Open House Chicago, an annual event offering free public access to major architectural and cultural landmarks, is set to take place next weekend on October 17 and 18. Marking its 16th anniversary this year, the event is organized by the Chicago Architecture Center and provides a rare opportunity to explore famous buildings and hidden sites that are typically closed to the general public.
This year, more than 200 architectural works and cultural facilities will open their doors across 30 neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Among them, about 20 locations are joining the event for the first time in 2026.
Newly unveiled venues include the downtown Broadway in Chicago Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Fire FC’s Dear Chicago Experience Center, and the West Side’s Blackhawks Ice Center. The Bronzeville Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Headquarters has also been included for the first time this year.
Visitors can also explore established landmarks such as the Chicago Board of Trade Building, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Money Museum, and Orchestra Hall, alongside various historic spaces and cultural facilities that represent the city.
Open House Chicago was launched in 2011 by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (now the Chicago Architecture Center) to give citizens access to architecturally and historically significant spaces. The main goal was not only to showcase downtown but also to highlight the architecture and culture of various Chicago neighborhoods, boosting local civic pride and encouraging residents to explore new areas. The inaugural event drew 23,000 participants with 84,000 site visits, while the 2018 event recorded about 100,000 participants and 366,000 visits, generating an estimated economic impact of $7.3 million based on attendee spending.
The Chicago Architecture Center describes Open House Chicago as one of the world’s largest architecture and urban festivals. This year, more than 1,000 volunteers will be deployed across over 200 venues to guide visitors and assist with on-site operations. Various programs, including introductions to building histories and architectural features, will be held at each location.
Some venues are open for only one day—either Saturday or Sunday—so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance. Detailed information, including participating locations by region and operating hours, can be found on the official Open House Chicago website.
