Chicago Architecture Center image

Chicago Architecture Center

Tourist attraction Museum Non profit organization

One of the Most Reviewed Non profit organizations in Chicago


Address

111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Website

www.architecture.org

Contact

(312) 922-8687

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (39) Chicago (37) architecture (28) history (16) city (14) boat (11) time (10) great (10) informative (9) Architecture (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Chris' A. 1 year ago on Google
    Really lovely place to learn about the architecture of Chicago, past, present and future. There is a gorgeous model of the city along with multiple other dioramas of future projects. There is also a lovely short film about the history of the city. Everything was well done and very modern. There is both text on the wall and interactive tablets to learn more.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Amin 1 year ago on Google
    If you are interested in #history and #architecture, this is the right place for you. It's not big and fancy, but you can see the history of #Chicago with a large model of the city and the entire history of the city is explained through video and color and visual technology. The first floor is where visitors can shop and see the model of the city of Chicago in all its details. Also, on the second floor, visitors can view and compare famous building models on a scale.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Preeti G. 6 months ago on Google • 221 reviews
    This is an awesome place if you are interested in architecture or not. Models are made stunning. Very informative displays and downstairs the Chicago city model is super cute! It also has a short film about Chicago history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wojciech Z. 2 months ago on Google • 168 reviews New
    The Architecture Centre, with its free entry, stands as a brief yet captivating window into Chicago's towering legacy. In just 30 minutes, it unfolds the rich history of the city's iconic skyscrapers. The curated exhibits and informative displays are a testament to Chicago's architectural prowess, offering a condensed journey through time. The Center's design mirrors the innovative spirit it showcases, creating an engaging space that immerses visitors in the evolution of Chicago's skyline. The concise yet comprehensive experience makes it a worthwhile stop, providing a snapshot of the city's architectural narrative. From the birth of the first skyscraper to the cutting-edge designs of the present, the Architecture Centre condenses Chicago's architectural journey into a short but impactful visit. It's a testament to the city's vertical evolution and a must-visit for those seeking a brief but enlightening exploration of Chicago's towering history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Travis T. 4 months ago on Google • 50 reviews
    I thought this museum would cost money. But surprisingly, it was free until the end of 2023 for some reason. The exhibits about green architecture, architecture of Chicago, and small-scale models of super-tall skyscrapers were interesting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Farhat A. 7 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    A decent exhibit with information about the history and architecture of Chicago. The place was clean and not too crowded. However, it is quite small and I would have preferred more details about the urban planning and development of different neighborhoods in the city. I believe they also have a walking tour but we didn’t buy that. The miniature models of the buildings were pretty cool. If you’re visiting Chicago, you should definitely visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yvonne M. 2 years ago on Google
    I have taken the CAC's Architecture River Cruise nine times over the past six years, FOUR times during the month of September 2021 I love nothing more than to introduce our friends to the beauty and history of Chicago through this tour. AND, each time I go on it, I learn something new. The River Cruise is a "virtual museum of the modern skyscraper" and it is always fascinating to float by these masterpieces with the knowledgeable guidance of the amazing docents who lead these tours.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel W. 1 year ago on Google
    We did the architecture boat tour based on some online research and it did not disappoint. Our speaker/guide (Gary) was fantastic and very knowledgeable. Would definitely look at doing another tour the next time we visit Chicago.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 AM V. 4 months ago on Google • 147 reviews
    Susan gave us a tour yesterday and I think I felt in love with Chicago (except for the wind) after that. It’s interesting to see how the city involved through the times. There’s a second floor/exhibition that’s free if you purchased the ticket for the tour. Save some time for that!

