Looking for a new way to explore Chicago? Now’s your chance, with Open House Chicago 2024!
Produced by the Chicago Architectural Center (CAC), Open House Chicago (OHC) is a free annual festival that takes visitors on walking tours through some of Chicago’s most significant architectural and historical sites.
2024 marks the 14th edition of OHC, and attendees can expect some exciting new tours and activities. Taking place between October 19 and 20, this year’s event will cover over 170 locations across more than 20 neighborhoods, including 25 new sites.
New sites for 2024
New sites include the newly renovated Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. The nearly 100-year-old Southside institution that sat vacant for more than 30 years before reopening in February of this year as a live music venue, restaurant, and brewery.
Also on this year’s roster is the historic Chess Studio, the former recording home of some of Chicago’s biggest blues acts.
Additionally, guests will have the chance to visit the Al-Sadiq mosque in Bronzeville and the Driehaus Museum’s Murphy Auditorium. Click here to view the full list of locations.
Photo competition and special prizes
While embarking upon each architecture tour, guests can simultaneously take part in a new and exciting photo competition.
All attendees need to do is take photos at the different sites they visit, and submit them to the CAC’s competition page under one of four categories: interior, exterior, black & white, and detail.
Several lucky winners will have their photos displayed at the CAC as part of their holiday exhibition “Framed Views: OHC Photography.” Winners will also receive complimentary membership to the CAC.
Open House Chicago’s impact
“With all the new developments happening or proposed in Chicago, it’s more important than ever that people see how architecture and design shape our city,” said Eleanor Gorski, CEO & President, Chicago Architecture Center.
“Open House Chicago is easily accessible and free to all. We hope the event fosters dialogue about architecture and inspires people to become more actively engaged in shaping and improving our built environment.”
Click here for more information on this year’s OHC schedule, sites, and photo competition.