Sunday to Thursday: 10:00–17:00Last entry 16:00
Friday and Saturday: 10:00–19:00Last entry 18:00
Closures: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s DayLast entry is an hour before closing

Allow time to explore before closing. Your ticket shows your date and entry time.

The Chicago Architecture Center’s glass entrance at 111 East Wacker Drive, reflecting the towers across the street

Finding the Center

The Chicago Architecture Center is on the ground floors of One Illinois Center, on Wacker Drive beside the Chicago River, a short walk from Michigan Avenue.

111 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601, USA

On foot: the Center is on Wacker Drive just east of Michigan Avenue, on the south bank of the Chicago River.
Tours and cruises: walking tours and the river cruise are sold separately and are not part of Center admission.
Before arrival: leave time for the journey and entry checks so you are ready for your booked slot.

Open directions

Towers along the Chicago River under storm clouds, seen from the water near Lake Michigan

Useful stops along the way

Facilities can change through the year. Visitors can usually expect:

Exhibition galleries of nearly 10,000 square feet.
The City Model Experience, with a short film.
A lift between floors.
A family restroom, large and gender-neutral.

Last entry is an hour before closing, so arrive in good time. Ask staff about current arrangements when you arrive.

The London Guarantee Building, the Carbide and Carbon Building and Mather Tower on Michigan Avenue by the river

A visit that works for you

The Center at 111 East Wacker Drive has a lift and a large family and gender-neutral restroom.

Check arrangements for your particular mobility or access needs before travelling.
If you are bringing a stroller, confirm the current arrangements before arrival.
Ask Center staff for assistance or directions during your visit.

Ask us about planning your visit

The brick courtyard of Glessner House, with a green copper roof and round tower

Enjoy the Center thoughtfully

Walk rather than run, and supervise children.
Leave the models and displays untouched.
Arrive at least an hour before closing, the time of last entry.
Walking tours and the river cruise are sold separately.
Follow the signs and staff guidance during your visit.

A little care keeps the galleries calm and the models in good order for everyone.

The twin round towers of Marina City on the Chicago River

Make time for a pause

Michigan Avenue and the river around the Center have cafés and restaurants for a meal before or after your visit.

Stop for breakfast, lunch, a hot drink or refreshments nearby.
Leave room in your plans to sit down and enjoy the setting.
Check opening hours and menus on the day; food and drinks are purchased separately.

The riverside around Wacker Drive is pleasant for a walk after your visit.

Office towers on the Chicago River, with Willis Tower rising behind them

A few details worth planning

Book ahead: choose the date, time and places you want to visit before making other plans.
Keep your QR ticket ready: save it on your phone or bring a printed copy, with any proof needed for reduced admission.
Start in the right place: enter the Center from Wacker Drive.
Look outside too: after the models, the real towers of the river are only a few steps away.
Leave space to linger: allow time for the City Model Experience and its short film.

Find your ticket option

Visitor information checked 10 November 2026. Opening times and facilities can change; follow the date, time and instructions on your issued ticket.