HERE,
TO BROADEN PERSPECTIVES
In many ways, Chicago is a tale of two cities. Countless forces are at work, set on dividing us from our neighbors. Chief among these forces is our city’s longstanding history of segregation and displacement of Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities. The CAC established Open House Chicago (OHC) in 2011 as part of the Open House Worldwide family of nearly 50 similar events on five continents. Over the past decade, it has grown to be the largest Open House event in the world and expanded from a weekend event to a monthlong celebration of Chicago and its diverse communities. Throughout October 2021, Open House Chicago opened doors and opened minds with self-guided outdoor tours on the OHC app and dynamic online programs available all month long. The free festival also included the classic in-person OHC weekend on October 16 and 17 with behind-the-scenes access to over 100 venues in over 30 Chicago neighborhoods such as Austin, Back of the Yards, Bronzeville, Chinatown, Englewood, Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Pullman and Uptown. In 2021, 70% of OHC sites offered activations for visitors, including self-guided and volunteer-guided tours, music or food vendors. OHC attendees were able to spend more time at the various sites, not only learning about the architectural and social significance, but also meeting community members, supporting small businesses and reshaping their perspectives.
Knowing a man well never leads to hate and almost always leads to love. – John Steinbeck
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C H I CAGO A R CHITECTUR E CENTER
