The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) began as the Chicago Architecture Foundation in 1966 to preserve the historic Glessner House.
Since then, the CAC has become one of Chicago’s most important cultural institutions.
CAC’s new 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 filled with super-sized models.
Chicago Architecture Center’s exhibits focus on the city’s diverse neighborhoods, housing types, leading architects, and future projects.
The exhibits also include the largest-scale model of Chicago.
This article covers everything you must know about booking tickets to the Chicago Architecture Center.
Top Chicago Architecture Center Ticket
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What to expect at Chicago Architecture Center
At the Chicago Architecture Center, you can –
Discover how Chicago became known as ‘the city of architecture’ with displays of several distinct neighborhoods, housing styles, prominent architects, and ongoing projects.
Interact with the Chicago City Model Experience, a breathtakingly accurate three-dimensional metropolis brought to life via special effects and a short video.
Discover Chicago’s continuous leadership position in the design of skyscrapers that have altered the world’s skylines.
Investigate how design may help build and maintain tomorrow’s cities and envision what urban life will be like in 2050.
Chicago Architecture Center tickets
This ticket for Chicago Architecture Center gets you access to all the permanent and temporary exhibitions at the attraction.
Since this is a Skip the Line ticket, you can avoid the lines at the ticket counter.
On the day of your visit, you can show the CAC entry ticket on your mobile and walk in.
You can cancel this ticket up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
Cost of tickets
Adult ticket (18+ years): US $7
Child ticket (6 to 17 years): US $7
Kids up to five years old can enter for free.
Buy This TicketMost users interested in Chicago Architecture Center also book a Chicago Architecture Tour.
How to reach CAC
Chicago Architecture Centre’s address is 111 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, United States. Get Directions
It is best to take public transportation to reach the attraction.
The closest CTA train transit stations are State & Lake (Brown, Green, Orange & Purple Lines), Lake (Red Line), and Clark & Lake or Washington (Blue Line).
In each case, after exiting the station, walk east to Michigan Avenue, cross over to the east side, then walk north toward the river/Michigan Avenue Bridge.
Do not cross the bridge.
When you reach Wacker Drive, turn right (east), and the CAC will be the second building on your right.
CAC’s opening hours
Chicago Architecture Centre is open from 10 am to 4 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
It is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The Center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Most users need around 45 minutes to explore CAC.
