CHICAGO — The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) announces plans for a safe Spring 2021 reopening of its popular CAC walking tours, CAFC River Cruise and CAC exhibits. Review COVID-19 safety policies for CAC experiences here. CAC WALKING TOURS APRIL 17: additional walking tours and departures—both downtown and in Chicago's diverse, architecturally distinct neighborhoods including Beverly, Chinatown, Evanston, Hyde Park, Kenwood and more—will be offered. All walking tours—including custom and private bookings—are limited to small groups only, with face coverings and advance reservations required. CAC's virtual tours and programs will continue as in-person walking tours resume.
CAFC RIVER CRUISES DATE TO COME:
the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise (CAFC) aboard Chicago's First Lady (CFL) 2021 cruise season begins with CAC-certified docent-led tours of classic buildings along Chicago' River's canyon of architecture. Guests view new buildings including St. Regis Chicago (Vista) Tower and the refurbished riverfront Old Post Office aboard CFL's luxury fleet including the new, brass and mahogany trimmed Chicago's Emerald Lady. Full-service bars on board each vessel. Cruises will initially limit capacities following the guidelines from public health officials. Cruises will require face coverings. Advance reservations are NOT required. Credit cards only for all purchases.
CAC BOX OFFICE & CAC DESIGN STORE APRIL 17:
the CAC Box Office reopens for guests wishing to book in-person walking tours and the CAFC River Cruise. The CAC Design Storewill also reopen on April 17. Both spaces will limit capacities and require face coverings.
CAC EXHIBITS MAY 6:
the CAC will reopen fully refreshed exhibits: The Drake Family Skyscraper Gallery featuring "Building Tall" with seven new scale models of towers from Bangkok, Chicago, New York, Taipei and Tianjin and other skyscrapers from around the world and "Race to the Top" featuring oversized scale models of skyscrapers that were each tallest in the world when built. The Chicago Gallery returns with new exhibits throughout.
Chicago City Model Experience, featuring more than 4,250 buildings, returns with thirty new models of buildings under construction in 2020 and 2021 including Ace Hotel in the West Loop's Fulton Market and Catalog, in the new podium at Willis (Sears) Tower. Features a seven-minute video summarizing the city's dynamic history, fascinating present and promising future. Current Chicago Projects Exhibit opens with new, cutting-edge Chicago projects and all new scale models.
BRAND NEW FOR MAY 2021:
The City in Change: Chicago Neighborhoods Exhibit introduces visitors to Chicagoans from some of the city's 77 diverse, architecturally distinct and constantly changing communities.
BRAND NEW FOR MAY 2021:
Housing for a Changing Nation Exhibit is an entirely new installation, sponsored by AARP Illinois and the AARP Foundation, that explores how local architects are replacing outdated 19th and 20th century housing with homes designed for fast-changing, diverse, multi generational communities that need flexible, accessible and affordable housing: a multi generational home in Mexican and European influenced Pilsen neighborhood splicing together a Chicago two-flat with a new two-story structure; a five-lot, live/work, micro-housing complex with shared community kitchen and retail marketplace and cottage-industry scaled workspace for South Chicago's "maker" community; o strip malls and vacant storefronts transformed into flexible live/work spaces—a contemporary update on the old concept of "living above the store"—for a new generation of small business entrepreneurs.
CAC BUS TOURS
All bus tours are suspended through Spring 2021. It is our intention to reschedule one-time-only and other bus tours affected for later dates.
CAC PUBLIC PROGRAMS
All public programs at the CAC continue as virtual programs through Spring 2021. Subscribe to CAC@Home for free and browse our CAC Live Events Calendar for updates.
CAC EDUCATION, YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
All ticketed, reserved and drop-in CAC programs for children, students and families, both on-site at the Center and at partner locations, are suspended through Spring 2021. These include Family Days, Teen Saturday Studios and LEGO® Build events. The CAC is committed to continue offering at-home support for young people, families and caregivers. CAC Education staff lead virtual classes and workshops that combine real time engagement with toolkits for self-guided work on a flexible schedule.
CAC COVID-19 MITIGATION POLICIES
The CAC is committed to supporting a safe experience for its visitors and guests, members, staff and volunteers. Below is a summary of what the CAC and guests are doing to keep us all safe.
As we reopen our in-person tours, architecture cruise and exhibits, the CAC will continue to follow recommendations by the State of Illinois' and the City of Chicago's efforts to limit the transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus). We encourage the public to subscribe to our free biweekly mini magazine, CAC@Home. Archived at architecture.org/athome, CAC@Home issues feature upcoming events and reading material, neighborhood activities, fun for the family and more. CAC members enjoy additional benefits and exclusive offerings in addition to CAC@Home: Members' Edition. By visiting the Chicago Architecture Center or participating in any CAC activities or programs in person, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. All guests over the age of two attending any tours are required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth for the duration of those tours. Bring and wear your own face coverings to limit exposure to and spreading of infection. Please follow protection measures as outlined by public health officials for the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. Accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis for persons with disabilities, health concerns, religious restrictions or other circumstances that, at the CAC's discretion, warrant variance from face covering requirements. Visitors and tour attendees arriving without face coverings will be able to purchase them from the CAC. Safety policies will continue to be modified as necessary.
If you feel ill or suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of a COVID-19 infection, please do not enter the Center or attend any CAC tours. We will be happy to refund your reservation or welcome you to join us again at a later date.
For updates on offerings visit architecture.org or call 312-922-8687.
About the Chicago Architecture Center
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1966, dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. A national leader in architecture and design education, the CAC offers tours, programs, exhibitions and more that are part of a dynamic journey of lifelong learning.
Opened to the public in 2018, its riverfront location is in the heart of the city, where Michigan Avenue meets the Chicago River, featuring nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space with views of a century of iconic skyscrapers.
Through partnerships with schools and youth-serving organizations, the CAC reaches approximately 30,000 K—12 students annually, while teacher workshops provide educators with tools and resources they need to advance STEM curricula in their classrooms. Committed to serving under-represented communities in construction, engineering and design professions, the CAC offers many of its education programs—and all of its programs for teens—at no cost to participants. CAC programs for adults and members include talks with acclaimed authors and practicing architects, in-depth presentations on issues and trends in urbanism, and classes unlocking subjects related to the built environment.
Proceeds from programs, tours and the CAC Design Store, as well as from grants, sponsorships and donations, support its educational mission. Visit architecture.org to learn more and follow @chiarchitecture and #chiarchitecture on social media.
