Chicago’s skyline tells a story of resilience and ambition. From the first steel-frame skyscrapers of the late 19th century to today’s shimmering towers of glass and steel, architecture has always been central to the city’s identity. Every October, that story comes to life through the Open House Chicago festival, a weekend when buildings across the city open their doors to the public.
In 2025, the event returns on October 18 and 19. With more than 170 participating sites, including 30 brand-new additions, this year’s edition offers visitors a rare chance to explore landmarks, hidden interiors, and neighborhood treasures. Whether you are a Chicagoan or visiting for the first time, Open House is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to experience the city.
The Origins of Open House Chicago
The Open House concept began in London in 1992. Its purpose was simple: give ordinary citizens free access to architecturally significant buildings, helping them connect more deeply with the spaces that shape their lives. The model spread quickly to other cities, and Chicago joined in 2011 under the leadership of the Chicago Architecture Center.
Since then, Open House Chicago has grown into one of the largest festivals of its kind worldwide. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people step into buildings they might otherwise only pass by. For a single weekend, the boundaries between public and private blur, and the city itself becomes a museum.
The focus has always been inclusivity. Visitors can enter downtown skyscrapers, historic churches, theaters, community spaces, and new eco-friendly developments. Many of these are locations with restricted access the rest of the year.
What to Expect in 2025
This year’s Open House will be held on Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19. The scale is vast: more than 170 participating buildings across more than 20 neighborhoods. Thirty of these sites are brand new to the program, ranging from entertainment venues to historic cultural spaces.
For 2025, organizers are also launching Neighborhood Headquarters. These hubs will be spread across the city, providing maps, printed guides, Wi-Fi, and restrooms. They serve as convenient starting points, especially for those exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Most sites are free to enter. Some, however, will require pre-registration or timed entry because of limited capacity. Rooftop terraces, small historic interiors, and private clubs are especially prone to crowding, so it is important to plan in advance. The official event app is the best tool for this. It lists opening hours, registration details, and suggested itineraries.
Chicago’s Architectural Legacy
To understand why Open House matters, it helps to know a little about Chicago’s role in architectural history.
The Great Fire of 1871 destroyed much of the city, creating an opportunity for radical rebuilding. Chicago architects pioneered steel-frame construction, giving birth to the modern skyscraper. Daniel Burnham and John Root shaped early high-rise design, while Louis Sullivan developed the idea that “form follows function.”
Frank Lloyd Wright, who worked briefly in Sullivan’s office, launched his own practice here and created the Prairie School of architecture. His designs emphasized horizontal lines, open interiors, and harmony with the natural environment.
In the 20th century, Mies van der Rohe brought European modernism to Chicago, creating the glass-and-steel aesthetic that defined mid-century skylines. Today, contemporary firms such as Studio Gang continue that spirit of innovation with projects like the St. Regis Chicago and Aqua Tower.
Open House Chicago allows visitors to see these eras side by side. In one weekend, you might stand in a Wright-designed home, a Gothic university chapel, and a 21st-century glass skyscraper.
What’s New in 2025
The festival is constantly evolving. In 2025, the roster expands with 30 new sites. Among them are the Chicago Magic Lounge in Andersonville, a speakeasy-style theater devoted to magic; the Four Star Mushrooms facility on the Near West Side, which introduces visitors to urban farming in a sustainable environment; and the National Public Housing Museum, which will open preserved historic apartments to the public.
The addition of Uptown as a featured neighborhood is another highlight. Long known for its theaters and music clubs, Uptown offers restored Art Deco architecture and venues that once hosted jazz legends.
With these additions, Open House 2025 offers both continuity and surprise: the city’s most famous landmarks alongside discoveries few have seen before.
Landmark Buildings to Watch
Though the final list of participating buildings changes each year, some landmarks are perennial favorites or likely inclusions.
The Willis Tower Skydeck offers breathtaking views from 1,353 feet above the city. Visitors can step onto the glass ledge and look straight down to the streets below—a thrill that never fails to impress.
The Rookery Building, completed in 1888, contains a light court redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905. Its mixture of historic detail and Wright’s modern sensibility makes it one of the most beautiful interiors in the city.
Marina City, the twin “corncob” towers completed in the 1960s, reflect a bold experiment in urban living. The towers combined residential units with commercial space and parking, embodying the idea of a self-contained vertical community.
The Tribune Tower, completed in 1925, is a neo-Gothic skyscraper famous for its façade embedded with stones from monuments around the world. Walking around its base is like taking a global journey.
Finally, the St. Regis Chicago, designed by Jeanne Gang, is the city’s newest architectural icon. Completed in 2020, its three interconnected towers ripple with a crystalline effect. At nearly 1,200 feet, it is now Chicago’s third-tallest building.
Hidden Treasures
The appeal of Open House is not just the well-known landmarks but also the lesser-known gems that reward exploration.
The Elks National Memorial near Lincoln Park is a Beaux-Arts structure built in the 1920s. Its rotunda, lined with marble and filled with sculptures, is a solemn tribute to those who served in World War I.
Cafe Brauer, a Prairie-style building designed by Dwight Perkins, offers a more relaxed experience. Overlooking the Lincoln Park lagoon, it is a beautiful place to pause and appreciate the connection between architecture and nature.
The Chicago Temple Building downtown is another surprise. At 568 feet, it is the tallest church building in the world. Its Sky Chapel, located near the top, is a sanctuary unlike any other—spiritual reflection framed by sweeping city views.
