wonderful about OHC is that it allows me to go 'behind the scenes' and not only see things I might otherwise never see, but also to learn more in depth."

Continue to support our mission by donating today, Giving Tuesday! Every gift helps us make an impact across Chicago.

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*Two (2) Electronic Travel Certificates valid for Business/First PN-Class round-trip travel to/from destinations served by United or United Express between US48/Canada/Alaska/Caribbean/ Mexico/Central America. Booking travel must be done on united.com. Certificate redemption is based on availability of the booking class designated. Certificates are valid for 12 months from the start date listed on the certificate. Certificates are not valid for flights operated by other airlines. Certificates are not designated for travel on a specific date or to a specific destination. See Terms and Conditions for full details. The retail value of the two certificates is $5,450 USD.