CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It's the biggest month of the year for the Chicago Architecture Center as the annual in person Open House Chicago returns after a year off.
"It's an exciting time for us. Last year we weren't able to have an onsite weekend. This year it returns on the weekend of October 16 and 17," said Sinhue Mendoza, Director of Communication, Chicago Architecture Center.
Open House Chicago is a free public festival hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center that offers self-guided history and architecture trails throughout Chicago, talks and programming, and behind-the-scenes access to architecturally, historically, and culturally significant sites across the city.
Open House Chicago remains one of the largest events of its kind in the world.
"We are the most important architecture city in the U.S. People come from different parts of the world to see what we see here," Mendoza said.
This year's program highlights more than 100 venues in more than 30 Chicago neighborhoods, North Shore suburbs, and Oak Park, with 30 trails for self-guided, outdoor exploration on themes, including community engagement, green spaces, historic preservation, residential architecture and more. Open House Chicago 2021 also includes a broad array of talks and virtual programs, as well as tips and itineraries for exploring shopping, dining, and other attractions in each neighborhood.
"We have new sites and some of the former iconic sites. Some of the new ones are the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, some new sites in Bronzeville, and some of the classics are still there. Orchestra Hall will be open again," Mendoza said.
Additionally, Open House Chicago 2021 features a return of the OHC App with extended content you can find nowhere else. Starting on Friday, the CAC app will be available for self guided tours throughout the month of October.
"You can even pick a neighborhood. Through our app, you can explore like a local. We launched this last year that gives the people the opportunity to explore on their own. We have the Obama Trail, The Chicago Fire Trail, The Jahn Trail that starts at the Architecture Center and goes around to the Thompson Center, The Ogilvie Center," Mendoza said.
Mendoza hopes the app and Open House Chicago will have a domino effect economically.
"The idea is 'hey if I'm going to be in this neighborhood, there's a famous landmark, a great restaurant or whatever.' Check it out if you're in Garfield Park, Bronzeville. There are so many hidden gems outside the downtown area," he said. "Most of the buildings that are on Open House sites are from famous architects, iconic architects like Helmut Jahn and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The trail "stops" are separate from in-person site visits and are not available for entry; but the "Explore Like A Local" section includes additional recommendations for places to eat, shop, and visit.
Mendoza said there is something for everyone this year.
"What makes this event so great, you have the niche for architecture nerds, but there are things for people who might not be so much into architecture, but they can see the beauty and the design and why it's a special building," he said.
Open House Chicago is part of a worldwide movement of free open house events that began in London in 1992. More than 50 cities worldwide hold similar weekend festivals. For more information, log onto architecture.org.
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