Neighborhood Highlights
Open House spreads well beyond downtown, encouraging visitors to explore Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Each has its own architectural character and cultural identity.
In Pilsen, colorful murals adorn walls along 16th Street, celebrating Mexican heritage and community pride. The National Museum of Mexican Art anchors the neighborhood, and historic churches reflect the area’s immigrant roots.
Bronzeville, once known as the Black Metropolis, tells the story of African American life in Chicago. The Victory Monument honors soldiers of the 8th Regiment, and the South Side Community Art Center continues its legacy as a hub for Black artists since the 1940s.
Hyde Park offers contrasts between the Gothic Revival buildings of the University of Chicago and Wright’s Robie House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rockefeller Memorial Chapel and the Midway Plaisance provide additional architectural and cultural interest.
Uptown, newly added in 2025, recalls its past as a center of entertainment. The Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre are examples of Art Deco grandeur, while smaller venues tell the story of the neighborhood’s jazz and blues history.
Other neighborhoods expected to participate include Logan Square, with its boulevards and greystones, and Avondale, known for its industrial spaces turned creative studios.
Sustainability and the Future of Design
Open House 2025 emphasizes sustainability more than ever before. Chicago has long been a leader in green building, and several sites highlight this commitment.
The Green Exchange, once a manufacturing plant, is now a LEED Platinum-certified center for sustainable businesses. It demonstrates how adaptive reuse can preserve history while embracing modern values.
The Chicago Center for Green Technology was one of the first municipal buildings to achieve LEED Platinum status. Though no longer fully operational, it remains a model of how design can integrate solar power, stormwater management, and recycled materials.
The Lincoln Yards project, still under development, represents the city’s vision for the future. Rising on former industrial land, it will integrate parks, bike paths, riverfront access, and sustainable infrastructure.
These sites remind visitors that architecture is not only about form and beauty but also about responsibility to the environment and the community.
Tours, Talks, and Activities
The festival offers more than building access. Visitors can attend expert-led tours that provide historical and architectural context. Many are guided by architects, historians, or building managers who bring personal insight to the spaces.
Families will find activities designed for children, such as scavenger hunts and workshops that turn architecture into play. Talks and panel discussions allow participants to hear directly from architects and planners about current challenges and future visions.
Photography competitions encourage visitors to share their perspectives on the city. Using the hashtag #OHC2025, participants contribute to a collective visual story of the event.
Neighborhood Headquarters will also host special programming and serve as gathering points, making it easier to connect with the festival across the city.
Planning Your Visit
With so much to see in just two days, planning is essential. Some visitors focus on downtown, where many landmarks are clustered within walking distance. Others dedicate their time to one or two neighborhoods, exploring in depth.
The official app is the best planning tool. It provides building lists, maps, and even curated routes for different interests. Public transportation is the easiest way to move between neighborhoods, with CTA trains and buses serving most areas. Divvy bikes are another option for short distances.
Popular sites get crowded in the early afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or later in the day makes for a more relaxed experience. October weather in Chicago is cool, averaging between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. A light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a small umbrella are recommended.
Food and Rest Stops
Exploring Chicago architecture pairs naturally with sampling the city’s food scene.
Downtown, Goddess and the Baker serves coffee and pastries, Lou Malnati’s offers deep-dish pizza, and Beatrix provides lighter meals. In the neighborhoods, food reflects local culture. Pilsen is known for tacos and panaderías. Bronzeville offers classic soul food. Uptown is famous for its international cuisines, from Vietnamese to Ethiopian.
Some restaurants participate with discounts or special offers during Open House weekend, making it a perfect time to combine architectural exploration with culinary discovery.
Capturing the City
Photography is an essential part of the Open House experience. The view from the Willis Tower Skydeck is unbeatable, but there are countless other opportunities.
The Chicago Riverwalk provides reflective views of glass towers. Marina City’s round forms glow beautifully at sunset. The St. Regis Chicago adds a futuristic touch. Even small details—ornamental stonework, mosaic floors, hidden courtyards—are worth capturing.
Visitors are encouraged to share their best shots on social media, contributing to the festival’s collective celebration of the city.
Why Attend
Open House Chicago is more than sightseeing. It is a celebration of the city’s creativity and diversity. For residents, it reveals hidden corners of familiar neighborhoods. For visitors, it offers a crash course in Chicago’s history and culture through the lens of architecture.
In one weekend, you can step inside world-famous skyscrapers, explore neighborhood murals, learn about sustainable design, and connect with communities across the city. It is a rare opportunity to see Chicago not just as a skyline but as a living, evolving place.
Conclusion
Chicago has always built boldly, and Open House is a chance to step inside that story. With more than 170 sites, from skyscrapers to hidden chapels, from historic neighborhoods to green developments, the 2025 festival promises to be one of the most exciting yet.
Mark your calendar for October 18 and 19. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Open House Chicago will let you experience the city not just as a collection of buildings, but as a living expression of history, culture, and imagination.
Quick FAQ
When is the event?
October 18–19, 2025.
Do I need tickets?
No. The event is free, though some sites require pre-registration.
How do I plan my visit?
Download the Open House Chicago app for maps, schedules, and itineraries.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. Workshops, scavenger hunts, and kid-friendly tours are available.
What’s new this year?
Thirty new sites have been added, and Neighborhood Headquarters will debut as support hubs.