Chicago Architecture Center

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social

We share the stories of Chicago architecture to inspire people to discover why design matters. EDUCATION • TOURS • EXHIBITIONS • CRUISES architecture.org

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 10, 2026, 1:19 PM

Bridge lift season has returned! 🌉 For more than a century, Chicago's movable bridges have been raised for river traffic. While bridgehouses once needed 24-hour staffing, today's operations have been greatly modernized. Visit the McCormick Bridgehouse this year's OHC. https://bit.ly/4ibDiTQ

A large boat passes under a raised drawbridge in a cityscape featuring tall buildings in downtown Chicago. People can be seen on the boat and along the riverbank.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 8, 2026, 6:12 PM

They're so common in Chicago that people around the world refer to them as "Chicago bridges." But what is a trunnion bascule bridge? Docent Patti Kelly explains in this video.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 8, 2026, 2:41 PM

🌟 Let's get ready to explore!!

Just 9 days until Open House Chicago 2026! What sites are at the top of your list?

Visit https://bit.ly/3glzja4 for complete site list and details.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 7, 2026, 7:23 PM

🎉 2026 marks 60 years of the Chicago Architecture Center & to celebrate, we're launching a $60,000 Annual Giving Campaign to support education, programming & tours that inspire better living through design. Help support CAC's work for the next 60 years. https://bit.ly/4eewq5F

Two people collaborate at a table, focusing on paperwork. One person points at the documents, while the other attentively observes. A green reusable bottle and a water bottle are on the table. They are in a classroom or workshop setting.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 7, 2026, 12:13 PM

Every year, CAC works with a local artist to design special artwork for Open House Chicago. This year, Chicagoan Jaz Rodriguez's collection celebrates our city's iconic architectural styles and native flowers. Get your limited edition merch! https://bit.ly/46TCDAW

A hand holds a rectangular card featuring an illustration of a house with trees and the year 2026. Below, it reads "Chicago Architecture Center Open House Chicago." In the background, there are three similar cards with architectural designs, all against a red surface.

A red ribbon with white stars features a pin labeled "Open House Chicago 2026" with illustrations of buildings and the city's name in red.

This image displays a poster for "Open House Chicago" by the Chicago Architecture Center. It features stylized drawings of buildings, flowers, and the year "2026" in a red and blue color scheme.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 6, 2026, 11:15 PM

Still working on your OHC2026 itinerary? Add these must-see sites:

openhousechicago.org

Exterior of Guild Row building with a brick and dark panel facade, featuring text promoting its award-winning adaptive reuse. The bottom left corner displays the Open House Chicago and Chicago Architecture Center logos.

Architectural interior of KAM Isaiah Israel in Chicago, featuring large Byzantine-inspired columns, an ornate ceiling, a decorative wooden chair, and a prominent arched door. The image includes logos for Open House Chicago and the Chicago Architecture Center with accompanying text about the synagogue's design influence.

Art Deco and Art Moderne building at 5040-5060 North Marine Drive, with a fountain in the foreground. Text overlay describes it as a depression-era design. Open House Chicago and Chicago Architecture Center logos are visible.

A cozy interior of Cliff Dwellers Club featuring a portrait above a wooden fireplace, surrounded by chairs and tables. A sign mentions "Open House Chicago" and "Chicago Architecture Center.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 5, 2026, 5:14 PM

Chicago Stories on WTTW has returned! Catch CAC's Vice President of Education, Angela Esposito, on October 16th when she will be offering her expertise on the evolution of the skyscraper.
Watch on @wttwchicago, or stream on the PBS app and https://bit.ly/4zfwjiz.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 5, 2026, 2:33 PM

How does the CAC celebrate World Architecture Day? Oh not much...we just open a new location. 😮 💅 Check out CAC's new location at the Marquette Building. This new satellite location will serve as an additional tour departure site & retail location. Grand opening today! Reg. hours: Wed-Sat 11am-6pm

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Oct 1, 2026, 12:59 PM

The Uptown is the largest freestanding theater in North America & remains a breathtaking space despite being shuttered for nearly 5 decades. The J. Geils Band took the Uptown stage for the theater's final concert before it went dark in 1981. Get inside during OHC2026
https://bit.ly/4xQdWQ1

