Chicago Architecture Center

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Overview

About Chicago Architecture Center

Visitors can explore current exhibitions, including Flyway City: Architecture for a Flourishing Ecosystem, which focuses on design for urban wildlife. The center also provides river cruises.

Made for

• The CAC presents Chicago and ideas from cities around the world to encourage better living through design.
• Center admission covers two floors of exhibits at the Chicago Architecture Center.
• The riverfront Center has nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space with super-sized models.
• The CAC provides design education for students from Pre-K through adults.
• Group and private tours can be created for parties of any size.
• Field trips for pre-K through 12 youth feature walking tours, workshops and exhibit experiences.

The packages

Event experiences

• Young explorers can pick up an Activity Kit at the CAC box office before the cruise.
• Personal listening devices help guests hear the docent on walking tours that begin at the Center.
• A scholarship provides financial help with transportation to the Center for schools and educational groups.

How it works

1. 1

   Where can I purchase tickets for the CAC River Cruise

   Tickets can be bought in person, by phone for CAC members, or online via Ticketmaster.

2. 2

   How do I get my tickets

   River cruise tickets wait at the dockside ticket office, while for walking and bus tours a docent meets the group leader at the start.

Good to know

• Tours frequently sell out, so buying tickets in advance is recommended, especially for weekends, holidays and twilight tours.
• Ticket refunds and exchanges are not permitted, so guests should double-check dates and times.
• The river cruise is not recommended for children under the age of 12.
• Every river cruise passenger needs a ticket regardless of age.
• Guests should reach the First Lady boat dock at least 30 minutes before departure.
• A full-service bar on every First Lady Cruises vessel serves beverages and snacks.
• Small luggage can come onboard if held or placed under seats; larger luggage cannot be accommodated.
• Guests may store strollers at the dock or bring them onboard.
• Service dogs are welcome onboard if harnessed, leashed or tethered in public places.
• Cruises depart in any weather, and a climate-controlled cabin is available.
• Cruise guests board 15 minutes before departure.
• Guests unable to climb stairs may sit on the open-air bow deck or in the climate-controlled cabin.
• First Lady's boats carry up to 250 passengers and include open-air upper decks and climate-controlled lower cabins.
• Group tours cancelled at least 30 days ahead get a full refund; deposits are forfeited for cancellations 14-30 days ahead.
• Group size can be adjusted up to the day final payment is due.
• Tours are designed for ages 14 and older, with separate offerings for students.
• No food or drinks are allowed inside the Chicago Architecture Center.
• Walking and bus tours go ahead in any weather and tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged.
• Service animals are welcome on all tours.
• Tour buses take foldable wheelchairs and walkers but have no ramps or lifts.
• All tours are led by volunteer docents certified by the CAC.
• Guests are advised to arrive 10-15 minutes before a scheduled walking tour departure.
• Center tickets must be used within 60 days of the date of purchase.
• Field trip reservation requests are due at least four weeks in advance.
• Field trips require one adult chaperone for every 10 youth.
• Catering for venue rentals must be approved by the events team.
• Live music needs pre-approval and is limited to a 3-piece band; DJs may play background music and announcements only.
• The river cruise departs multiple times daily from March through November.
• Center admission allows last entry before closing.
• Venue spaces can be rented seven days a week.
• The lecture hall is available 7 days a week.
• Field trips run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.