I visited the exhibits that are housed on-site. I've heard great things about their tours, but I haven't ever been on one. I have an interest in architecture after spending a couple of years working for one of the Frank Lloyd Wright organizations, so prior to this, most of my time enjoying architecture is self-planned wandering. The admission price seems about right for the size of the place ($12 general, $8 students). The exhibits were neat. One of them was on skyscrapers and the other was the scale model of a portion of the city. The facts about the various city buildings were fascinating to me! The larger-scale photos of planned buildings held my attention. I'm excited to see how the city continues to evolve as time goes on. So, I probably won't go back unless if I'm bringing guests from out of town. I think the Architecture Center itself is definitely worth at least one visit for locals or tourists alike. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Skyscrapers - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Definitely worth it, I would do the museum after the boat tour. The boat tour is a MUST, visiting or not. The museum is interactive and has lots of fun facts, info, and future plans for the city. read more

my husband and I wanted to do an architecture boat tour while visiting chicago and heard CAC had the best one. we booked it and had a great time! barbara was our tour guide and very fun, informative, and kind. the boat was clean and spacious - highly recommend! read more

An amazing tour guide whose love for the city was obvious and contagious. Highly recommend! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This museum may be small but it is super interesting. I wasn't able to try a tour, but we visited the in-house exhibit, where admission goes at $10 per student. It's only a couple floors large but it encapsulates the different types of architecture Chicago has, from their public housing to their skyscrapers and explains why things are built a certain way. It also highlights the effects of redlining and public housing issues, which is still pertinent today. There is a huge 3D diorama of Chicago which is impressive, and the second floor has an exhibit that focuses on the future of mega cities as well as one that dedicates the life and work to the architect that is being featured at the moment (Helmut Jahn). It has individual building models that Jahn has designed internationally and locally in Chicago. This is a really great museum that has all the buildings at a glance or can help you decide where to visit next! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great experience for all, especially, if you want to learn about the history of Chicago and the buildings which makes it beautiful. As some who knows a lot about the city, you won't be disappointed. Our tour guide was awesome. He was very entertaining and personable. The best times too take your tours are early in the mid day morning or the evening to see all the lights between June to October when it not too windy or cold. read more

See all

We absolutely love Chicago Architecture Center!!! We sign up every year for their membership and have gone on a number of walking tours (some that are free to members;) ) And, you'll get a fast pass for their annual Open House Chicago in October. Highly recommend it! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

We took the boat tour today and it was outstanding. Our docent Susan was the best we've ever had for something like this. Highly recommended this boat tour over the others. read more

3.5 stars: models are cool, learned some interesting facts, but a little overpriced for what you're actually getting. Supposedly, admission here is included with the river architecture cruise, but only for certain companies? One of the staff members was trying to tell us we should have gotten a voucher for admission, but it must not have been for the company that we used (Shoreline). We paid a $15 entrance fee each. We arrived close to closing time on our last day in town and we were really pooped. I wasn't enthused about another activity, but my husband is an architecture buff, so I wanted us to visit for him more than anything. We asked how long it would take us to go through the exhibit, and the lady working gave us the best description: "It would take my husband 10 minutes to get through this, and I would take about two hours." That pretty much told us what we needed to know. Haha! There is a video downstairs on the history of Chicago architecture that begins on the hour. It's short but has good info. The model downstairs was fun to look at. We liked pointing out everywhere we had gone. There are models of the world's skyscrapers upstairs, which are cool to see and learn about. I'm not sure it's worth the entrance fee unless you're really into architecture. It was right next to our hotel, so it was cool to check out for an hour. read more

I was visiting Chicago this past weekend with some family and friends. We had taken CAC's architecture boat tour which included admission to the CAC. Two of our party rushed to get to a Cubs game, but my friend and I decided to check the CAC out since we'd technically already paid for it. It's small, but it's worth running into if you have a few minutes. They have a pretty cool model of Chicago's downtown Loop and some models of skyscrapers with information about them. It's not a lot, but if you're getting in for free like we did, check it out! They also have a very nice gift shop. It's very small, but I'm glad we stopped in for a few minutes. read more

