Spend two days getting a behind-the-scenes look at over 170 fascinating architectural sites — many of which are usually closed to the public — during Open House Chicago, held in neighborhoods across the city from Oct. 19 – 20, 2024. This architectural event, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), is the largest of its kind in the world.
For the 14th year, more than 25,000 people will explore sites in more than 23 diverse neighborhoods. All locations were selected for their architectural, historical, and cultural significance. By making learning about architecture accessible to all, Open House Chicago aims to inspire people to discover why design matters. The event also showcases businesses, organizations, and creative leaders who make a positive impact on the city.
“With all the new developments happening or proposed in Chicago, it’s more important than ever that people see how architecture and design shape our city,” said Eleanor Gorski, CEO and president of the nonprofit CAC. “Open House Chicago is easily accessible and free to all. We hope the event fosters dialogue about architecture and inspires people to become more actively engaged in shaping and improving our built environment.”
Twenty-five new sites have joined this year’s roster. One of them is the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport, which originally debuted as a movie theatre in 1929 and reopened this year as a restaurant, brewery, and concert venue. Other must-see stops include the legendary Chess Records Studio at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation; Bronzeville’s Al-Sadiq mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the United States; and a first-ever peek behind the bronze doors of the Driehaus Museum’s Murphy Auditorium, designed by noted Chicago architects Benjamin Marshall and Charles E. Fox.
More than 40 entertaining programs will be presented as part of Open House Chicago. Attendees can make mosaic magnets at Growing Home Urban Street Farm in Englewood, take salsa lessons at The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Humboldt Park, and go on tours of the storied Pullman neighborhood, led by the Historic Pullman Foundation and Illinois Labor Historical Society. Or, sit in on art classes and make traditional Day of the Dead decorations, offered at Graceland Cemetery in Uptown by the National Museum of Mexican Art.
During Open House Chicago, shutterbugs can take photos that might win a competition. Snap images that match four categories — interior, exterior, black and white, and detail — and submit them to the CAC. Selected images will be displayed in the Framed Views: OHC Photography exhibition that opens at the CAC on Nov. 23, 2024.
CAC members will receive an Open House Chicago priority access pass, allowing them to skip lines at sites. Find out how to join the CAC. To start building your own Open House Chicago weekend itinerary, visit CAC’s new website or download the CAC app.
