The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago (OHC) is an annual free public festival that offers behind-the-scenes access to over 150 buildings across Chicago. OHC invites residents and visitors to explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods all for free.
The third-annual Open House Chicago took place over the weekend of October 19-20, 2013. In two days, more than 55,000 individuals made 194,000 site visits to repurposed mansions, secret rooms, private clubs, sacred spaces, hotels, offices, iconic theaters and more. Attendees came from all 50 states and 71 countries across the globe.
Over the course of over three years, I helped launch and eventually managed OHC, the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s highest profile program and the largest architecture event in the city.
openhousechicago.org
click to download 2013 event guide
OHC 2013 Facts and Figures
- 55,000 individuals made 194,000 site visits
- Attendees came from all 50 states and 71 countries
- 1,300 volunteers donated over 8,000 hours
- 500,000 copies of the OHC 2013 Event Guide printed and distributed by the Chicago Tribune
- 27,000 people visited a new neighborhood as a result of OHC
- Average event rating was 4.5 out of 5
- 92% of local participants said OHC made them proud to be a Chicagoan
- $5.1 Million total economic impact
150 cool places. 48 hours. Go. It’s Free!
*Unless otherwise noted, all photos courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Foundation