Chicago Architecture Center facts for kids
Chicago Architecture Center headquarters
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| Founded | 1966 |
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| Type | 501(c)(3) charitable organization |
| Focus | Education, Architecture, Design |
| Location | |
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Members
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11,000 |
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Volunteers
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1,000 |
| Website | http://architecture.org/ |
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a cool place in Chicago, Illinois. It used to be called the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Its main goal is to help people understand why good design is important.
The CAC started in 1966. It offers many fun activities like public tours. Their most famous tour is a boat ride on the Chicago River. This tour shows off the city's amazing buildings. Many people on TripAdvisor say it's one of the best tours in the U.S. The center also has spaces for exhibits and events. You can even see a huge model of downtown Chicago there!
Contents
Discovering Chicago's Architecture
The Chicago Architecture Center helps people explore the city's famous buildings. They offer many ways to learn about design and history.
How the CAC Started
The CAC began in 1966. Back then, it was called the Chicago School of Architecture Foundation. Its first big project was to save the Glessner House. This is one of Chicago's oldest homes, designed by H. H. Richardson.
In 1971, the group started offering talks and tours. Volunteers led these tours around Chicago. In 1979, its name changed to the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Later, in 1992, it moved to the Railway Exchange Building. This new spot had more room for a book store and programs.
In 2005, the CAC helped start a group called the Association of Architecture Organizations. This group helps other places that teach about architecture. In 2009, the center opened a new exhibit. It's called the Chicago Model. This is a giant 3D-printed model of the city center. You can still see it today!
In August 2018, the center moved again. It changed its name to the Chicago Architecture Center. Its new home is in the One Illinois Center building. This building was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. It's right on the Chicago River.
Fun Tours of the City
The CAC offers about 85 different tours of Chicago. These tours are led by amazing volunteers called "docents." These docents go through a 14-week training program. This makes sure they know a lot about Chicago's buildings.
Many tours explore the Chicago Loop. You can see historic buildings like the Chicago Board of Trade and the Rookery. They also show off modern skyscrapers. These include the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) and the John Hancock Center. You can also visit parks and public spaces. Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are popular spots.
In the summer, the CAC offers tours of different neighborhoods. But the most popular tour is the CAFC River Cruise. You ride on Chicago's First Lady Cruises. This boat tour runs from April to November every year. The CAC has other tours available all year long.
Open House Chicago Event
The CAC also hosts a huge event called Open House Chicago. This happens once a year in October. It's totally free! During this weekend, you can visit buildings and spaces that are usually closed to the public. Tens of thousands of people come from all over to explore Chicago's hidden gems.
Learning About Design
The CAC has great programs for learning about architecture and design. They have won awards for their teaching materials. Some of their programs include Schoolyards to Skylines and the Architecture Handbook. They also have a website called DiscoverDesign.org.
In 2013, the CAC opened the ArcelorMittal Design Studio. This is a special room where people of all ages can learn about design ideas.
CAC Store
The CAC Store is on the first floor of the Chicago Architecture Center. It's at 111 E. Wacker Dr. You can find lots of cool products there. They have items about Chicago and architecture.
