The Chicago Architecture Biennial offers groundbreaking exhibitions, installations and programming on architecture and design throughout iconic sites in the city. Free and open to the public, the event runs September 19 to February 28. The sixth edition,“Shift: Architecture in Times of Radical Change,” addresses how architecture shapes the future of spaces we inhabit. Here, Jennifer Armetta, CAB executive director, and founder and director of Engage Projects gallery, walks us through the Biennial.
Tell us about this year’s event.
Led by Artistic Director Florencia Rodriguez, “Shift” explores how architecture responds to the cultural, social and environmental transformations shaping our world, bringing together more than 100 projects from artists, architects and designers across 30 countries. For the first time, the Biennial will be truly citywide, anchored by exhibition hubs in key areas. We want people to spend the day engaging with art and architecture.
What can visitors expect?
Beyond the Chicago Cultural Center, visitors will find exhibitions at Millennium Park, the John Hancock Center, the Driehaus Museum and cultural landmarks on the South Side. What’s special is how these experiences are embedded in everyday city life, making architecture more accessible and engaging. I’m excited about how families and young people might encounter these works in unexpected ways and leave feeling inspired or seen.
Why is Chicago so well-suited to host an event of this magnitude?
Chicago is unmatched in its architectural legacy, but what really makes it special is how open and innovative the arts community is. This city is a place for experimentation, and the Biennial thrives in that environment. We’re proud to contribute to a city that not only leads in design but also stays rooted in accessibility and community.
