Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago Architecture Center

111 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

Architecture

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is the city’s all-in-one architecture experience: a museum with two floors of exhibits and a gateway to more than 50 boat, walking, and bus tours.

Opened to the public in 2018, the Chicago Architecture Center’s (CAC) riverfront location is in the heart of the city, where Michigan Avenue meets the Chicago River, featuring nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space filled with super-sized models—and views—of iconic skyscrapers. Center exhibits focus on Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, housing types, leading architects and future projects, and include the largest scale model of the city, with more than 4,250 miniature buildings, interactive touchscreens, and a cinematic backdrop animating key moments in its history.

The CAC has reopened with revamped galleries. The new exhibit Housing for a Changing Nation reexamines the notions of house and home for the 21st century. Discover the creative ways local architects are meeting America’s changing housing needs with innovative housing forms that accommodate shifts in the country’s demographics, the economy and the environment. This exhibit is made possible by AARP Illinois and the AARP Foundation.

Proceeds from admission and tours, the CAC Design Store, grants, sponsorships and generous donations all support the educational mission of the CAC.

Learn more at architecture.org.

What's happening nearby...

Chicago Restaurant Week

Jan 23 – Feb 08

Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day celebration of the city’s diverse and dynamic culinary scene.

Read more about Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago Theatre Week

Feb 05 – Feb 15

Calling all audiences — Chicago Theatre Week is back! Enjoy value-priced tickets to an array of productions from Feb. 5 – 15, 2026.

Read more about Chicago Theatre Week

Chicago Auto Show

McCormick Place West  •  Feb 07 – Feb 16

Features a range of domestic and imported cars and trucks, experimental and concept cars and a number of auto-related exhibits.

Read more about Chicago Auto Show

You might also be interested...

Chicago Historic Water Tower

Chicago

Read more about Chicago Historic Water Tower

Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Chicago

Welcome aboard Chicago's finest fleet! Choose Chicago's First Lady and the Chicago Architecture Foundation to experience 90 minutes of amazing.

Read more about Chicago's First Lady Cruises

Segway Experience of Chicago

Chicago

Read more about Segway Experience of Chicago

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.