Chicago Architecture Center – CAC

I recently visited the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) at its’ new location along the Chicago River at 111 E. Wacker Drive. It was previously known as the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) and was located at 224 S. Michigan Avenue in the Railway Exchange Building. It is fitting that the new location is by the Chicago River, since the CAC gives River cruises.

The Chicago Architecture Center  is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. The CAC includes two levels of gallery exhibitions.

Level 1 is the Concourse Level and houses the Chicago Gallery, John and Kathleen Buck Atrium, CAC Store and Orientation. Explore this level and you will learn about the architects who shaped Chicago and gave the city its distinctive style and skyline, making it the “City of Architecture.” You’ll also learn about Chicago’s building blocks such as geographical and architectural elements that make Chicago unique. You’ll be exploring five historic Chicago neighborhoods and learn how their buildings and houses have been preserved. You’ll be able to look at common housing types in Chicago and view how Chicago is mapped by viewing a video describing the Chicago City Model (which includes 4,200 buildings). You can also view information about current architectural projects happening in the city currently or in the near future.

Level 2 is the Plaza Level and contains the Usher Lambe Rotating Gallery, Drake Skyscraper Gallery, Arcelormittal Design Studio, and Joan and Gary Gand Lecture Hall. There is a display on Imagining the City of Chicago in 2050, and the Drake Skyscraper Gallery contains large scale models of tall skyscrapers from around the world. You’ll learn about the world’s tallest building, The Burj Khalifa. You’ll also explore technological innovations that enable architects to keep building higher and higher! You’ll learn more about the world’s tallest buildings and Urban Habitat Award Winners. You will also learn about the architects that shaped Chicago architecture and last but certainly not least, if you look out the  windows on the 2nd level of the CAC you’ll see inpiring. views of the buildings along the Chicago River and what is arguably one of the most beautiful spots in Chicago!