  • 5/5 Chelsea M. 2 years ago on Google
    Finally got to visit for the first time last Sunday for a Girls in STEM event. This space is phenomenal! I need to return when there isn't an event to really take it all in. The gigantic skyscraper models, the clever infographics, city VIEW!! Not to be missed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 B R. 9 months ago on Google
    The boat tour is great-- loved the docent, stories, and insights. Well worth the rather steep cost for me. At the museum I enjoyed the downstairs exhibits, including scale model with data viz and stories of local people. The upstairs main exhibit was well designed and interesting, but basically a paid advertisement for some wood council. Wish it included some counterpoint info on the subject.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim L. 1 year ago on Google
    The Chicago Architecture Center is a small and intimate space filled with a lot of awesome information that extends past topics of architecture. You can tell they put a lot of thought into the exhibits. The CAC is probably most famous for their architecture river cruise, which I highly recommend, but they also offer a lot of walking tours with many different types of themes. Be sure to check out their website to see everything they offer.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexander P. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit of you're around. vert affordable price. Iconic view of Chicago Tribune tower right from the window and they also have a nice giftshop.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben H. 2 years ago on Google
    Pairs nicely with the architecture boat tour. Visit the showroom before or after the tour - the boat is right across the street! These folks are passionate about their city and speak with great knowledge about architecture.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr L. 7 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    This is one of the most informative, educational experiences I've ever had in downtown Chicago. We spent approximately 3, maybe 4 hours, here learning about each exhibit. We started on the second floor and worked our way down this gravitational architectural center. The pictures I've posted are a supplement to an in person emersive experience. Have fun, please let me know how you enjoyed it. Thanks.

  • 5/5 Dinelle C. 6 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    The Chicago Architectural Boat Tour was an incredible experience. Our guide’s expertise and enthusiasm for Chicago's architecture likely made the tour even more enjoyable and informative. Exploring the city's iconic buildings and landmarks along the river with such a knowledgeable guide would undoubtedly leave a lasting and positive impression on anyone interested in architecture and the history of Chicago.

  • 5/5 Shelley B. 7 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    We enjoyed their walking tour, ‘Chicago, A Walk Through Time’ and it was excellent! The tour was 90 minutes and our docent Tom was very knowledgeable and passionate about the architecture and history of the great city of Chicago. Highly recommend to visitors and locals for an appreciation of the finest architecture of a major U.S. city.

  • 5/5 Sarah B. 7 months ago on Google
    We did the Chicago river tour. Anne did a phenomenal job, excellent information, very knowledgeable and personable. She brought the energy, even when it was a hot sunny day. You can always count on the Chicago architecture center to provide a high quality, fun experience.

  • 5/5 Jilles I. 8 months ago on Google
    Went on a tour over the elevated tracks here with my father. Learned a whole lot about the loop and the architecture around it. Great tour and effort from guide Quintin. If I ever return to Chicago, I will 100% do another tour here. Quintin had also tipped us in the direction of the Rookery interior which had been restorated by Frank Lloyd Wright, a great interest of my father. Thank you!

  • 5/5 Mila F. 1 year ago on Google
    Chicago Architecture Center is a creative space in a wonderful location at Michigan and Wacker, with a variety of excellent walking, bus, and river boat tours highlighting essentials of Chicago by volunteer docents. With that, you get a passionate Chicagoan tour guide who made it a point to spend hours and hours on learning details and specifics about these tours. The docents are what stands the CAF (Chicago Architecture Foundation) tours apart from the competitors, both on the riverboats and on foot. We have enjoyed every experience, including an annual Open House Chicago. Thank you, CAF!

  • 5/5 G A. 4 months ago on Google
    Such a cool experience! Stopped by during a wonderful exhibit about the use of timber in high rise buildings. Was also very cool to see the architectural development projects to come in Chicago.

  • 5/5 Maureen P. 3 months ago on Google New
    We had the most amazing river tour with docent Ann. She was so informative and even tho we have lived here our entire lives, she managed to tell us so many new and interesting things!

  • 5/5 Luis L. 1 year ago on Google
    A must when in Chicago! All staff are volunteers and refuse to accept tips! Amanda did a great job, very friendly, and knowledgeable. The 2-hour tour takes you inside the old public library, the Palmer Hotel, and Macys to see all Tiffany's artwork. Spectacular and highly recommended

  • 5/5 Local Wiring C. 1 month ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    An eye opening experience, there is something to learn every time. Rotating exhibits on topics that affect us all. Great work! Don’t miss their next event

  • 4/5 Caitlyn L. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little museum. Think it's a bit pricy even I went there with a student card (10$). Two floors. Takes approximately 1.5h if you read slowly. The movie is a must seen as the lights change on the model table as the movie performs.

  • 3/5 eva g. 1 year ago on Google
    I really appreciate the movie and the interactive model of Chicago which was very well done! The upper exhibition itself needs more work, better display and little bit of creativity - it is just tuns of texts and pictures on not very sustainable materials. The biggest paradox was that the main exhibition was about the climate change and how people should care more about the planet 🌎 at the same day in the same Centre of architecture where they have this important topic displayed, they printed huge window banner stickers to promote the exhibition and I wonder - how much water did you use to print it? Why do you need to print it so big? How you will recycle ♻️ it? Institutions which presents these topics should become leader in the innovative thinking and showing people and we can do better together… I was very disappointed about this.

