Prepare to be captivated by the architectural brilliance of Chicago during Open House Chicago (OHC), a globally renowned festival taking place on October 18 and 19. Now marking its 15th year, this extraordinary event, hosted by Choose Chicago, invites visitors from near and far to explore over 200 sites spread across 25 diverse neighborhoods. Offering free access to a stunning array of buildings, from historic landmarks to modern marvels, OHC showcases the city’s unparalleled blend of history, innovation, and community spirit. It’s a unique opportunity to step inside spaces that define the Windy City’s identity, many of which are rarely open to the public.
This annual celebration goes beyond mere aesthetics, weaving together stories of resilience and cultural richness. Attendees can expect to encounter a wide range of architectural styles, each site reflecting a distinct chapter of Chicago’s journey through time. Whether drawn to the grandeur of Beaux-Arts designs or the simplicity of Prairie Style homes, there’s something to inspire every explorer. The festival serves as a bridge between past and present, highlighting how the city continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
Why OHC Is a Must-Visit Event
Unparalleled Access to Architectural Marvels
One of the most compelling reasons to attend OHC lies in the unprecedented access it provides to Chicago’s architectural treasures. With free entry to over 200 locations, the event opens doors to both iconic structures and lesser-known hideaways that are often inaccessible to the general public. From opulent lobbies to intricate interiors, visitors can immerse themselves in spaces that have shaped the city’s skyline and identity. This rare glimpse behind closed doors offers a firsthand look at the craftsmanship and vision that define Chicago’s built environment, making it an unmissable experience for anyone with an appreciation for design or history.
Beyond just viewing these spaces, the festival fosters a deeper connection to the city’s architectural narrative. Many sites featured in the event are steeped in historical significance, offering insights into how Chicago has grown and adapted over decades. Whether exploring a grand theater or a modest residence, each location provides a unique perspective on the forces that have influenced urban development. This access transforms a simple visit into an educational journey, revealing the layers of meaning embedded in every brick and beam.
A Celebration of Diversity and History
OHC stands out as more than just a showcase of buildings; it’s a vibrant celebration of the diverse communities and historical moments that have shaped Chicago. Spanning 25 neighborhoods, the festival highlights sites that reflect the city’s cultural mosaic, from places of worship to community hubs that have served as anchors for generations. These locations embody the stories of countless individuals who have contributed to the city’s rich tapestry, offering a tangible link to the past that resonates with visitors today.
This diversity is also evident in the range of architectural styles and purposes represented at the event. From structures that survived monumental events like the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 to those tied to cultural icons, each site adds a unique thread to Chicago’s historical fabric. The festival underscores how architecture can serve as a powerful medium for preserving heritage while fostering a sense of belonging. By connecting attendees to these narratives, OHC creates an experience that is as emotionally impactful as it is visually stunning.
Iconic Sites to Explore at OHC
Historical Landmarks and Residences
Among the standout attractions at OHC are the historical landmarks and residences that offer a direct connection to Chicago’s storied past. The Edgewater Beach Apartments, once part of a luxurious hotel complex, captivate with their Beaux-Arts elegance and ornate details, reflecting early 20th-century opulence. Similarly, the Walt Disney House in Hermosa, a modest structure where the entertainment legend was born, provides a personal glimpse into a global icon’s origins. These sites, along with others like Saint Ignatius College Prep—a survivor of the 1871 fire—invite exploration of spaces that have witnessed the city’s evolution over centuries.
Equally compelling are residences like the Wheeler Mansion in Bronzeville, a Second Empire-style gem that stands as a testament to Chicago’s architectural heritage, now reimagined as a boutique hotel. The Emil Bach House in Rogers Park, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, showcases the Prairie Style with its harmonious integration of nature and design. Each of these locations tells a distinct story of innovation and endurance, highlighting how individual buildings contribute to the broader historical narrative. Visiting these sites during OHC offers a rare chance to step into history and appreciate the craftsmanship that endures through time.
Cultural and Community Spaces
OHC also shines a spotlight on cultural and community spaces that serve as vital centers of connection across Chicago’s neighborhoods. The First Church of Deliverance in Bronzeville, designed by Illinois’ first licensed Black architect, stands as a cornerstone of gospel music history with its long-standing broadcasts. Its sanctuary and foyer reveal a legacy of cultural expression that continues to inspire. Meanwhile, Herban Produce in Garfield Park redefines urban spaces through sustainable farming, growing specialty herbs on a two-acre plot and offering guided tours that engage visitors with innovative agricultural practices.
Another highlight is the Aspire Center in Austin, a newly featured site for this year’s event, where a repurposed school now functions as a multi-use hub for workforce training and community development. This space exemplifies how architecture can address modern societal needs while preserving historical value. These locations collectively demonstrate the profound impact of built environments on fostering community spirit and cultural identity. They provide a window into how Chicagoans live, create, and connect, making them essential stops for anyone seeking to understand the city’s heartbeat during the festival.
Unique Themes and Trends
Adaptive Reuse and Modern Innovation
A prominent theme at OHC is the concept of adaptive reuse, where historic structures are thoughtfully repurposed to meet contemporary demands while retaining their original charm. The Avalon Regal Theater in South Chicago, a landmark since 1992, is currently under restoration with plans to reopen in the coming years, offering a peek into its grand lobby and auditorium. Similarly, the Pullman Tech Workshop, once part of the historic Pullman Company campus, now serves as a training ground for trade skills, blending industrial heritage with modern utility. These examples showcase Chicago’s commitment to preserving its architectural legacy while adapting to current needs.
