Explore the City During Open House Chicago October 15–16

Mark your calendars! More than 200 sites in Chicago and neighboring Evanston and Oak Park are opening their doors to the public October 15–16, 2016, as part of Open House Chicago (OHC). Organized annually by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF), OHC is free!

During OHC weekend, the public is granted behind-the-scenes access to buildings across the area, many which are rarely, if ever, open to the public. Depending on the site, visitors will be taken on guided tours, be allowed to look around on their own, or a combination of both. Performances, discussions, and family-friendly activities will also be available at some locations. Visit the OHC Programs page for more information.

The Neighborhoods

Open House Chicago 2016 neighborhoods and suburbs lists

Plan Your Open House Chicago

Visit the OHC website for a list of this year's participating sites. Look through the entire list or use the filter feature to choose neighborhoods and other options (shown below) to create your own customized site list.

Open House Chicago 2016 Filter Categories

Using your Facebook or Twitter account, the OHC's itinerary tool allows you to save and organize sites you want to visit. View your personal itinerary on your phone or print it out to take with you as you explore during OHC weekend.

As you are selecting the sites you want to visit, please note the following:

  • Some sites require an RSVP. Use the "RSVP Only" filter to find these locations. RSVPs are not being accepted at this time. Once RSVP registration opens, these sites will fill up quickly, so be sure to check the OHC website often for updates.
  • A few sites are open to CAF members only. Use the "CAF Members Only" filter to find them.
  • OHC hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. However, some sites have limited hours and/or may be open only one of the two days.

There is always something new and exciting to see during OHC weekend. Using the "New in 2016" filter, I discovered there are more than 60 new sites to visit this year. I can't wait to start reviewing this year's list of participating sites and planning my itinerary. I hope you, too, are excited about OHC. Enjoy exploring!