If you’re in the Chicago area and love architecture, keep reading.
Architecture Week is fast approaching, running April 12-18 2026 across the entire city of Chicago. Organized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the goal is to make architecture and design accessible to everyone, not just professionals.
Michael Ferro, a Chicago-based artist and curator, sees events like this as great opportunities to connect communities to the built environment around them. Let’s break down all the details of the event:
What Is Architecture Week?
Architecture Week, hosted nationally every year by the AIA, recognizes the power of good design in a city. The week features multiple events across the city, attracting firms, schools, cultural institutions, and community organizations.
It runs parallel to loads of other events going on in Chicago, including EXPO Chicago (April 9-12) and the final days of The Disappointed Tourist at the Chicago Architecture Center (through April 19).
Who It’s For (Everyone, But Especially Students)
Primarily, Architecture Week is for K-12 students and educators. Activities include:
- virtual read-alouds with architecture/design children’s book authors
- classroom visits by practicing architects
- hands-on design challenges
- firm open days
At the 2025 event, 51 AIA chapters participated nationally across 42 states, and the momentum is only building. AIA also provides a free “Plug & Play” toolkit for teachers to run classroom activities.
Why Chicago Is the Right City for This
It’s no secret that Chicago is globally recognized for its architecture. The city just wrapped the Chicago Architecture Biennial in February 2026, which is the largest free architecture exhibition in North America.
Michael Ferro often says that Chicago’s architectural character isn’t just about the big-city skyline—it also lives in neighborhoods, public spaces, and the everyday decisions that go into city planning. Architecture week brings that conversation into schools and community spaces where it rarely reaches.
How to Get Involved
Architecture Week is free and open to all. Members of the public can attend open firm days and community events as programming is announced. Teachers and schools can request architect visits or access AIA’s free classroom toolkit. Anyone can participate on socials using #ArchitectureWeek
Full Chicago-specific programming will be updated throughAIA Chicago as the week approaches.
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