This trend of innovation extends beyond mere preservation, reflecting a broader movement toward sustainability and functionality in urban spaces. Sites like these highlight how old buildings can find new purpose, whether as cultural venues or educational facilities, without losing their historical essence. The balance struck between honoring the past and embracing progress is a defining characteristic of Chicago’s architectural ethos. Exploring these transformed spaces during OHC provides a tangible sense of how the city navigates the challenges of growth while safeguarding its roots, offering inspiration for future urban planning.
Storytelling Through Architecture
Architecture at OHC transcends physical structures, serving as a medium for storytelling that captures the social, cultural, and economic currents of Chicago’s history. The intricate iconography of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Ukrainian Village narrates a tale of faith and community through its Byzantine design and striking cupolas. In contrast, Electrical Audio in Avondale, a former manufacturing space turned recording studio, tells a modern story of the city’s independent music scene, preserving a legacy of creativity that has thrived since the 1990s. Each site weaves a distinct narrative into the festival’s broader tapestry.
These stories are not confined to aesthetics but extend to the lived experiences tied to each location. From religious edifices that have anchored communities for generations to industrial spaces reborn as cultural hubs, the buildings featured at OHC reflect the diverse forces shaping Chicago. They reveal how architecture acts as both a mirror and a mold for societal values, capturing moments of triumph and transformation. Engaging with these narratives during the event offers a profound understanding of how the built environment influences and is influenced by the people who inhabit it, enriching every visit with deeper meaning.
Fresh Additions for This Year
New Sites to Spark Curiosity
Keeping the festival dynamic, OHC introduces several new sites this year that broaden its appeal and relevance. The Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music in Bronzeville stands out as a unique addition, preserving rare artifacts and offering insights into niche musical genres through self-guided tours. Another fresh highlight, the Aspire Center in Austin, transforms a former school into a community resource with programs focused on workforce development and wealth-building, reflecting contemporary priorities in urban spaces. These new entries ensure the event remains a vibrant exploration of both history and modernity.
These additions cater to a wide array of interests, from music enthusiasts to those passionate about community progress. They underscore the festival’s commitment to showcasing Chicago’s evolving architectural landscape, where innovation and cultural expression find equal footing with historical preservation. By including such diverse sites, OHC ensures that every attendee finds something novel to explore. These new locations also signal the event’s forward-thinking approach, inviting curiosity about how the city will continue to redefine itself in the years ahead, making each visit a fresh adventure.
Blending Old and New
The seamless integration of historic and contemporary sites is another hallmark of OHC, evident in this year’s lineup. The Emil Bach House, a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, exemplifies timeless Prairie Style design with its serene integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, standing as a classic example of architectural innovation. In contrast, modern spaces like Electrical Audio bring a current edge, highlighting Chicago’s role in shaping today’s cultural scenes through adaptive reuse of industrial buildings. This juxtaposition creates a dialogue between eras that enriches the festival experience.
This blend of old and new serves as a powerful reminder of Chicago’s dynamic identity, where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously. Sites ranging from historic residences to cutting-edge community hubs illustrate how the city builds on its past to create a vibrant present. This balance ensures that OHC appeals to a broad audience, whether drawn to the elegance of bygone designs or the ingenuity of modern adaptations. Exploring these contrasting yet complementary spaces offers a comprehensive view of how Chicago’s architectural story continues to unfold, bridging generations through shared spaces and evolving purposes.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Welcoming All Visitors
A cornerstone of OHC is its dedication to accessibility, ensuring that the festival can be enjoyed by a wide range of attendees. Many featured sites are wheelchair accessible, accommodating diverse physical needs and allowing more people to engage with Chicago’s architectural wonders. Additionally, the event offers a variety of tour formats, from guided experiences that provide detailed insights to self-guided options that allow for personal pacing. This thoughtful approach reflects a commitment to making the exploration of the city’s built environment an inclusive endeavor for all who wish to participate.
This focus on accessibility extends beyond physical accommodations to include a welcoming atmosphere for visitors of all backgrounds. By offering free entry and spanning numerous neighborhoods, OHC breaks down barriers to participation, inviting everyone to discover the city’s architectural gems. The diversity of sites, from grand theaters to community farms, ensures that there are points of interest for varied tastes and perspectives. Such inclusivity enhances the festival’s impact, fostering a shared appreciation for Chicago’s heritage and innovation across a broad audience, regardless of individual circumstances.
A Festival for Every Explorer
OHC is designed to cater to every type of explorer, whether attending for the first time or returning as a seasoned participant. Guided tours at locations like Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in West Town offer structured insights into unique Tudor-style architecture resembling a Medieval English castle. Conversely, self-guided strolls at venues such as Apollo’s 2000 Theater in Little Village allow for a more independent experience, with access to spaces like the projection room that highlight the venue’s vaudeville roots and current role in Latinx cultural events. This flexibility ensures a tailored experience for all.
The festival’s broad appeal lies in its ability to adapt to different interests and exploration styles, making it a truly universal event. From history enthusiasts eager to uncover Chicago’s past to design aficionados seeking inspiration in modern adaptations, there’s a path for everyone. The range of sites and tour options means that attendees can craft their own journey through the city’s architectural landscape, discovering hidden stories or iconic landmarks at their own pace. This adaptability solidifies OHC as a standout event, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a deeper connection to Chicago’s enduring charm and evolving spirit.
