Chicago Architecture Center Exhibit Admission

Highlights

Explore two floors of immersive exhibits at Chicago’s premier cultural destination, where the skyline and neighborhoods are vividly recreated.
See the City Model Experience, featuring supersized scale models of over 4,000 Chicago buildings.
Take a self-paced tour of permanent and temporary exhibits for a deeper dive into the city’s architectural history.
Upgrade your visit with a guided walking tour for added context and expert storytelling.
Choose between discovering must-see city landmarks or tracing Chicago’s architectural evolution on a small-group, certified-guide tour.

Inclusions

Entry to the Chicago Architecture Center
Access to all ongoing exhibits
Guided walking tour of must-see Chicago landmarks (as per option selected)
Guided walking tour of Chicago architecture (as per option selected)

Exclusions

Guided tour of exhibits
Food and beverages
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Must Know

Large bags and luggage cannot be stored or brought inside the venue.
Outside food or drinks are not permitted.
Pets are not allowed; only registered service animals may enter.
Flash photography is prohibited inside exhibition areas.
Intoxicated visitors are strictly prohibited from the premises.
The center is accessible to all visitors and includes elevator access and a large family/gender-neutral restroom.
Last entry is permitted up to one hour before closing.
The center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, and closes early at 3pm on each of their eves.
Children aged 5 and under can enter for free.
Design Store purchases and venue rentals are not included with exhibition admission.

Ticket Delivery

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Your Experience

Explore Chicago’s architectural legacy with full access to the Chicago Architecture Center’s immersive exhibits and city models.

Getting started

Arrive at the Chicago Architecture Center, located at 111 E. Wacker Drive near Michigan Avenue. Present your ticket at the main entrance for admission; staff will guide you to the exhibit floors and provide a center map to help you plan your visit.

What to expect

Chicago Architecture Center

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a leading museum dedicated to the city’s role as a global hub for architectural innovation. Spanning two floors and nearly 10,000 square feet, the CAC showcases the evolution of Chicago’s skyline and its influence on urban design worldwide.

Features

Chicago City Model Experience: View a cinematic, interactive model featuring over 4,200 buildings, presenting a dynamic look at the city’s growth and neighborhoods.
Supersized skyscraper models: Examine detailed scale models of iconic towers, including the upcoming Jeddah Tower, set to become the world’s tallest building.
Panoramic glass wall: Enjoy direct views of landmarks like Tribune Tower and the Wrigley Building through a 40-foot glass wall overlooking the Chicago River.
Rotating exhibitions: Discover installations that explore Chicago’s architectural history, present innovations, and future possibilities.
Interactive touch screens: Engage with digital displays to learn about architectural styles and the city’s most influential architects.
CAC Design Store: Browse books, gifts, and home decor inspired by Chicago’s design heritage.
Support for education: Your admission helps fund local educational initiatives, as the CAC is a certified nonprofit organization.