Photo by Ryan Barayuga.
National Public Housing Museum, 919 S. Ada Street, Chicago, IL 60607
In partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center, the National Public Housing Museum is one of more than 200 architecturally, historically, or culturally significant sites welcoming visitors October 18–19, 2025, at this free annual architecture fest.
Plan your itinerary and find out more at OpenHouseChicago.org.
Meet the Architects
11:30 am with Peter Landon and Terran Wilson
3:30 pm with Terran Wilson
Meet the architects who worked on the project to remake the last remaining building of the Jane Addams Homes into the National Public Housing Museum. These informal chats feature the Founder and Principal of LBBA, Peter Landon (FAIA, LEED, AP), and LBBA Principal, Terran Wilson (AIA).
Special Access: Historic Apartments
Noon–5 pm
Get a peek at three recreated apartments at the National Public Housing Museum. These historic apartments share the stories of different families who lived in the Jane Addams Homes between 1938 and 1975. Normally accessible only as part of an interactive guided tour, the apartments will be open for free, self-guided exploration at select points throughout Open House Chicago.
Special Access: Historic Apartments
3–5 pm
Get a peek at three recreated apartments at the National Public Housing Museum. These historic apartments share the stories of different families who lived in the Jane Addams Homes between 1938 and 1975. Normally accessible only as part of an interactive guided tour, the apartments will be open for free, self-guided exploration at select points throughout Open House Chicago.
Self-guided Visits
10 am–5 pm
Visitors can enjoy a self-guided visit that includes special exhibits like History Lessons: Everyday Objects from Public Housing and Living in the Shade: Open Space and Public Housing, Edgar Miller’s Animal Court, a scavenger hunt of architectural encounters, and interactive experiences in the REC Room and Demand the Impossible.
A limited number of advanced tickets are also available that weekend for the full, guided tour of the Historic Apartments.
This fall, the National Public Housing Museum partners with the Chicago Public Library Little Italy Branch and One Book, One Chicago to read Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez and explore themes of community and displacement.
