Chicago Architecture Foundation Reviews

Updated review:
As of early 2019 the move is done and the new place is beautiful! Besides the original model that is much expanded, there are now several very large scale models of tall structures from around the world, all built 91:1 scale as I recall.

Be sure to watch the short movie by the city model. I found it very informative in spite of having watched numerous channel 11 PBS documentaries about Chicago architecture.

Full ADA wheelchair accessibility inside and out too. Thanks!

Original review:
On 3/20/2018 the Chicago model is moving to 111 E. Wacker Dr. (see pic of sign) Other photos also show the new location is now being remodeled and an artist rendering of the future finished product.

This model has always been GREAT. I can t wait to see the NEW and IMPROVED model!

If you have family or friends from out of town who are interested in architecture, this is a great place to bring them as an introduction to the city. However, people who are already familiar with Chicago will probably find the information on display to be pretty basic.

The scale models on the second level are very cool to see. They give you a idea of the wide range of different projects across the world.

The gift shop is, of course, overpriced. But it has a good selection. Honestly, you can come here, find an item or book you like, and then find the same item or book on Amazon for $10 less.

Chicago is a great place for architecture, and this is the best place to learn more about it. Exhibits are interesting and informative. The tours are led by the most knowledgeable docents you'll find anywhere. The river tour is a must for tourists and Chicago natives alike.

Would be five stars, if I wasn't insulted for where I live.

Amazing group for walking tours! Tickets are normally about $20 for a 2 hour tour. Dosents are very knowledgeable and the ear peices provided are a great help so you can hear your guide regardless of the size of the group or street noise. It's a slow walk, but you'll learn a lot and see great stuff! Taking multiple tours will not likely result in seeing the same places multiple times.

I was just expecting it to be larger and interactive based on reviews i read.

If you are visiting Chicago, this is a great place for tours! Check out their website for dates, times, price, and description of tours. You can even take a river cruise!

If you visit downtown Chicago often, get a membership! You can get a discount student membership with your school ID. Members are eligible for free tours, which has more than paid for the membership cost.

Superb boat tour. Not cheap, but nevertheless worth every dime. Fantastic commentary and insight by tour guide on phenomenal buildings and architecture around the Chicago river. Must See for every visitor (and resident) of Chicago.

If you are in Chicago, the river cruise hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center is a must! We heard from so many people that the boat cruise was amazing but were a bit skeptical. But honestly, neither one of us are big into architecture or history but this was absolutely phenomenal. Loved the fact that they had a cash bar on the main level - that made the cruise so much more enjoyable. We could have a drink while listening to the tour guide explain each of the key buildings and the history of the city. We did the sunset cruise at 7:30pm and it was so amazing to see the buildings all light up. Highly highly recommend doing this!

Great short film history of Chicago and scale models

Nice place to visit and great walking tour options.

Architecture River Cruise with Adrienne was fantastic!!!

Amazing selection of tours. Great guides (docents) that are selected for having extensive knowledge of and passion for each individual tour. Keep an eye out for infrequent tours on the website and consider a membership to save money if you are interested in multiple tours.

Extra nice staff, went on a fun tour, keep up the good work everyone!

Well laid out center dedicated to the beautiful architecture of Chicago!

This building was an absolutely awesome experience. Aside from the tours that the company offers, they also have the building that has multiple exhibits inside. We did not do a tour due to our short time in the city, but the exhibits in the building were very cool and informational. The 3D aspects of the building were very realistic. The building itself is self guided, but there are many tour guides that are walking around answering questions and elaborating on the exhibits. The front desk lady honored our student membership without us having our ID s on us, which was very cool! You can spend hours here or just a quick forty five minutes. I definitely recommend. I believe that it is best to start with the exhibit upstairs and then move downstairs to that exhibit and watch the film. Super cool building!

Just got off the River Cruise. What a great tour, very friendly, great service. Very clean boat and a great experience. Our tour guide was outstanding! I HIGHLY recommend this tour.

Covers everything unique to Chicago's unique architecture.

Um, um, um, this building over here, ah, um, was built in, um, ah, 1930, by, ah, ah, so and so. And um, um, this building, um, um, ah, was built in, um 1992. And um, um, etc etc. Wanted to jump in the water. Luckily they have a overpriced bar to get you through it.

This is the place to get tour tickets at the counter. If you're considering a Boat tour think about a membership, as it gets you discounted tickets AND free admission to the center. Seeing the cener for free as a member was good, but it might seem a bit pricey at $12.

But becoming a member with discounts on the tours (all) and free admission is the way to go.

Right around the corber on Michgan avenue you can visit the Field Museums Architectural dig site for free.

Chicago Architecture Foundation river boat tour is fantastic. Brent, the tour guide, was very knowledgeable #chiarchitecture #brent #CFLcruises #CAFcruise

Hands-down a must see if you are in Chicago! Located just south of the river, you get an amazing and breathtaking view of some iconic architecture right at the beginning of your time there. I learned so much from the volunteers they had in the galleries and my love for Chicago grew 10 times the day we went! So much history and so many amazing architectural models to see. If you want to know about how Chicago was established and why it became the city it is today, this is the place to go! The scaled model of Chicago is unprecedented and an icon of the city! We planned to go on the boat tour but decided to go to just the museum instead. It was only $12 to get in (as of November 2019) and worth every penny! They could easily charge more!

