Chicago Architecture Center: Explore Architectural Marvels
4.4
46 Ratings
Chicago
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Your coupon allows you entry to two levels of inventive displays at the latest artistic location in Chicago - the Chicago Architecture Center! You can either print the coupon or show it to the ticket counter staff on your mobile within 60 days from the date of purchase.
What's Included
- Admission ticket
What's Not Included
- Storage for luggage, strollers, or coats
- Guided Tour
- Food or drink
Additional Information
Established as the Chicago Architecture Foundation in 1966 with the aim to protect the historic Glessner House, the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) has since evolved into one of Chicago’s leading cultural institutions. You can experience the 4,250-building miniature rendition of Chicago at the CAC, shop at our acclaimed retail shop, or attend a captivating family event at our ArcelorMittal Design Studio.
Discover enormous replicas of renowned skyscrapers such as the soon-to-be world’s highest building, the Jeddah Tower, in our Skyscraper Gallery!
With the Chicago Model, marvel at over 4,200 structures brought together in one remarkable room in the both cinematic and interactive Chicago City Model Experience.
In the Chicago Gallery, delve into how Chicago earned the epithet ‘city of architecture’, focusing on intriguing neighborhoods, architectural styles, and celebrated architects.
With its status as a certified nonprofit organization, all ticket proceeds from the CAC go directly towards promoting our educational programs and community involvement initiatives.
- Hours of operation are subject to change without notice.
- Final admissions are 30 minutes before closing time.
- Exhibit content is subject to change without notice.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Food and drink are not allowed in the exhibit space.
- Coat check and storage for luggage or strollers is not available.
Location
Chicago Architecture Center
111 E Wacker Dr
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(46 Ratings)
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Dadandmom
Oct 22, 2023
Learn about Chicago architecture - Our guide on the Architecture Center boat tour suggested we go up to the exhibit after debarking. It is very close to the boat dock. The exhibits were fascinating and a nice complement to doing the river tour. There is a great gift shop there too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danspawsox
Oct 10, 2023
Cool 3D model of Chicago - Cool 3D model of Chicago, plus fascinating insights into other architectural issues including sustainable building materials. Well worth visiting for an hour or two, although we only found out about this via our riverboat tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yulia_d
Sep 18, 2023
Very educational - Very nice museum. Much smaller than we expected but beautifully done. We learned a lot about architecture of Chicago and the city model is amazing.
Review provided by Viator
Hrobinson1114
Aug 13, 2023
Interesting stop with lots of options - Is this a MUST DO when in Chicago? Is it thrilling and amazing? No. But it’s a neat place to spend an hour or a little longer learning some neat stuff about architecture’s history and future, especially as it pertains to Chicago.
Entry is 14 dollars. I didn’t have to pay because it was included with my priority boarding architecture cruise ticket. If you see my review on the cruise, I’m not sure priority boarding is worth the extra cost.
The first floor is the gift shop and focuses on Chicago history. There is a model of the city as well as info on the history of Chicago homes and architecture through the years. There is also a film playing.
The second floor holds a rotating exhibit and models of famous skyscrapers. The exhibit that was on when I visited focused on the growing use of timber as the primary framing for skyscrapers—so interesting and teaching me things I never imagined!
The center organizes the architecture cruises, walking tours, and other special events. It’s located on the riverfront, right across the street from the boat dock site.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ingrid_v
Aug 7, 2023
Wonderful - Reservations and good customer service rep, the experience was great and very friendly , I will recommend this app
Review provided by Viator
Nyckt
Jun 25, 2023
Excellent tours, camps, museum, and stores - We have enjoyed a variety of offerings through the Chicago Architecture Center over the years - the museum, walking tours, kids summer camps, shopping at their store, etc. All of their programs are high quality and very professional. Any tour will accommodate the architecture novice to the expert and everyone in between. The tours are led by volunteers who are so friendly and informative. The camps are very well run and provide tremendous fun and exposure to the kids. The museum teaches a lot about the Chicago architectural landscape, while also having seasonally changing exhibits, so you can keep coming back to explore something new. Highly recommend checking out for tourists and locals alike!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alankz4657wr
Nov 12, 2022
Chicago Architecture Center exhibition and walking tours - I was in Chicago for a few weeks, and made the excellent decision to join the Chicago Architect Center as a member for a year. This gives you access to all the walking tours (either for free or $10) as well as to the Center's exhibition, and I did as many of the tours as I could during my stay in the city. You can cover the cost of the annual membership by doing as few as 3 or 4 tours.
All of the guides / docents are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly and you learn a lot about history as well as about the buildings themselves. Thanks a lot to the docents I met: Burt, Steve, Ed, Lisa, Bill, Brent, Joann, Mitch, Darcy, Jill, Tony, Joan, Rick Jessica.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahanne08
May 31, 2023
Amazing model of Chicago - Enjoyed the visit. The model of Chicago was very good. I thought the museum would have been bigger though and a little disappointed that the staff we spoke with did not what the model was made from. However because we did the river boat just before it put the city in perspective.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Weiqingj2023
Jun 27, 2023
double charge for tickets - Charged twice of my credit card.
Stop us after we finished 2nd floor visit, the lady in front desk told me I have to re-swipe my credit card. Ask her to double check. She keep claiming my card does not pass. Re-swipe my card. Just check my credit card report. She did charge me twice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tjo19621
Nov 10, 2022
Sad - A big yes to arch center walking and boat tours. Epic fail for the $14 arch center admission. Besides the epic model of chicago, there is nothing worth seeing. The other exhibits are pretty juvenile. Really basic info. A shame with the amazing history of architecture in chicago that the center is so lightweight.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
