The Chicago Architecture Foundation debuts its new home in a Mies Van Der Rohe-designed building at 111 East Wacker Drive on August 31. The street-level, 20,000-square-foot facility—now named the Chicago Architecture Center—is designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture to celebrate Chicago architecture and work by Chicago architects elsewhere in the world. The location is just steps away from the embarkation point for the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruises, and features long-range views of other notable buildings, including the Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and the new Apple Store.
Photo: Angie McMonigal / Courtesy CAF
“We can’t wait for people to visit the CAC and experience how Chicago architects have influenced the world through their innovation and vision,” said Lynn Osmond, CAF’s president and CEO, in a press release. “We’ve engineered a stimulating and immersive space where visitors can have fun discovering Chicago’s groundbreaking architecture—and appreciate its profound impact on the world.”
THE NEW CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER’S OPENING WEEKEND
WHO: Chicago Architecture Center, formerly Chicago Architecture Foundation
WHAT: Join us as we open our doors for the very first time and welcome all of Chicago into our awe-inspiring new home at 111 E. Wacker Drive this Labor Day weekend.
Our grand opening weekend kicks off Friday, August 31 with Chicago Architecture Day, proclaimed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as a day to celebrate our public opening and acknowledge Chicago architecture’s significant impact around the world. Come visit us Labor Day weekend and be among the first guests to check out our new space, delight in our breathtaking exhibits and enter to win a host of exciting prizes. We look forward to welcoming you!
Tickets: architecture.org
- Adults: $12
- Students: $8 with ID
- Children under 5: FREE
- Members: FREE
- Center admission included with walking and bus tours.
- Discounted admission available with river cruise tickets.
WHERE: Chicago Architecture Center, 111 East Wacker Dr. steps from Michigan Avenue
WHEN: Friday, August 31 through Monday, September 3
Friday: 9am to 9pm
Saturday-Monday: 9am to 5pm
MORE: Labor Day Weekend only!
- Chicago Architecture Center Opening Weekend Contest: During the weekend (Friday, Aug. 31 thru Monday, Sept. 3), we will have a contest open to anyone who takes a photo of the CAC and posts it to social media using the hashtag #GetToTheCenter. Prizes include a 2-night stay at LondonHouse Chicago, free CAC Friends & Family memberships, free river cruise tickets, a gift certificate to Land & Lake Kitchen and more!
- “Chicago Architecture Day” on August 31, CAC opening day, celebrated with a Mayoral proclamation, CAC opening day button giveaway, GIFFY machine and an appearance by “Daniel Burnham”.
- Special 15% discount at the new CAC store all weekend!
For more information about the center and its opening events, visit the center’s website.
Renderings: Courtesy CAF
