JOIN THE CONVERSATION ABOUT HELMUT JAHN'S LEGACY

Explore the adventurous work of the late Chicago architect Helmut Jahn in the new exhibit at the CAC. Helmut Jahn: Life + Architecture features models, photography and sketches of the architect’s greatest designs in Chicago and the rest of the world. Unique to the retrospective is a glimpse into Jahn’s personal life beyond architecture, as video interviews and written reflections explore his passions for sport, fashion and family.

Become part of the conversation around Jahn’s legacy on September 23, with the virtual program What’s Worth Preserving? Listen to a lively panel discussion and engage in breakout sessions about the threat to, and preservation of, Chicago's more recent cultural and architectural heritage, including Jahn’s James R. Thompson Center.

JOIN US FOR A CELEBRATION AT THIS YEAR'S CAC GALA

Sponsor packages and tickets are selling fast for our much-awaited Together Again Gala, which is sure to be a celebration like no other. Taking place September 14, the gala features a night of fantastic food, delectable drinks, great dancing and powerful networking atop the Old Post Office, Chicago's largest rooftop! This year, we're toasting the lasting impact of the CAC's signature education program: the Newhouse Architecture + Design Competition. To celebrate, all proceeds from the gala support the Center's education programs. Reserve your spot today.

Girls Build! Fall Session
Sundays from September 26–October 24th, 1-5pm

Get ready to travel across the globe without leaving Chicago! This fall's Girls Build! session is exploring worldwide architecture. International Design is often defined as architecture that is equally usable, relevant and meaningful across the globe, used to amplify the voices of all who engage with it. Grab your passport as we dive into this multi-week series of teamwork, research and formal presentation, learning about the world’s most unique architecture and undiscovered architects.

For more than 150 years, Evanston has been called "City of Churches," or even "Heavenston" for those with a streak of heavenly humor. Discover nine outstanding churches that help give the northern suburb its nickname on this premier walking tour that spans ten city blocks.

Some of the featured architects are best known for their more secular designs, while three of the buildings were designed by church members themselves. Over the course of 90 minutes, explore the exteriors of buildings by Daniel Burnham, John Wellborn Root, Cass Chapman, Solon Beman, Thomas Tallmadge, Vernon Watson, Henry Koll and Stephen Jennings. Styles include Gothic Revival, Richardsonian Romanesque, Neo-Classical, Colonial meetinghouse and vernacular.

Volunteer at Open House Chicago!

Open House Chicago is back, with robust offerings and plenty of ways to enjoy them! From October 16-17, explore countless buildings and their interiors as in-person site visits return this year. Or, you can wander the city on your own time throughout the entire month of October with self-guided trails on the OHC app. We also have a suite of virtual programs during the month that take a deeper dive into topics related to the festival and its sites.

Help keep things running by signing up to be an OHC Volunteer Greeter during our weekend of in-person site visits! Volunteers welcome visitors to sites across the city, typically working one 4-hour shift on either October 16 or 17. As a sign of our appreciation, you’ll receive exciting OHC perks, including a priority access pass to skip the line when you’re not working.

Updated Mask Policy

Effective Monday, August 2, in accordance with the most recent CDC and Cook County Department of Health advisory all staff, guests and volunteers require masks when indoors. This includes in our Center, anytime a walking tour goes indoors and in the enclosed salon area onboard the vessels of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.