Great gift shop with tons of cool, unique items. Also a great place to find out about river and walking tours around the city

If you love Chicago, you love architecture, you love walking around or taking tours, or want to know more about the city, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is for you.

Members receive discounts on tours, merchandise in the store and other benefits. There are many tours to choose from: walking, bus and boat.

The best-known and most loved tours the CAF offers are the First Lady boat tours. You can see the city from one of the best vantage points, Lake Michigan. CAF's expert docents provide knowledgeable commentary on the history of Chicago and its architecture. You'll learn a lot, even if you've lived here all your life. Cruises are offered during the day and into the evening.

Bus tours are another great way to get around and see what makes Chicago the city it is today. Did you know the skyscraper was invented here? So was the supertall. How about the buildings of Frank Lloyd Wright? There are quite a few here, and they're pretty interesting. The CAF can show you around. You won't feel like a tourist in your home town, either.

An excellent overview or introduction to the way the city developed. Highly recommended.

There are a few fun things in here, including scale models of lots of famous skyscrapers on the second floor. The highlight, though, is definitely the building-by-building model of the city in the back of the ground floor. The detail is excellent, and there are interactive screens that allow people to choose data overlays that are projected down onto it. I had a lot of fun.

Come here to get 3D models of different skyscrapers

I went to ride River Cruise. The Amazongo store on the first floor is a fun shopping experience.

A relatively new museum. Really worth seeing. Even for someone like my husband who doesn't like museums. The scale models of skyscrapers and construction details are really interesting, and one can stare at the 3d map of central Chicago for a long time.

As a contributor to CAF competitions and programs, I value their voice in the architecture community. I would like to see more outreach programming in Chicago schools and involvement from local firms.

OMG! I see why this is the #1 thing to do in Chicago. We went on the 5:15 sunset tour through the city. Victor was our tour guide and he was SOOOOOOOOOOOO amazing. Informative, educated, and HILARIOUS. I really liked his style of guiding. He did an amazing job. I honestly want to go again. I know there is something new to see each time. This is a MUST DO in the city.

Great architecture boat tour from the professional point of view. The center has lots of interesting information to learn. A must visit destination in Chicago!!

A wonderful place to visit for adults and children. inside the 224 building, they have a learning and experience space for children, a library of architectures books to look at and access to guided tours.
This is a wonderful organization working very hard to illustrate the best facets of Chicago.
I would recommend spending a little time here with children or even better looking up scheduled events and would follow it up with an architecture tour.

Great tours. Great place for unique gifts & souvenirs.

Offers authentic and learned tours about Chicago and its architectural gems

The best Chicago store for architecture lovers. They have a huge model of the city skyline and free exhibition. They also organize incredible tours to discover the architectural heritage of the city.

Was able to enjoy the fun gift store they have. Looks like there is a lot more to see, I just didn't have a chance to see it.

Did not visit institution....but their river cruise was fantastic...we were told it is a must do when you visit Chicago and it is.

I have taken one tour, Chicago bus tour. Our guide was fantastic. Passionate and knowledgeable about the city of Chicago, buildings and the architecture.

Walking tour was nice and informative. It would be a good idea for any traveler.

Great place to visit, lots of information on Chicago. Different architectural art available

I came today for my team day this place is so beautiful and just cool! Jeff on the second floor is so knowledgeable and made it very interactive. I'd definitely come back with my children

Great advocate for architecture and design in Chicago. Offers rotating exhibits, walking tours, boat tours, information about architecture in the city and a pretty interesting gift shop.

Great tour, highly recommend. A wonderful way to experience Chicago and it's history. Our guide, Jessica was fantastic!

It is a store with many curious things and precious variables. Things for all tastes and uses.

We just passed it because closed
Will comeback later

Don't just take the boat tour! The boat tour is great, but after becoming member I took many free walking tours of buildings all of the city and learned so much more. The walking tours will take you inside buildings as well.

The Chicago Architecture Center is a great place for anyone who is interested in architecture. There's something for everyone, even school-age children. Situated along the Chicago River just steps from Michigan Ave., the CAC welcome center has a magnificent view of a number of Chicago landmark buildings. The exhibits emphasize Chicago's premier role in the advancement of architectural design; how Chicago went from a trading spot on the prairie to a center of commerce, culture, and architecture; how planning for the future is integral to architecture and vice versa; a roomful of models of many of the tallest buildings in the world, and much more. The staff is friendly and very helpful, ready to answer any question. The CAC offers a number of walking tours, bus tours, and their famous riverboat tour. I've taken the riverboat tour a number of times over the years and there's always something new to learn and new buildings to see. You MUST see Studio Gang's Vista Tower now under construction: already simply breathtaking.