See all

Whether or not you consider yourself an architectural aficionado, this museum/center/foundation is a must, if you live in Chicago or are visiting the city. Chicago is the architectural beacon for the world. The skyline, the buildings, the urban scape, is without a rival, in my immodest opinion. The center provides a historical, economic, and lifestyle context for the fabulous architecture that surrounds you in "the city of big shoulders." The tours provided by the foundation are amazing. Even with my uncontrollable A.D.D., I was devouring every word from my engaging and intellectually knowledgeable docent John. I think I know everything, as evidenced by my arrogant reviews. However, I received an education from John that no school has been able to provide, and I went to some good ones. I am hoping to take a different tour each day I'm in Chicago. It was that good. The museum itself is designed well, as expected from an architecturally based foundation. There are highlights, such as the model city, but everything, including the gift shop, was worthwhile and interesting. Hey, I'm not a museum/class/tour kind of person. Between my A.D.D. and need to be the center of attention at all times, I have an extinction rate of about 10 minutes. But I loved everything about both the tour and the museum. Tomorrow, I hope to take the architectural river cruise. I want to thank the Chicago Architectural Center for providing a great service, not only for Chicago, but for every visitor. Bravo! read more

Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers. Great museum with introductory film. Walking tours is packed with wonderful sites and includes some interior visits to buildings. Plus, the tours are free to members. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Best walking tour/ HISTORIC TREASURES OF CHICAGO'S GOLDEN AGE TOURS - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Along with a new name, the CAC (formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation) moved to a prominent riverfront location. On the first floor you'll learn about visionary architects and city planners who shaped our city and gave it its distinctive skyline; explore five Chicago neighborhoods through an architectural lens, and get a bird's-eye view of Chicago's 234 square miles via a giant color-coded map. The highlight is the 'Chicago City Model Experience', which tells unique stories via video and interactive touch screens. The second floor of the museum has scale models (one of which is is 38 feet tall!) of five iconic high-rises around the world. Other smaller models which display famous skyscrapers are also featured (including ones that were proposed but never built), and has a rotating gallery with exhibits that change depending on current and future projects. Full disclosure: my firm designed the new-and-improved CAC, and is featured prominently throughout the center, but company pride aside, I still think this is a terrific and educational place to go. I can't even begin to describe what it's like to see these models in person; you really get an unrivaled sense of what these larger-than-life buildings are like in real life that can't be duplicated by photos or videos, which is of course why these models are built. This is also a place to purchase tickets to one of their many wonderful tours of and around Chicago. (Being on one of the tours gets you discounted or free admission to the CAC.) The gift shop is also noteworthy, and rivals any modern art museum's. You'll find great Chicago-centric gifts and trinkets for architectural junkies, souvenirs, or anyone who's a fan of Chicago or its architecture. Definitely a worthwhile place to check out whether you're an architecture enthusiast or a casual admirer. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Updated review: As of early 2019 the move is done and the new place is beautiful! Besides the original model that is much expanded, there are now several very large scale models of tall structures from around the world, all built 91:1 scale as I recall. Be sure to watch the short movie by the city model. I found it very informative in spite of having watched numerous channel 11 PBS documentaries about Chicago architecture. Full ADA wheelchair accessibility inside and out too. Thanks! Original review: On 3/20/2018 the Chicago model is moving to 111 E. Wacker Dr. (see pic of sign) Other photos also show the new location is now being remodeled and an artist rendering of the future finished product. This model has always been GREAT. I can't wait to see the NEW and IMPROVED model! read more

See all

The awards they win are so true - this was an awesome tour. Our guide, Steve, was easy to listen to and our entire family enjoyed the river tour. It is well worth the time to take this tour! read more

This is the tour you want. Knowledgeable docents who don't accept tips, clean boat with bar, and lots of seating. Support a non-profit and learn well-vetted facts. The sunset tour was amazing. The lights just beginning to twinkle and the sun not beating down on our heads. All of the seats were good seats up top. read more

See all

I wanted to do this back in 2016 but didn't want to pony up the money as I was fresh out of grad school. This time, 5 years later, I had to make it happen. I'm so glad I did! The place is easy to find and they have many employees around the street, stairs, and near the docks to guide you t where you need to go. The trip was comfy and reassuring. Our guide knew it all and she volunteered to talk for 90 minutes about everything. They take you up river towards the north, then back down south, then downriver to the lake. It was really informative and we were completely entertained and awed for the whole 90 minutes. Highly recommended! read more

Four of us did the Pilsen Neighborhood Walking Tour with Dan on June 18th. It couldn't have been better. Dan was knowledgeable, personable, and engaging. He communicated the history and current state of the neighborhood extremely well. There was not a question he couldn't answer. read more

The 90-minute river cruise is a great way to learn about Chicago without doing the legwork and provides great views of the city that may be elusive on land. The volunteer docent expertly narrates the engineering and background of all the architecture along the river. Because of the live illustrations accompanying the facts, the cruise was very engaging and interesting than simply visiting a museum of its sort. It might get a bit breezy on the river so a light jacket is recommended. Also, remember to bring your sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Very interesting history of schedule in chicago. Answered all my questions. Wish we had time to do the walking tour

Very poor customer service! I advise you to go with another tour company - lots of better options in Chicago!

