Posted 6 years ago in Guest Blog by Dan O'Connel
Twinkling holiday finery, a bright Christmas tree in Pioneer Court, red and green lights adorning the Wrigley Building — the holiday sights are endless through the 40-foot-tall windows of the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC).
This is the first holiday season for the CAC in its new home at 111 E. Wacker Dr. We’re getting into the spirit, taking the Wrigley Building’s cue and illuminating our skyscraper models in holiday colors.
Our new home is just steps from Michigan Avenue – linking the Mag Mile to the north and Cultural Mile to the south. We’re excited to be a part of both Chicago destinations that are bustling with holiday crowds.
The CAC is above the dock for the popular Chicago Architecture Foundation Center (CAFC) River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady. While the river cruise is on hiatus until March 30, there are still plenty of CAC offerings to enjoy this winter. Here are a few highlights:
- Our popular, 90-minute Holiday Lights, City Lights bus tour departs from the CAC on Fridays and Saturdays through December 22 and daily from December 26 to 29. The $35 cost includes CAC admission seven days before or after the tour. Hop aboard the double-decker Big Bus Chicago to take in panoramic views of our magical city and its magnificent architecture with your family and friends.
- The CAC Store is a one-stop shop for anyone needing distinctive gifts for design-minded family and friends. In November, Chicago magazine declared that the CAC Store “rivals any modern art museum’s.” The store is open 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
- If you’re looking for last minute stocking stuffers, you can gift a visit to the CAC or an annual CAC membership.
- Proceeds from CAC ticket sales and membership support our nonprofit educational mission to help people discover why design matters. In December, we celebrate CAC Teen Fellows with a showcase of their work and a graduation ceremony for the 2018 cohort of young Chicagoans.
It’s an exciting, busy December at the Chicago Architecture Center. Come for a visit and start your own CAC holiday tradition. Learn more at architecture.org.
Main Photo by James Steinkamp