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 28, 2026, 2:26 PM

Still working on your OHC itinerary? Consider adding these sites:
And then visit https://bit.ly/3ROVvX8 for details on all of the sites participating in Open House Chicago this year.
Open House Chicago is October 17-18, 2026

Interior of The Plant showcasing a rustic brick wall with a round sign that reads "Bubbly Dynamics," partially visible. The wall features a mural in black and white. Overlaid text describes The Plant as a reimagined 100,000 square foot former meatpacking facility for Chicago's food entrepreneurs. Logos for Architecture Center and Open House Chicago appear at the bottom.

Street view of the Muddy Waters MOJO Museum with a sign inviting visits to the historic home of the "Father of Chicago Blues." A fence and a house are visible, with lush green trees overhead. Logos for the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago are displayed at the bottom.

Interior view of the Harold Washington Library, featuring a unique ceiling design with numerous small, reflective pieces hanging in clusters. Text on the image promotes behind-the-scenes access to the Special Collections Reading Room. Logos for the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago are at the bottom.

Interior of Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Church with ornate Byzantine-style architecture, featuring colorful frescoes and decorative arches. Text on image describes the church's design style and era. Logos for Architecture Center Chicago and Open House Chicago are at the bottom.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 24, 2026, 5:52 PM

Check out these upcoming tours! https://bit.ly/4hW7vDz

A stone castle with large windows surrounded by greenery. Text over the image reads: "Legend says that the Givins Castle in Beverly was a surprise gift for Givins' wife. At first, she wasn’t impressed." A note at the bottom mentions, "Beverly (South): A Castle, Mansions & More."

A historic multi-story building with arched windows and ornate brickwork is partially obscured by trees. Text over the image reads, "Workers sometimes uncovered coffins that were overlooked when the cemetery was relocated. NORTH DEARBORN PARKWAY: ASHES TO AFFLUENCE.

A tall sign in Chicago with bold, colorful bands displays the text "NORTHALSTED" and reads: "Broadway. The only street in Chicago without a suffix. No 'avenue'. No 'street'. Just Broadway." Trees and a clear sky are in the background.

Historic building with ornate architecture, featuring arched windows and a decorative entrance. The text over the image reads, "Where the inventor of Lite-Brite & Mouse Trap hosted scandalous parties." Below, it says, "Evanston along the lake."

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 23, 2026, 2:18 PM

Designed by John Wellborn Root and completed by Daniel Burnham, this former church found a surprising second life as a Vajrayana Buddhist temple.
See it during Open House Chicago 2026 https://bit.ly/4iLfvLh

📸: Warren LeMay via Wikimedia Commons
#OHC2026 #openhousechicago

A brick building with a steep, triangular roof featuring traditional Chinese architectural elements. The facade includes a circular emblem with gold Chinese characters. The entrance has bright red doors and decorative elements. A maroon vehicle is parked on the street in front. Trees line the sidewalk.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 20, 2026, 8:20 PM

You're going, right? Open House Chicago 2026? Consider this your official invite. Put these sites on your list to visit during OHC, Chicago's biggest architecture fest, October 17-18. https://bit.ly/3glzja4

A vibrantly graffiti-decorated building with large text overlay reads, "Aspire Center: once a school, now a state-of-the-art workforce training & wealth building facility." Logos for the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago are at the bottom.

The image shows a lively music performance indoors with several musicians playing brass instruments. The setting includes wooden beams and a high ceiling. Text on the image reads: "BandWith Chicago: from casket factory to non-profit providing high-quality arts & music programs." Logos for the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago are visible at the bottom.

A two-story house with a beige exterior and dark trim is surrounded by greenery and a white picket fence. Text on the image reads: "Walt Disney House & Birthplace: explore Disney's early life and the roots of his imagination." Logos for "Architecture Center" and "Open House Chicago" are visible at the bottom.

