Chicago Architecture Center Exhibits Admission

Explore Chicago’s architectural marvels at the CAC. Discover a 4,250-building model, shop unique finds, and join family events. Support education and community projects.

Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Your voucher grants you access to two floors of imaginative exhibits at Chicago’s newest cultural destination - Chicago Architecture Center! Print the voucher or present it to box office staff on mobile device within 60 days of purchase.
What's Included
  • Admission ticket
What's Not Included
  • Storage for luggage, strollers, or coats
  • Guided Tour
  • Food or drink
Additional Information

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) was founded in 1966 as the Chicago Architecture Foundation to save the historic Glessner House. Since then, the CAC has grown to become one of the largest cultural organizations in Chicago. Visit the CAC to view our 4,250-building scale model of Chicago, shop in our award-winning store or participate in a fun family event in our ArcelorMittal Design Studio.

On the Chicago Model, view more than 4,200 buildings in one spectacular room at the cinematic and interactive Chicago City Model Experience.

At the Chicago Gallery learn how Chicago became the “city of architecture,” with a look at its fascinating neighborhoods, housing styles and famous architects.

As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

  • Hours of operation are subject to change without notice.
  • Final admissions are 30 minutes before closing time.
  • Exhibit content is subject to change without notice.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Food and drink are not allowed in the exhibit space.
  • Coat check and storage for luggage or strollers is not available.
Location
Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker Dr
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(50 Ratings)
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Franklg4137jp
Sep 9, 2024
Chicago Architecture here - Signing up for the CAC's architectural boat cruises is a must, but be sure to visit the museum with its display on Chicago arch history, special exhibits, and a fine gift shop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K5682wotr
Sep 9, 2024
Wonderful supplemental museum - The CAC was a wonderful addition to understanding the issues and items of Chicago's plan and what is being done for its future. Has a great presentation and asking for feedback on many of the city's plans. A great ongoing presentation. In addition, the bookstore has unique and informative books and gifts on Chicago and its architectural history
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bettinal441
Aug 24, 2024
Experience - We were at the Chicago Architecture Center yesterday and can definitely recommend it. Admission is free and you can really learn a lot about the origin of the city about the main skyscrapers and their architects. The coldest ones are exceptionally friendly and seek conversation with visitors. Definitely go there!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R
Apr 18, 2024
OLD POST OFFICE TOUR - I took the architecture tour for the Old Post Office with John S. This past week and I must have to say I was fascinated with the beauty of this building. Learned how important and busy was the post office back in the day in Chicago! Also it was very cool seeing how the building has been readapted and reused for a new purpose, specially after being abandoned for many years! We saw the pretty interior and how they have changed the inside of it. Also we visited the rooftop and seeing the green roof they have to be environmental friendly. He showed us all around and took us through the history and beauty of this building. I definitely will recommend this tour to my family and friends who live in Chicago!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dadandmom
Oct 22, 2023
Learn about Chicago architecture - Our guide on the Architecture Center boat tour suggested we go up to the exhibit after debarking. It is very close to the boat dock. The exhibits were fascinating and a nice complement to doing the river tour. There is a great gift shop there too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danspawsox
Oct 10, 2023
Cool 3D model of Chicago - Cool 3D model of Chicago, plus fascinating insights into other architectural issues including sustainable building materials. Well worth visiting for an hour or two, although we only found out about this via our riverboat tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Qilm
Oct 9, 2023
The windy city - Lots of parks, museums and lots of buildings to appreciate. The city has a great vibe. I felt safe. I loved The Art Institute of Chicago. We also really liked the Chicago Architecture Center.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yulia_d
Sep 18, 2023
Very educational - Very nice museum. Much smaller than we expected but beautifully done. We learned a lot about architecture of Chicago and the city model is amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Guide49315914858
Aug 27, 2024
Somewhat disappointing. 5.0 rating is mathematically not possible - You see a rating of 5.0 on TripAdvisor at way over 3000 reviews. Means EVERONE HAD TO GIVE 5 stars. Which obviously is not true looking at the reviews. But based on seeing the 5.0 you think “we definitely have to see this”. You spend the money, visit the museum just to find out, that there is only really one exciting movie and one exciting exhibit to see the rest is minimal and somewhat boring. A very small museum. My son, who is 18 and very interested in museums and I were quite disappointed. When we expressed our disappointment, we were told, that they are currently developing new exhibits and therefore not all was open.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ben_s
Apr 23, 2024
Small for price - The 2 space exhibit is small for the price, though what is present is interesting. Time required: <1 hour.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
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