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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Excursion42663100323
Jul 9, 2024
Architecture Center Chicago CAC - The Architecture Center is an excellent opportunity to know more about architecture in Chicago, it's history and future projects. Very interesting!
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
Hrobinson1114
Aug 13, 2023
Interesting stop with lots of options - Is this a MUST DO when in Chicago? Is it thrilling and amazing? No. But it’s a neat place to spend an hour or a little longer learning some neat stuff about architecture’s history and future, especially as it pertains to Chicago. Entry is 14 dollars. I didn’t have to pay because it was included with my priority boarding architecture cruise ticket. If you see my review on the cruise, I’m not sure priority boarding is worth the extra cost. The first floor is the gift shop and focuses on Chicago history. There is a model of the city as well as info on the history of Chicago homes and architecture through the years. There is also a film playing. The second floor holds a rotating exhibit and models of famous skyscrapers. The exhibit that was on when I visited focused on the growing use of timber as the primary framing for skyscrapers—so interesting and teaching me things I never imagined! The center organizes the architecture cruises, walking tours, and other special events. It’s located on the riverfront, right across the street from the boat dock site.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ingrid_v
Aug 7, 2023
Wonderful - Reservations and good customer service rep, the experience was great and very friendly , I will recommend this app
Review provided by Viator
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
Weiqingj2023
Jun 27, 2023
double charge for tickets - Charged twice of my credit card. Stop us after we finished 2nd floor visit, the lady in front desk told me I have to re-swipe my credit card. Ask her to double check. She keep claiming my card does not pass. Re-swipe my card. Just check my credit card report. She did charge me twice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
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