A room with rows of metallic safety deposit boxes on the walls and ceiling. Text overlay reads: "Chicago Board of Trade: visit the expansive vault that was forgotten for decades in a basement cavern." Logos for Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago are at the bottom.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 18, 2026, 3:02 PM

When William LeBaron Jenney designed Chicago's 16-story Manhattan Building in 1891, many people were skeptical of buildings that tall.
His solution? Horizontal bands and carefully placed details that draw the eye across the facade rather than up, making it feel less daunting.
https://bit.ly/4xBylbs

Architectural close-up of a building featuring ornate facade details. The design includes intricate stone carvings above several windows, with a mix of brick and stone elements. The structure exhibits a classic architectural style.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 18, 2026, 12:10 AM

Get out on a CAC tour!
ℹ️ & 🎟️ : https://bit.ly/4hW7vDz

Stone figures at Rosehill Cemetery entrance, designed by the Water Tower architect. Text reads: "Built in 1864, Rosehill Cemetery's entrance was designed by the same architect of the Water Tower." Background includes greenery.

A brick exterior of the Rookery Building in Chicago, with ornate architectural details. Text overlay explains the building's name origin, related to blackbirds on the property.

Glass skyscraper overlaid with text: "As an infant, architect Marion Mahony Griffin was saved from the Great Chicago Fire in a laundry basket." Title below reads, "Chicago Women in Architecture.

A vintage gas station with retro red pumps is shown. A sign in bold text says, "This historic roadway features giant fiberglass statues known as 'Muffler Men.'" The bottom text reads, "Historic Route 66 by bus.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 16, 2026, 5:50 PM

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the architects making stunning work in the city.

From WTTW: 11 Latino Architects Whose Work Can Be Found Around Chicago.
https://bit.ly/4xUBrIv

📸: Northeastern Illinois University's El Centro campus, Architect: JGMA, Photo: courtesy JGMA

A large modern building with a distinctive, angled facade made of alternating blue and yellow panels, against a clear blue sky. The structure is located on a paved area with some surrounding grass.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 15, 2026, 11:52 PM

It's proven that pics like these can lower your blood pressure. Ok, maybe not proven but we definitely feel calmer. 📸: @magesticsky via Instagram

A city skyline at sunset, featuring tall buildings including the John Hancock Center, is reflected in a puddle on a lakeside path. People walk along the path, and the sky is painted in orange and pink hues.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 14, 2026, 6:02 PM

In 2023, the City of Chicago proclaimed September 14 Carol Ross Barney Day at the CAC Gala. Today, we celebrate the visionary architect behind the Chicago Riverwalk and so many beloved public spaces across the city.
https://bit.ly/4h7Y3OL
📸: Eric Allix Rogers, Ross Barney Architects

Underneath a large bridge in Chicago, a reflective, metallic walkway lines the river. The path is bordered by railings and extends toward the city skyline, visible in the distance.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 13, 2026, 3:57 PM

Are any of these on your OHC list so far?

📍 Visit https://bit.ly/3ROVvX8 for details on the fest and all of the sites.

Open House Chicago, October 17-18

A large brick building with a red roof, labeled "Carl Schurz High School: a stunning prairie style masterpiece." The image features a clear blue sky and green trees in the foreground. Logos for the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago are at the bottom.

Interior of Moody Church in Chicago, featuring large chandeliers, red seating, and an expansive stage under a high ceiling. There are logos for the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago. Text reads, "Moody Church: largest column-free auditorium in Chicago."

Exterior view of the Wheeler Mansion, a historic red brick building on Calumet Avenue, with a flag and ornate entrance. Logos for the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago are present. Text overlaid states: "Wheeler Mansion: the last historic mansion on Calumet Avenue.

Interior of Farmzero, a vertical hydroponic farm in a repurposed office building, with rows of plants under bright lights. Text overlays the image. Logos for the Chicago Architecture Center and Open House Chicago are present at the bottom.

@chiarchitecture.bsky.social Sep 12, 2026, 10:47 PM

The views are just 🤌 📸: Photo taken from the Skydeck by @filoricanadventures via Instagram

Aerial view of Chicago's illuminated cityscape at night, showcasing prominent skyscrapers and the surrounding city lights under a dark, cloudy sky.

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