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Becoming a member is more than just gaining access to exclusive perks, it's your opportunity to actively support the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and its vital mission.

Becoming a member is more than just gaining access to exclusive perks, it's your opportunity to actively support the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and its vital mission.

Member Benefits

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    Show Your Support

    Become a vital partner in inspiring others to discover why design matters, including providing access to our acclaimed youth education programs

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    Unlock Exclusive Benefits

    Enjoy exclusive benefits like members-only events, discounts on tours and programs and much more

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    Be part of a community

    Meet other architecture and design enthusiasts dedicated to shaping the future of our city and beyond

All members receive:

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† Dual and Family memberships are not tax deductible. Individual, Deco, Beaux Arts and all Burnham Society levels are tax deductible only to the extent allowed by law. Members may not use donor-advised funds (DAFs) or IRA funds to purchase memberships.

*Buy one get one (BOGO) benefit is valid for a one-time redemption annually. BOGO benefit varies by membership level and has limited availability on Fridays and Saturdays and cannot be used on Twilight departures (any departures later than 5pm). Please see Membership FAQ for a full schedule of river cruise BOGO benefit availability.

**Students (with valid ID) and educators (with valid ID) are eligible for a 15% discount for an Individual, Dual or Family membership by calling our call center at 312.922.8687 or visiting our box office in person.

For more information on our Premier, Select and Essential walking tours, visit the Walking Tour FAQ page.

Two teens with red t-shirts working on a building projectTwo teens with red t-shirts working on a building project

Burnham Society Membership

Named after legendary architect and Chicago city planner Daniel H. Burnham, the Burnham Society was formed to help the CAC achieve its mission to advance public interest in Chicago's magnificent architecture.

Burnham Society members give $1,500 or more annually*. 

  • Burnham Society - $1,500 - $2,999
  • Burnham Society Leader - $3,000-$4,999
  • Burnham Society Benefactor - $5,000 +

*Burnham Society memberships are tax deductible only to the extent allowed by law.

See benefits and details

What Our Members Have to Say

    • Photo courtesy of CAC/ Anna MunzesheimerThree people on a city street. One in a red docent t-shirt is pointing off screen. Photo courtesy of CAC/ Anna MunzesheimerThree people on a city street. One in a red docent t-shirt is pointing off screen.
      All of the CAC docents are amazing. As a geographer, the urban and built environment are important topics. I (we) have learned so much about the city from these folks.
      CAC Member
    • A panel of 4 men and 1 woman in front of a projector screen. The man on the right is standing and holding a microphone. A panel of 4 men and 1 woman in front of a projector screen. The man on the right is standing and holding a microphone.
      Your virtual programs and their hosts and participants are SUPERB!! Especially for those of us with hearing impairment, these programs and the option for closed captioning are a godsend.
      CAC Member
    • A group of people outside. The center figure is a blond woman in a red CAC polo shirt. Photo courtesy of CAC/ Anna MunzesheimerA group of people outside. The center figure is a blond woman in a red CAC polo shirt. Photo courtesy of CAC/ Anna Munzesheimer
      We visit whenever we are in town and love the walking tours!
      CAC Member

FAQS

  • Whether you're joining for the first time or renewing your membership, your CAC Membership Card(s) will be sent by email 3-5 days after you join or renew.

  • iPhone users: 

    1. Open the email containing your digital card from your iPhone
    2. Tap “Download Your Digital Card”
    3. Tap “Add to Wallet,” then “Add”
    4. The card will automatically be loaded into your iPhone’s Apple Wallet where it can be accessed at any time.

    Android users: 

    1. Open the email containing your digital card from your smartphone
    2. Tap “Download”
    3. The card will automatically be loaded into your designated Wallet application, where it can be accessed at any time


  • Please check your junk, spam, trash and updates folder for an email from membership@architecture.org, which will include a link to download your card. If you are still unable to find your digital card invitation, please contact us at 312.651.2110 or email our Membership team. We can resend the email for you to download and enjoy your digital membership card.

  • We automatically create an account for you using the email address you provided us when you purchased your membership. Go to the member account sign-in  page, enter your email address and click on “Forgot password?” to create a password. 

  • Individual, Dual and Family memberships are not tax deductible. Deco, Beaux Arts and all Burnham Society levels are tax deductible only to the extent allowed by law. Members may not use donor-advised funds (DAFs) to purchase memberships.

See more membership FAQs
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    volunteer with us

    Be a part of Chicago's architectural past, present and future in a volunteer role at the CAC.

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    have any questions?

    We're here to help. Contact the Center for more information and assistance.

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