Boo! They moved to the new location on Wacker Drive and now charge $12.00 just to get in the door. Can't even hit the gift shop without paying. Seems like a cheap cash grab from a once must see stop on any tour of Chicago. I expected better. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

On a previous Chicago trip, I had taken the advice of a Chicago native and enjoyed a scenic tour of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan with Wendella Sightseeing Boats. The excursion had been fun and informative; it still remains one of my favorite travel adventures. So, when I recently revisited the city with a friend who was seeing it for the first time, I insisted that we enjoy a boat tour. I was debating a repeat trip with Wendella, but our concierge pushed us towards the more intellectual Chicago Architecture Foundation version. The CAF route was largely focused on the Chicago River, spending only about 5 to 10 minutes in the Lake and instead traveling through the city via the central waterways. By focusing on these narrow paths, we spent more time getting closer looks at and analyzing the buildings. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, as well as humorous and personable. By running the trip on a smaller boat, she was able to keep everyone active and engaged. Lastly, each boat offered the added bonuses of coffee, tea, fresh lemonade, cookies, and muffins, which helped keep the early risers focused on the journey. I found the Chicago Architecture Foundation tour enlightening and enjoyable. I loved the more intimate, scholarly feel in comparison to the Wendella excursion, but I also missed some of the scenic time out on Lake Michigan. Both tours were great, so I think a decision should depend on what type of experience you would be looking for. read more

See all

I love the model buildings upstairs. A lot of time was spent on the details of the exhibits and I am happy I stopped in.

I work in the city and my building is part of the tour so I thought I knew everything. Wrong. Our docent Gloria was wonderful! Very informative on the various architectural styles and the meanings behind the design choices of the buildings. You get a much better perspective of the incredible architecture when you take the boat tour and listen to the very informative docents (who are volunteers and don't get tips). Highly recommend the 90 guided Chicago River tour for an informative and fact filled guide to the history of our wonderful city. read more

See all

I absolutely love the Chicago Architecture Center and take full advantage of as many walking tours as I can! The volunteer docents and incredibly knowledgeable and a joy to be around. Haven't been on a bad tour yet. I realize the tours are run by volunteers, but the tours have been extremely limited lately. It seems like the same five tours are available weekly. There is a long list of tours but never any dates available. read more

The museum was good, the front desk staff was catatonic. I became a member this week to support the organization and made a visit to the center on Friday, July 31. It was at 10am and no guests were there except us. Neither front desk employees greeted us, one just blankly stared and the other looked away, so I chose him. The exchange we had to get into the museum was so unwelcoming and difficult that I expect tourists must have negative perception of Chicago after a visit - not what I would expect for a "gateway center." Luckily, an employee on the third floor was engaging and informative about the buildings and architects. Overall the museum is well planned and worth a trip. Probably will not renew membership. read more

This review is for Docent David Smith who is perfect to lead the commentary (as he is a retired Professor and Seasoned Docent) on American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Mr. Smith narrated the journey on the Chicago Architecture Foundation's (CAF's) round trip bus tour to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and the Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois. At the beginning of the journey Mr. Smith pointed out various architectural highlights of Chicago until the bus reached the expressway at which point he provided an historical overview of architect Frank Lloyd Wright-his life and legacy...both personal and professional....I especially enjoyed Mr. Smith's peppering of books about architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright...i.e. "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan about Mr. Wright's illicit love affair with Mamah Northwick at the beginning of the 20th Century; "The Women" by T.C. Boyle -voiced from the perspectives of the four main women in Mr. Wright's Life; "The Seven Lamps of Architecture" by John Ruskin which examines the influence of nature on architecture; and "The Blocks of Venice" which was referenced but I could not find....on-line? Someone throw me a bone aka message...if you know.. Like a true academic and retired professor he introduced terminology and trademarks which were important in understanding and identifying the unique architectural features exhibited in Mr. Wright's buildings such as: 1. "Light Screens"=Windows allowing the natural world into the structures 2. Compress and Release...from small narrow spaces which lead to open large spaces 3. The Journey of Discovery"....the unique entryway to each structure is located on the side of most buildings 4. The influence of Japanese Art (Block Prints-Hokusai) on Mr. Wright's thinking and constructs ...these are just a few... The tour alone on the bus was unique, captivating, and provided inspiring insight by an academic (retired professor) and CAF Docent who really enjoys the subject matter and shares it in a lively way with his audience (us!). The CAF...is very, very lucky to have Retired Professor David Smith as a Docent- as are all participants who have the opportunity to obtain a ticket for this tour and learn about the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Thank you for a wonderful experience as my parents were visiting from the East Coast of The United States and had limited time with me...we all agreed it was one of the highlights of the trip that we will always have to share and remember our time together or explore and discuss through your reading recommendations! Mr. Smith is indeed an "exceptional" Docent! To Read My Reviews and See My Pictures about: 1. The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio Tour see: https://www.yelp.com/biz/frank-lloyd-wright-home-and-studio-oak-park 2. The Unity Temple see: https://www.yelp.com/biz/unity-temple-unitarian-universalist-congregation-oak-park read more

