It’s here, Chicago! The weekend we anticipate all year and the chance to visit hundreds of Chicago’s architecturally significant properties. Lace up your most comfortable walking shoes and join me! Here are my top 10 picks for the annual Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago 2019. #OHC2019
Images by Eric Allix Rogers 
Chicago Architecture Center
111 East Wacker Dr.
Start at the newly opened Chicago Architecture Center. It’s perhaps an obvious choice for this tour, but I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t been there yet. I’m looking forward to exploring the Chicago City Model Experience and the Building Tall Exhibit celebrating Chicago‘s history as the birthplace of the skyscraper.
Images by Eric Allix Rogers 
The Chicago Board of Trade Building
141 W. Jackson Boulevard Blvd.
The exterior of this building at the southern end of LaSalle Street is one of the most recognizable spots in Chicago. You’ve seen it in dozens of films and TV commercials. Step inside and appreciate the art deco design of the lobby and a vault, that was never used by the bank that once occupied this building, will be open to the public for OHC19.
Images by Eric Allix Rogers 
Chicago Post Office
433 W. Van Buren St.
The Old Chicago Post Office may be the most exciting new development in Chicago this year. After a decade of decline and disuse, this massive building is being repurposed as modern office space, a food hall and supporting amenities for businesses. Don’t miss a chance to visit the interior and it’s restored historic lobby before the new tenants move in.
Images by Mark Ballogg 
Monroe Building
104 South Michigan Ave.
The Monroe Building has sparked my interest for decades. The exterior alone is admirable for its beautiful harmony with its neighbors along South Michigan Avenue, but the interior is the real attraction. The lobby boasts one of the largest collections of Rockwood Pottery tile in the world. The vaulted Gothic style ceilings are beautifully arrayed in this mosaic art tile.
Images by Eric Allix Rogers 
The Rookery
209 S. LaSalle Street
The Rookery at 209 South LaSalle Street is easily one of the most beautiful interior spaces in the entire city of Chicago. The building was designed by Burnham and Root and the incredible light-filled lobby was imagined and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Give yourself plenty of time to just take it all in.
Lyric Opera House by Eric Allix Rogers 
Eric Allix Rogers
Lyric Opera of Chicago
10 North Wacker Dr.
You could create an entire Open House Chicago schedule around the dozens of cultural and performing arts venues. Personally I like to see a performance and take in the theater as part of that experience, but I make an exception for opera. I’ve just never been able to tap into an appreciation for this art form. But boy do I love their house! The Lyric Opera of Chicago is a wonder of Art Nouveau style enrobed in gold, red and classical inspiration.
Moving north on Michigan Avenue visit some of Chicago‘s most significant religious institutions.
Images by Eric Allix Rogers 
Fourth Presbyterian Church
126 East Chestnut St.
Strolling down Michigan Avenue you won’t miss this incredible edifice at the center of it all. Fourth Presbyterian Church is a gorgeous example of Gothic architecture covered in decades-old ivy and appearing like an oasis of tranquility in the center of a bustling retail area.
Images by Eric Allix Rogers 
Holy Name Cathedral
735 North State St.
Visitors flock to Chicago to see Holy Name Cathedral. This Gothic church just steps from the North Michigan Avenue Magnificent Mile area, rose after the destruction of the entire city in the Chicago fire of 1871. Holy Name calls itself “The place where Chicago goes to pray”. Visitors come from all corners of the world to experience this center of Chicago Catholicism.
Images by Eric Allix Rogers 
Lincoln Park Conservatory
2391 North Stockton Dr.
Moving north through Lincoln Park take some time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors that surround the Lincoln Park Zoo before stopping into the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Yes, I realize that this location is free and open to the public practically every day of the year, but I never miss a chance to stop in to this little piece of paradise in the bustling city. Especially when the days turn cold, this is my happy place full of ferns and palms, swimming koi fish, orchids and a rotating display of gorgeous special exhibits, for those who wind their way to the very back exhibit space. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is always worth a visit in every season.
Images by Eric Allix Rogers
Elks National Memorial
2750 North Lakeview Ave.
Practically hidden in plain sight at the north end of Lincoln Park is the Elks National Memorial. It might not grab your attention from the outside but step inside to one of the most incredible tributes to American Armed Forces that you’ll find in the US. The grand rotunda and refined meeting spaces are open to the public this weekend.
And if this isn’t enough to fill your weekend, check out our Open House Chicago 2018 recommendations. Most of these sites are open again this year.
Finally, you might want to take a little bit of this great city home with you. Here’s a small collection of Chicago-themed products for your home.
