Visitors flock from all over the world to admire Chicago’s iconic architecture, and there may be no better weekend to take it all in than during Open House Chicago. The event is back on Oct. 18 and 19 for its 15th year and gives attendees the rare chance to look inside some of Chicago’s many architectural marvels — for free.
Open House Chicago is one of the largest architectural and urban exploration festivals in the world, spanning 25 neighborhoods and more than 200 sites. With no shortage of sites to see, here are some of the fascinating places you can visit this year to help plan your itinerary.
Edgewater Beach Apartments
Originally constructed as part of the Edgewater Beach Hotel complex, this “Pink Palace” became a co-op in 1949 and earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Upon entry, visitors can explore the ornate, chandeliered lobby, retail arcade, original Beaux-Arts pool, terrace and backyard garden.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Church of the Atonement Episcopal
- Chicago Magic Lounge
- Colvin House
Electrical Audio
New site for 2025!
This one-time manufacturing building has also been a screen printing shop, a dairy barn and, most recently, a recording studio. Guests will be led on guided tours of this space, which has been a critical hub for Chicago’s independent music scene since the ‘90s.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: No
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Avondale Bowl
- Diversey House
- Judson & Moore Distillery
Walt Disney House and Birthplace
Did you know the House of Mouse has roots in Chicago? Disney’s famous founder was born in the city’s Hermosa neighborhood. Walt’s parents, Elias and Flora, designed and built the home in 1892, nine years before Walt was born. The family lived there until 1906 before moving to Missouri. Visitors will be able to take self-guided tours through the home.
Saturday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: No
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Right Bee Cider
- Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center
Herban Produce
This two-acre urban farm in Garfield Park has a mission to provide fresh, specialty produce to the local community. The farm grows herbs and spices like pineapple sage, African blue basil, and Greek oregano over 47 beds and seven vertical A-frames using a blend of modern and sustainable agricultural practices. There will be opportunities to take guided tours of the farm, interactive displays, mini farm tastings, and flower bouquet-making demos on site.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- 345 Art Gallery
- Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica and National Shrine
- Revolution Workshop
First Church of Deliverance
Designed by Illinois’ first licensed Black architect, Walter T. Bailey, the First Church of Deliverance was also influential in the development of gospel music through its broadcasts of church services, which have been recorded for more than 80 years, the longest continuous program of its kind. Visitors can explore the first floor sanctuary, foyer, and exterior areas.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Boxville
- The Forum
- South Side Sanctuary
Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music
New site for 2025!
This museum is filled with rare artifacts, stage props, tour itineraries, original artwork, unreleased recordings, and personal memorabilia that preserve the history of post-punk and industrial in its many forms. Guests can take a self-guided tour of the space and look into the recording studio. Museum staff will be on site to share stories and answer questions too.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: No
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Ramova Theatre
- Chicago Maritime Museum
- Chinese American Museum of Chicago
Avalon Regal Theater
Originally opened in 1927, this theater has been mostly unused since 2003, except for hosting Barack Obama’s election night party in 2008. The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1992, and a restoration is underway to fully renovate and reopen the building by 2027 in time for its 100th anniversary. Visitors will be able to view the grand lobby and auditorium.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Bordeau Griffin Design Center
- Stony Island Arts Bank
Saint Ignatius College Prep
This private high school is housed in one the rare buildings to have survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Visitors can explore the ornate woodworking in the Brunswick Room, the school’s natural history museum, the Foglia Library, and more.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
- Church of the Holy Family
- 800 Fulton
Christ the Savior Orthodox Church
This Tudor-style church’s exterior is made from red brick and limestone that evokes a Medieval English castle, while the inside features elaborate arched doorways, artfully crafted trusses, and a rooftop skylight. Visitors can explore the main floor of the church, and volunteers will provided guided tours upon request.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- International Museum of Surgical Science
- Hawksmoor Chicago
- Graham Foundation for the Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts
Wheeler Mansion
The only remaining historic mansion on Calumet Avenue has been operating as a boutique hotel since 1999. The mansion was originally built in the Second Empire architectural style for Calvin T. Wheeler, a banker and member of the Chicago Board of Trade. Guests can take self-guided tours around the residence and ask questions of staff on site.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: No
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Glessner House
- Quinn Chapel
- Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation (Chess Records)
Emil Bach House
This Prairie Style home in Rogers Park was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and now operates as an event venue. The stunning space features a Japanese tea house, yard, and patio. Visitors can explore the home and grounds on self-guided tours.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: No
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Casa Bonita
- Rogers Park Baptist Church
- Loyola University Chicago Mundelein Center for Fine and Performing Arts
Pullman Tech Workshop
A building that was once part of the historic Pullman Company campus is now used to provide hands-on training for youth and aspiring entrepreneurs in a variety of trades, including woodworking, drywalling and sustainable building. The space features the original brickwork, exposed beams, and large factory-style windows. Visitors can access the first floor on self-guided, station-based tours.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Greater Tabernacle Cathedral
- Pullman National Historical Park
- Pullman Artspace Lofts
Apollo’s 2000 Theater
Featuring vaudeville acts when it first opened in 1917 before transforming into a movie theater in 1936, this venue is now a home for Latinx music, celebrations, and community events. Guests can go on self-guided tours and can visit the theater’s projection room.
Saturday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Open Center for the Arts
- Working Bikes
- Mana Contemporary Chicago
St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral
This Byzantine church is recognized for 13 green cupolas adorned with 167-foot gold crosses, its beautiful iconography, mosaics and stained-glass windows. The main floor and choir loft will be open to guests, and staff be will on site to give guided tours upon request.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby sites:
- Wild Mile
- Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art
- Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church
Aspire Center
New site for 2025!
This facility transformed a shuttered school into a state-of-the-art, multi-use community hub that provides workforce training, wealth building programs, and other services to residents in the Austin neighborhood. Visitors can explore the building’s public areas, including its plaza, roof terrace, lobby, and a special exhibition highlighting the area’s changes over the years and the cultural impact of Chicago’s West Side.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
More information
Nearby Open House Chicago sites:
- Fraternité Notre Dame
- Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
- Third Unitarian Church