See all

We did the walking tour called "Chicago Architecture : A Walk Through Time" and it was a truly great way to kick off our trip to Chicago. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, and it was interesting to see some notable buildings in the order they were built. It was a good size group but I was able to hear everything perfectly because they give you a little handset (on a lanyard) with headphones so you can hear the guide perfectly. I would definitely go on another walking tour with them. read more

April was a terrific docent. Our tour of Chicago skyscrapers was led with enthusiasm and love for Chicago blended with expertise on the story of historic architecture. The headsets made listening easy. It was fun to hug beloved buildings. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - One of the many buildings on the tour. - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Needed to kill some time & the CAC was right across the street from our hotel so we decided to visit. Tickets were $12 to view the exhibit. We were literally the only ones there besides the workers but never were we feel like we were being followed around. They have a large 3D model of the city which lights up certain buildings if you press the buttons on the screen. I love interactivity! Very interesting place to read up on Chicago's architecture. read more

Chicago Architecture Center - Look at the cute little bean - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We took a boat tour through this institute and it was wonderful! The guide was extremely knowledgeable, the boat was comfortable- no complaints! Highly recommend. read more

I was here for the first time and brought my 9 year old son. He is into maps and the buildings of Chicago... he could not get enough of this place. A big interactive model, a short movie, and into about the history of Chicago. They also have a gallery devoted to the rest of the world's tallest buildings as well. We got in for $5 after going on the associated architecture river tour. I highly recommend the combination. read more

Great intro to Chicago for an out of town couple. Our Docent Sonia (sp) was great and had a ton of knowledge and insight. Thank you Sonia!!! read more

A must see when in Chicago. This architectural history makes this place worth a few hours. Book a tour online before arriving. The kids and family members will thoroughly enjoy spending time at this attraction. read more

See all

Boring and small, not really worth the admission price. Skip it and go on the architectural river cruise.

One of the Jewels of Chicago: many good things stem from this organization: the best boat tour in the city (really well trained docents), daily tours in many parts of the city, some getting access to places you can't always reach on your own; finally they organize the Open House Chicago which is one of the best events of the year. The main store has a lot of great popular architecture items and art/posters of Chicago, much better than the standard tourist stuff. I'm an annual member, very worth it when you live in Chicago. Positive energy and good for the community! read more

Excellent museum in downtown Chicago! Really enjoyed the exhibits, and if you pay a little more, you get the best boat tour in the city. In my opinion, this is a must visit location and the boat tour is the icing on the cake. One of the best experiences in Chicago! read more

Before you start your tour you can check out the model of the city in the lobby area of the building where the CAF is located - quite something! We took the tour of the "L". The tour guide was excellent - very knowledgeable. Not only do you get a lot of information on architecture, you also learn about the L and its history. My husband and I both enjoyed this tour. And the price was extremely reasonable! read more

Chicago Architecture Center - On the tour - Museums Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My husband and I used to be members and went on many of the walking tours. Main issues: (1) The CAC is not bike friendly. We had no place to park our bikes nearby, which became a disincentive. More broadly, it seems sustainability gets short shrift from the Foundation, although resource use is a central challenge in design! (2) Tours often contained heavily overlapping content. Guides could be hit-or-miss in their expertise. It was very difficult to know whether we'd learn anything, since the tour descriptions are so brief. Occasionally I knew more, and this isn't my field or native city. (3) Impossible to manage tour reservations online. Maybe this has been fixed. First time I signed up for a bunch, I never even got a confirmatory email. We might become members again in the future, but the fit has been a little awkward. read more