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Becoming a member is more than just gaining access to exclusive perks, it's your opportunity to actively support the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and its vital mission.
Member Benefits
Show Your Support
Become a vital partner in inspiring others to discover why design matters, including providing access to our acclaimed youth education programs
Unlock Exclusive Benefits
Enjoy exclusive benefits like members-only events, discounts on tours and programs and much more
Be part of a community
Meet other architecture and design enthusiasts dedicated to shaping the future of our city and beyond
All members receive:
- FREE admission to the Chicago Architecture Center
- Buy-1-get-1 * tickets for the CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady
- FREE Essential Walking Tours
- $20 off Premier Walking Tours
- $10 off Building Tours
- Invitations to exclusive members-only events
- Discounts on virtual programs
- Priority access passes to skip the line during Open House Chicago
- 15% off at the CAC Design Store
- Student and educator discounts** are available
*See Details Below
- Access and benefits for one adult
- Buy-1-get-1* CAC River Cruise ticket
Individual Access and Benefits, Plus:
- Access and benefits for two adults
- Reciprocal membership benefits at more than 1,300 cultural institutions through NARM .
Dual Access and Benefits, plus:
- Access and benefits for 2 adults and up to 4 children under 18
- Buy-2-get-2* CAC River Cruise tickets
Family access and benefits, plus:
- Access and benefits for 4 adults and up to 4 children under 18
- FREE Premier Walking Tours
Deco access and benefits, PLUS:
- Invitation to exhibition openings and other donor-only opportunities
- One FREE Private tour for up to six guests
Burnham Society
Beaux arts access and benefits, plus:.
- Invitations for two (2) to exclusive Burnham Society events
- 4 complimentary Essential Walking Tour passes for guests
- 2 FREE CAC River Cruise tickets
Burnham Society Leader
Burnham society access and benefits, plus:.
- Invitation to CAC Trustee Tour during Open House Chicago
Burnham Society Benefactor
Burnham society leader access and benefits, plus: .
- Invitations to annual lunch with CAC President and CEO
- Curate your own tour with a docent expert
ID did not match a Membership Level.
† Individual, Dual and Family memberships are not tax deductible. Deco, Beaux Arts and all Burnham Society levels are tax deductible only to the extent allowed by law. Members may not use donor-advised funds (DAFs) or IRA funds to purchase memberships.
*Buy one get one (BOGO) benefit is valid for a one-time redemption annually. BOGO benefit varies by membership level and has limited availability on Fridays and Saturdays and cannot be used on Twilight departures (any departures later than 5pm). Please see Membership FAQ for a full schedule of river cruise BOGO benefit availability.
**Students (with valid ID) and educators (with valid ID) are eligible for a 15% discount for an Individual, Dual or Family membership by calling our call center at 312.922.8687 or visiting our box office in person.
For more information on our Premier and Essential walking tours, visit the Walking Tour FAQ page .
What Our Members Have to Say
All of the CAC docents are amazing. As a geographer, the urban and built environment are important topics. I (we) have learned so much about the city from these folks.
Your virtual programs and their hosts and participants are SUPERB!! Especially for those of us with hearing impairment, these programs and the option for closed captioning are a godsend.
We visit whenever we are in town and love the walking tours!
How will I receive my digital membership card?
Whether you're joining for the first time or renewing your membership, your CAC Membership Card(s) will be sent by email 3-5 days after you join or renew.
How do I download my digital membership card?
iPhone users:
- Open the email containing your digital card from your iPhone
- Tap “Download Your Digital Card”
- Tap “Add to Wallet,” then “Add”
- The card will automatically be loaded into your iPhone’s Apple Wallet where it can be accessed at any time.
Android users:
- Open the email containing your digital card from your smartphone
- Tap “Download”
- The card will automatically be loaded into your designated Wallet application, where it can be accessed at any time
I am not sure I received my digital membership card, can you send it again?
Please check your junk, spam, trash and updates folder for an email from [email protected], which will include a link to download your card. If you are still unable to find your digital card invitation, please contact us at 312.651.2110 or email our Membership team . We can resend the email for you to download and enjoy your digital membership card.
How do I set up my online account?
We automatically create an account for you using the email address you provided us when you purchased your membership. Go to the member account sign-in page, enter your email address and click on “Forgot password?” to create a password.
Support the future of design
volunteer with us
Be a part of Chicago's architectural past, present and future in a volunteer role at the CAC.
have any questions?
We're here to help. Contact the Center for more information and assistance.