Plan a visit
Match the train line to the airport
CTA's Blue Line connects O'Hare with downtown, while the Orange Line connects Midway with the downtown Loop. CTA lists the Blue Line as running around the clock; Orange Line trains do not run overnight.
A few things to know
The river's direction was an engineering decision
In 1900, the Sanitary District of Chicago, MWRD's predecessor, reversed the Chicago River through construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The project directed wastewater away from Lake Michigan, the region's drinking-water source.
Cloud Gate's surface reflects the skyline
Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate stands in Millennium Park. The City describes a sculpture made from polished stainless-steel plates, inspired by liquid mercury, that reflects the skyline and clouds.
City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
A weekend for looking inside city buildings
The Chicago Architecture Center hosts Open House Chicago each October, with free access to sites of architectural, historical and cultural interest. Individual sites have their own arrangements.
Published event dates
Each listing belongs to the named year. Organisers can change dates or arrangements; check the linked programme before making plans.
Open House Chicago 2026
to
These are the organiser’s published dates for the named edition. Follow the official listing for arrangements and later editions.
At the 17 October 2026 source check: Listed for these dates. Check the organiser before going.
Questions to take into a coffee chat
Use one that matches what you want to learn. These are suggested questions, not statements from employees or claims about office culture.
What surprised you most about the practicalities of working from this office after you joined?
If you were choosing a commute again, what would you test before deciding where to live?
Have you found a favourite building, museum or neighbourhood event since living here?
Ask a follow-up about the person’s own experience, and check whether it applies to your target office and role.
Keep your notes in the coffee-chat trackerSources and corrections
Facts are summarised in our own words. Transport rules, access arrangements, office addresses and event programmes can change. The source-check date records when we reviewed the references; it is not a guarantee of current service.
- Rapid Transit Trains to Chicago Airports (O'Hare & Midway)Chicago Transit Authority
- A History of Protecting Our Water EnvironmentMetropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
- Cloud Gate in Millennium ParkCity of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
- Open House ChicagoChicago Architecture Center