The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) proudly presents Open House Chicago (OHC) 2022 presented by Wintrust. The public is encouraged to discover a robust roster of 150+ sites in 20 community areas over the weekend of October 15-16, augmented by opportunities for engagement throughout the month of October via the new CAC app. Marking its 12th year, Open House Chicago is one of the largest architecture festivals in the world and continues to remain free and open to the public. Open House Chicago is proud to be part of the Open House Family, a collective of similar festivals in over 50 cities around the world.
“The Chicago Architecture Center is excited to host the city’s premier exploration experience, Open House Chicago, for the 12th straight year,” said CAC Chief Operating Officer Juanna Blackwell. “We encourage Chicagoans to immerse themselves in our 2022 featured neighborhoods through free in-person events and self-guided tours. I’m grateful to our community partners, volunteers and presenting sponsor, Wintrust, for their support in ensuring Open House 2022 continues to provide special access to our city’s beautiful architecture and neighborhoods.”
New participating communities this year include Chatham and Hermosa, highlighted by the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center and the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Branch Library. Additional new sites to explore are Austin Branch Library, Architectural Artifacts, Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School, ComEd California Facility, Ravinia Brewing, Omni Ecosystems, 320 S. Canal, 600 W. Fulton, The WasteShed Chicago, Kenwood United Church of Christ, St. Paul & the Redeemer Episcopal Church, OPEN Center for the Arts, Access Living Headquarters, Fulton East, Oak Park Public Library and Oak Park Conservatory. Plus, returning favorites such asCentral Park Theatre, Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica,Dank Haus, Givins Castle, Herman Miller Fulton Market, Boxville, The Forum, Chinese American Museum of Chicago, McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, Seventeenth Church of Christ Scientist, Wintrust’s Grand Banking Hall, International Museum of Surgical Science, Holy Name Cathedral, Bahá’í House of Worship and many more.
On view at the Chicago Architecture Center is SAY IT LOUD —a global traveling activation that elevates the work and identities of local, diverse designers in collaboration with the National Organization of Minority Architects’ (NOMA). Illinois residents can receive free access to the CAC, including this activation, October 1-16 by showing their CAC app download at the ticket counter.
The new CAC mobile app includes dozens of exclusive experiences, with new thematic self-guided tours including Murales in Pilsen, Paseo Boricua, Bungalows of Hermosa, Modern Living in Chatham and more. Users will also be able to explore like a local with in-app recommendations for restaurants, coffee shops, unique sites, and stores in OHC neighborhoods.
The CAC will also host a suite of free virtual programs beginning in late September and running throughout October as part of OHC 2022. Audience members will enjoy virtual discussions with design experts, historians, and community leaders about Chicago’s architectural legacy from the comfort of home. Whether their interests lie in Midcentury Modern preservation efforts or the design inspirations behind local architecture firm studio spaces, there will be exciting programming for all.
Become a CAC member at openhousechicago.org/membership to receive a Priority Access Pass, which provides the ability to skip the lines at all Open House Chicago sites. CAC Members also enjoy year-round CAC benefits.
CAC thanks its Sponsors and Partners of Open House Chicago 2022: Since 2018, Wintrust has been the Presenting Sponsor for Open House Chicago. Additional support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, ComEd, TAWANI Property Management, and the Terra Foundation for American Art. OHC 2022 Partners are Choose Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority and Open House Worldwide. OHC is grateful to have the support of its individual donors, Cassandra Book, Roland James, and Regenia Stein. OHC 2022 Media Sponsors are Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Reader, WBEZ 91.5 Chicago and Vocalo Radio.
An initial roster of Open House Chicago 2022 participating sites, self-guided tours, and virtual programming can be found by visiting www.openhousechicago.org, downloading the CAC app via Apple Store of Google Play, and following the CAC on social media @chiarchitecturevisit often for updates.
About the Chicago Architecture Center
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1966, dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. A national leader in architecture and design education, the CAC offers tours, programs, exhibitions and more that are part of a dynamic journey of lifelong learning. Opened to the public in 2018, its riverfront location is in the heart of the city, where Michigan Avenue meets the Chicago River, featuring nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space with views of a century of iconic skyscrapers.
Through partnerships with schools and youth-serving organizations, the CAC reaches approximately 30,000 K–12 students annually, while teacher workshops provide educators with tools and resources, they need to advance STEM curricula in their classrooms. Committed to serving under-represented communities in construction, engineering and design professions, the CAC offers many of its education programs—and all of its programs for teens—at no cost to participants. CAC programs for adults and members include talks with acclaimed authors and practicing architects, in-depth presentations on issues and trends in urbanism, and classes unlocking subjects related to the built environment
Proceeds from programs, tours, and the CAC Design Store, as well as from grants, sponsorships and donations, support its educational mission. Visit architecture.org to learn more and get the latest news and fun facts about Open House Chicago by following the Chicago Architecture Center social media platforms, Twitter (@chiarchitecture), Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chiarchitecture, and Facebook (facebook.com/chiarchitecture).