Chicago Modernism North by Northwest: FAQ

Chicago Modernism Weekend is back — and this year it’s bigger, deeper, and more expansive than ever. Whether you’re a lifelong architecture enthusiast or just curious about what’s hiding behind the doors of the North Shore’s most extraordinary midcentury homes, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Your complete guide to the Second Annual Chicago Modernism Weekend, August 28–30, 2026

Chicago Modernism Weekend is a three-day celebration of Chicago’s extraordinary midcentury architectural legacy, presented by Atomic Ranch magazine in partnership with the Chicago Modernist Collective. Over the course of the weekend, private midcentury homes that are rarely — if ever — open to the public open their doors exclusively to ticket holders. The weekend also includes expert-led talks, exclusive VIP experiences, and access to some of the most celebrated residential buildings in American architectural history.

a chicago modernism living room with vintage mid century modern chairs and furniture — Garrison House, Location: Sleepy Hollow IL. Photo by Serhii Chruky.

When does it take place?

Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, 2026.

Where does it take place?

The weekend spans multiple communities across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Friday’s event takes place at 860–880 Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. Saturday’s home tour covers Lincolnwood, Glenview, and Highland Park. Sunday’s tour is in Sleepy Hollow and Barrington, with Sunday VIP homes located in Barrington Hills. Full addresses for each property are shared with ticket holders in your pre-event email, arriving approximately one week before the event.

Is this the first time Chicago Modernism Weekend has happened?

No — this is the Second Annual Chicago Modernism Weekend. The inaugural event in 2024 sold out across all ticket categories, including both VIP experiences. We’ve expanded significantly for 2026, adding a Friday evening event, new communities, and additional homes.

Who organizes Chicago Modernism Weekend?

The event is presented by Atomic Ranch magazine and the Chicago Modernist Collective, and was founded through the vision of Randi Merel, former Board Member of Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond, who brought the concept of a Palm Springs–style modernism week to Chicago.

Where do we park for Friday’s event?

Guests will have the option to park at several nearby public parking lots close to the towers. These are paid public lots and parking fees are the responsibility of the guest and are not included with the price of the ticket.

Can I know the addresses of the tour homes ahead of time?

For privacy reasons, the home’s exact locations won’t be sent until a week before the tour date when we email our ticketed guests a brochure/tour map containing all the exact locations. Guests will be able to start their tour at any home and choose your own route. When you check in with the door docent at your first home, you provide your name and/or show a copy (printed or on your phon) of your ticket email. You will receive a wrist band that will gain you access to each of the rest of the homes easily.

Are there shuttles provided for the tours?

The Sunday VIP tour of the Dart homes is the only event where shuttles are provided due to the limited parking available for each home. The Saturday North Shore home tour and the Sunday Northwest Suburbs tour are both self driving. There will be plenty of free neighborhood street parking for each of the homes on the tours.

Where is the meeting point for the shuttle for the Sunday VIP Edward Dart Homes tour?

Guests will meet at Countryside Elementary at 205 W County Line Rd, Barrington where our team will be stationed to check in guests and facilitate shuttle boarding. Please arrive to your chosen shuttle departure time on time to avoid delays and ensure you will be able to tour both homes adequately in your time slot.

Will I have plenty of time to see all the homes on the tour if i don’t arrive right at start time?

On Saturday, we advise you check in no later than 1pm in order to see all the homes. Expect to drive 20-25 minutes from one neighborhood to another (Lincolnwood · Glenview · Highland Park) The homes will remain open for the full window of time all allotted for the event. On Sunday, expect the neighborhoods to be about 35-40 minutes apart. We advise that you check in no later than 1:30 in order to see all the homes.

Are children allowed to attend the tours?

We welcome children to all of our home tours! Tickets are not required for kids 12 and under. Because alcohol will be served at our Saturday VIP event at the Don Erikson house, this event must remain 21 and older.

Will restrooms be available on the tours?

Restrooms will not be available at the Saturday North Shore Home Tour, the Sunday VIP Edward Dart Homes tour or the Sunday Northwest Suburbs tour so please plan accordingly.

Where should I stay if i’m traveling in from out of town?

Magnificent Mile hotels near the Friday Mid Century Modern & Mies Tour

Drake Hotel

Conceptualized by architect Benjamin Marshall and opened on New Year’s Eve 1920, the hotel was the country’s first “urban resort”. Through the roaring twenties, the hotel became high society’s first choice in opulence. Over the decades, the hotel hosted visits by Walt Disney, George Gershwin and Charles Lindbergh. Newlyweds Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio dined in the Cape Code Room and supposedly carved their initials in the bar’s wooden counter. Fast forward to 1996 when Princess Diana visited Chicago for a cancer research benefit and stayed at The Drake for 3 days residing in the 1,500 square foot presidential suite now called the Princess Diana Suite.

Millennium Hotel Knickerbocker Chicago

Opened in 1927. This grand hotel in a combined style of Gothic Revival and Beaux-Art was designed by Chicago architects, Rissman & Hirshfield, who were known for developing luxury high-rises along Lake Shore Drive. The hotel quickly became a hub for socialites, celebrities and even the mafia! The hotel was at the center of Chicago’s Prohibition past having operated as speakeasy associated with Al Capone. The hotel also earned a notorious reputation as the location of a secret casino operated by Capone’s older brother. Fast forward to the 1970s when its name changed to the Playboy Towers Hotel under Hugh Hefner.