Visit the Biennial
Free exhibitions, performances, tours, films, and talks — plan your visit to the 2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial. The largest exhibition of contemporary architecture, art, and design in North America is open and on view from Sept 19, 2019 to Jan 5, 2020.
Located next to Millennium Park in the heart of downtown, the Chicago Cultural Center serves as the main venue for the Biennial with over 70,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Address: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Hours: Monday through Friday 10am – 7pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free and open to the public; no tickets required
The building is closed Christmas Day Dec 25 and New Year’s Day Jan 1. Holiday hours on Christmas Eve Dec 24 and New Year's Eve Dec 31 are 10am – 5pm.
Public Tours
We offer free, one-hour tours every week. Guides provide a brief overview of the main exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center. Tours depart from the Welcome Center; register on-site in the Randolph Street lobby to secure a slot.
Final public tour schedule for 2019/2020:
Friday, Dec 27 at 11am
Saturday, Dec 28 at 11am & 2pm
Thursday, Jan 2 at 5pm
Friday, Jan 3 at 11am & 2pm
Saturday, Jan 4 at 11am & 2pm
Sunday, Jan 5 at 11am & 2pm
Private Tours
To request a private tour of the Chicago Architecture Biennial at the Chicago Cultural Center, please register your group of 10 or more in advance using the online registration form.
RegisterStudent Tours & Field Trips
Education Guides lead 90-minute interactive tours of the Biennial’s primary exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center. Field trips are offered for grades 5-12 and free transportation by bus will be available to qualifying schools.
Learn More
Maps & Guides
Explore the exhibition with the official visitor map and an activity guide for students and families. Free copies are available in the Chicago Cultural Center and can be downloaded here:
Young People's Guide (English) | Young People's Guide (Spanish)
Graham Foundation Bookshop
Open daily noon-5pm, the bookshop is located inside the Biennial Resource Hub on the first floor of the Chicago Cultural Center welcome center (Randolph Street entrance). The companion publication to the 2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial, entitled ...and other such stories, is for sale along with the official souvenir exhibition guide, tote bag, and a thematic selection of titles related to this edition.
Upcoming Bookshop Schedule:
Closed Dec 24, Dec 25, Jan 1
Holiday hours (1 – 5pm) Dec 26, Dec 31