Perfect stop before going on the river cruise! Got here at 9:30am and got on the 11am river cruise. Could have stayed longer, but probably not >3 hr unless you re an architect or civil engineer with deep fascination in buildings.

Incredibly informative tour of the development of sky scrapers over the years in Chicago

Interesting spot. Exhibitions are quite explanatory and graphical. Ideal for curious people. I did not take any tour.

THE place to go to get an overview of Chicago architecture or to go on a Chicago city tour. Very interesting exhibits

not quite what i expected, but I'd say it's worth the $5 on top of your boat tour ticket. the scale models of the city of Chicago and skyscrapers of the world are impressive. you won't need more than an hour (if that) to enjoy the place. i doubt you'll need to worry about crowds.

A fun little hidden gem in Chicago. I highly recommend going and looking at the scale model of Chicago, even if you are a resident. Their gift shop is nice albeit a bit pricey. Their kids workshop is fun. It is closed at weird hours.

A great introduction to Chicago s historic skyscrapers. Saving two of the most interesting buildings, the Rookery and the Marquette til the end really helped to focus the tour. Our Docent, Cindy, was great- a conversational style that wasn t just a list of facts. Highly recommended!

This was my favorite thing to do while visiting Chicago. The tour guide was a native and so full of wonderful information.

An adorable store that has a bit of everything. From coats, to cute books, ornaments, and art to kid's toys. This is a shop for one and for all!

Had a fantastic architecture bus tour, and the guide really knew what he was talking about. Made us really appreciate the architecture on offer in Chicago. The tour covered a huge area, allowing us to see so much of the city.

A Wonderful Production that Magnifies the GREATENESS OF THE BEST CITY IN THE WORLD!!!!

I am an architecture student spending the summer in Chicago. I went on the boat architecture tour at the beginning of the summer and learned a tremendous amount about the city! GREAT TOUR GUIDES!! I recently took my aunt, uncle and parents on the tour because it is such a great way to learn about Chicago's history and present day buildings.

Interesting exhibitions, welcome. Too bad that tours in French are only very rarely and several days apart. An audio guide would be appreciated.

Whether or not you consider yourself an architectural aficionado, this museum/center/foundation is a must, if you live in Chicago or are visiting the city. Chicago is the architectural beacon for the world. The skyline, the buildings, the urban scape, is without a rival, in my immodest opinion.

The center provides a historical, economic, and lifestyle context for the fabulous architecture that surrounds you in "the city of big shoulders." The tours provided by the foundation are amazing. Even with my uncontrollable A.D.D., I was devouring every word from my engaging and intellectually knowledgeable docent John. I think I know everything, as evidenced by my arrogant reviews. However, I received an education from John that no school has been able to provide, and I went to some good ones.

I am hoping to take a different tour each day I'm in Chicago. It was that good. The museum itself is designed well, as expected from an architecturally based foundation. There are highlights, such as the model city, but everything, including the gift shop, was worthwhile and interesting.

Hey, I'm not a museum/class/tour kind of person. Between my A.D.D. and need to be the center of attention at all times, I have an extinction rate of about 10 minutes. But I loved everything about both the tour and the museum. Tomorrow, I hope to take the architectural river cruise. I want to thank the Chicago Architectural Center for providing a great service, not only for Chicago, but for every visitor. Bravo!

Took the CAI river cruise and found it fascinating with a narrative that tells a story about the birth of tall buildings, the economy of the river, and the politics of the characters that built Chicago into what it is today. Also fascinating is the CAI museum/foundation and center that tells the story of Chicago's architectural influence that can be found around the world. Begin with the foundation museum exhibits and then take the river cruise. Both are highly recommended!!

Wonderful tour of various buildings along the Chicago river. The tour guide is a volunteer and gave a very nice talk through during our river cruise.The bar makes a good Bloody Mary and decent Moscow Mule. We took the 10am tour on Memorial Day and the weather was perfect. I recommend getting in line 20 minutes before so you can get the seats you want. Beautiful morning for a tour along the Chicago river.

Not too affordable but great products and gifts. Don't forget to take a look at the model of the city.

Engineering Fest 2018 was great to take the kids to. Would definitely go for another kids event

This was the first time my family and I want to Chicago. We took the tour we had a great time.

Layout of the city is so amazing to see! Great gift shop as well.

The CAF is a must for everyone who is interested in architecture and skyscrapers! The tours are diverse and interesting and the guides are very friendly!

They offer superb tour of the city. I am sure, everyone can find an appropriate tour for their taste.
We took their river tour, which was super informative. In 90 minutes, the guide talked about almost 70 building. The pace of the tour is very good. They first go west (in) through the main branch. Then go up to the north branch up until the goose island, and turn back. Next, they go through the south branch all the way down to S Canal St. bridge. In the last part of the trip, the tour takes you out from the main branch, up to the key (do not go out to the lake), where you can see whole skyline of Chicago. It is more expensive than the other tours but worth every penny.

I loved the architectural boat tour. There is a small bar. I liked the option of being on the top deck or in the shade. On the top deck it is always full sun and the ride is 1 hour and 30 mins, so wear white and sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat especially in the summer and around noon.