  • 5/5 Ragheed Al A. 1 year ago on Google
    Exploring Chicago architecture history and data. Interesting information and experience. We purchased tickets from Groupon on sale and it was great value because its a small center. Plan about an hour there. Shop has nice items but extremely expensive.

  • 5/5 Jonny S. 2 years ago on Google
    The Art Deco Skyscraper tour was amazing. Our docent (Pris Mims) was so informative and enthusiastic, and thanks to her we saw and enjoyed these fantastic buildings much more than we would have done unguided. Along with the architectural boat tour (weather permitting), this is a "must" for anyone visiting the city who is remotely interested in architecture and history.

  • 5/5 Ricky F. 2 years ago on Google
    The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise is an ideal way to casually tour this impressive cityscape. The Center's docent delivered a mix of architecture and city history, all from an amazing vantage point for photos and videos.

  • 5/5 Andy L. 2 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend the river tour offered through the Chicago Architecture Center! Our volunteer docent was very informative and you knew she was doing it for the love of it, not for tips. Great way to learn about the magnificent buildings that surround you in downtown Chicago.

  • 5/5 Michael C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great ride, so informative, you cannot imagine how much smarter you'll be after this. Boat is great, has refreshments, easy and comfortable. But the host is an easy 90% of your value.

  • 5/5 Kris K. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great place to see some modern architecture. You can also learn a lot about Chicago in general. I highly recommend going here. I just did a tour of the inside of the museum only. I think my favorite part was the miniature replica of Chicago.

  • 5/5 Andrew M. 2 years ago on Google
    This review is for the Chicago Architecture Center itself, not the boat tour - though I highly recommend the boat tour as well (look for Chicago's First Lady Cruises for those reviews). The CAC was very cool. It's pretty small... you'll get through it in maybe 40-90 minutes, depending on how much of the information you want to read. The interactive display is very interesting. I visited before my CAC boat tour, and the boat tour made we want to go back and visit the museum again now that I recognized many of the famous skyscrapers. If you have any interest in architecture at all, you'll like it. If you know someone who studies architecture or is an architect, this is a good place to get them a gift.

  • 5/5 You C. 2 years ago on Google
    It opens at 10 am CST during pandemic although the website says 9:30 am. The walking tour is highly recommended. I think you can only purchase ticket for the walking tour on site.

  • 5/5 Duane B. 2 years ago on Google
    Interested in architecture or not, CAC is a great activity for locals and visitors. They offer so many informative guided walking tours, I still haven't had time to take their famous guided river cruise. A couple of favorites are the Pedway tour and the 'L' Loop tour. If you're going on two or more tours, consider membership. It pays for itself pretty quickly.

  • 5/5 Matthew P. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place and experience of learning about the city's architecture and history. I'm looking forward to coming back!

  • 5/5 Robert G. 2 years ago on Google
    We recently took a delightful 2- hour ‘L’’ architecture tour with Tim. He took care before and throughout to keep us mindful and safe, although there is nothing especially dangerous about riding the L. We were off the train most of the time looking at and discussing the styles, history and unique features of dozens of buildings as well as the stations themselves. Tim welcomed and answered all of our questions. I’m sure all of the volunteer guides share this passion and would highly recommend this and other CAC tours.

  • 5/5 Benjamin S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great cruise with a great storyteller. Becky was very friendly and had vast knowledge of the Chicago buildings.

  • 5/5 L K. 2 years ago on Google
    Another great tour led by the informed docents from CAC. This time we took the "Gold Coast: Astor St" historic mansions 90-min walking tour. It's an amazing, beautiful, and interesting neighborhood. Perfect amount of time on a nice evening and not at all strenuous for those of us who might be out of shape 🙂. All ages--young to old--were part of our group & seemed interested and happy, as we were. (Tip: Jot down the addresses of the places for sale to look up later & get a peak inside these private homes!) Only quibbles would be for a little more updated info and a reminder for guide to be extra loud. Can't wait to take the "Gold Coast: Dearborn" walking tour on our next visit. Another favorite tour is their riverboat architecture tour which we've done a couple times. Don't visit Chicago without doing that one either!

  • 5/5 Roseann B. 2 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend the boat tour!! Excellent gift shop as well, featuring educational things, gifts and handmade items.


Call (312) 922-8687 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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