The Chicago Architecture Center’s annual Open House Chicago program—one of the world’s largest architecture and urban exploration festivals—is back October 18 and 19, and it’s poised to be bigger and better than ever before, with over 200 locations scattered across 25 Chicago neighborhoods. Along with granting Chicagoans the chance to peep behind the doors of some of the city’s most architecturally and culturally significant buildings, Open House Chicago will also offer free private tours of 13 residential spaces normally closed to the public.
RECOMMENDED: Five iconic landmarks you’ll be able to access for free during Open House Chicago 2025
Whether you’re hoping to bring your Pinterest “home inspo” to life or embrace your inner-historian, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Open House Chicago—from Walt Disney’s childhood home and Gilded Age landmarks to groundbreaking public housing complexes. Whatever your persuasion, don’t pass up the opportunity to tour these remarkable homes.
The 5 best residential spaces to visit during Open House 2025
Edgewater Beach Apartments, 5555 N Sheridan Rd
Oct 18 10am–5pm
This massive flamingo pink palace is the only remaining portion of the Edgewater Beach Hotel complex, most of which was demolished in the late 1960s. In order to protect the compound’s remains, the Edgewater Beach Apartments building became a co-op in 1949 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. The building’s unique star shape—technically called a “Maltese-Cross”—affords each room maximum natural light and panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy a partially guided tour of the building’s lobby, mezzanine, retail arcade, pool terrace and two-acre garden.
Glessner House, 1800 S Prairie Ave
Oct 18, 19 10am–5pm
Romanesque Revival pioneer H.H. Richardson’s last surviving work in Chicago was commissioned by John and Frances Glessner, who were influential figures in the Gilded Age and champions of the arts. Thanks to its innovative floor plan—with primary rooms facing inward toward a light-drenched courtyard—the Glessner House ushered in a new age of residential architecture in the U.S. Visitors can enjoy 10-minute guided tours of the house’s main living spaces, which are loaded with original furnishings representing the Aesthetic, Modern Gothic and Arts and Crafts movements.
Hilliard Tower Apartments, 54 W Cermak Rd
Oct 18 10am–5pm
Appearing at Open House Chicago for the first time, the Raymond M. Hilliard Homes were originally conceived as affordable housing in the midst of the Urban Renewal initiative. With its then-revolutionary poured concrete construction, designer Bertrand Goldberg endeavored to create low-income housing that would instill a sense of pride within its tenants, who he believed were adversely punished for their socioeconomic status by way of low-quality public housing. Visitors can view displays depicting the building’s original construction, rehab and site map in the entryway lobby before heading outside for programs or a rooftop tour of the senior building at 2111 South Clark Street. Continuous performances—including church choirs and tai chi demonstrations—in the inner courtyard will highlight local talent from neighboring Chinatown.
Walt Disney House & Birthplace, 2156 N Tripp Ave
Oct 18, 19 noon–4pm
In 1891, carpenter Elias Disney purchased a parcel of land on the corner of Tripp Avenue and Palmer Street in hopes of building a charming abode for his growing family—his wife Flora even drew up the two-story cottage’s architectural plans. Nearly a decade after the home’s completion, future world-defining animator Walter Elias Disney was born on the second floor. The home’s current owners are collaborating with the City of Chicago to ensure the home’s protection and restoration. Line up early for this site visit: Due to the space’s historically high demand, Open House Chicago will admit 15 visitors at a time for self-guided tours capped at 15 minutes.
Sheridan Trust & Savings Bank Building, 4753 N Broadway
Oct 18, 19 noon–5pm
If you’ve ever ventured to Uptown, you’ve surely clocked the towering terra cotta-clad Sheridan Trust and Savings Bank Building—recently renamed The Teller House. Constructed throughout the 1920s and granted Chicago Landmark status in 2008, the building changed many hands before its recent redevelopment into a mixed-use apartment and commercial complex. Visitors will be able to explore the building’s historic bank atrium (now home to WeWork), Oval Office board room, panic room and basement vault.