If you’re looking for an excuse to get off the couch and get out of your own neighborhood this fall, mark your calendar. The Chicago Architecture Foundation recently revealed the full lineup for its sixth annual Open House Chicago, set to take place on October 15 and 16, with access to more than 200 sites spread across 20 neighborhoods. And these aren’t your typical museums or churches—this year’s lineup includes some truly wonderful and off-the-beaten-path examples of architecture across the city. Oh, and you can visit them all for free.
Take, for example, the beautiful Yale Building in Englewood—a bright, seven-story Richardsonian-Romanesque building built in 1892, complete with skylit atrium and a plethora of plants. The Yale was originally a luxury apartment building during the World’s Fair. The landmark building was saved, restored and converted into senior living apartments in 2003, and it’s one of countless surprising pieces of architecture you probably don’t realize is right in your backyard.
“Open House Chicago is such a special event in the way that it showcases the city’s culturally rich communities and encourages locals and visitors to explore new neighborhoods,” said Lynn Osmond, President and CEO of CAF, in a statement. “OHC does more than open the public’s eyes to Chicago’s world-renowned architecture. It’s an event that raises awareness to the wider community of the role design plays in creating a vibrant and livable city.”
From architectural wonders in Bridgeport and Bronzeville to Uptown and Rogers Park, you can stop into any of the Open House Chicago sites during the two-day event for free. No reservation required.
Find the full lineup of 200-plus sites here, including the Yale Building, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Colvin House, the Chicago Board of Trade Building, Columbia Yacht Club, the New Regal Theater and many more.
RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Open House Chicago
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