Along with a fresh name and a slick Riverside location, the Chicago Architecture Center (111 E. Wacker Dr.) got a 1,900-square-foot store in August that rivals any modern art museum’s. Adhering to the nonprofit’s mission to “inspire people to discover why design matters,” the plaza-level boutique offers a collection of quirky and practical items for architecture junkies ranging from dedicated maximalists to less-is-more devotees. It may be a gift shop at a tourist attraction, but there’s plenty for locals: The Chicago-centric souvenirs bypass cheese, and the elevated goods are downright divine.
![Baltic by Design wooden bowl](/wp-content/archive/images/2018/1118/C201811-F-How-to-Spend-CAC-bowl.jpg)
$70
Baltic by Design wooden bowl
![Iona Koss pendant](/wp-content/archive/images/2018/1118/C201811-F-How-to-Spend-CAC-pendant.jpg)
$100
Iona Koss pendant
![Verloop Knits pillow](/wp-content/archive/images/2018/1118/C201811-F-How-to-Spend-CAC-pillow.jpg)
$165
Verloop Knits pillow
![Chicago skyline mug](/wp-content/archive/images/2018/1118/C201811-F-How-to-Spend-CAC-mug.jpg)
$17
Chicago skyline mug
![Chicago Architecture Center logo satchel](/wp-content/archive/images/2018/1118/C201811-F-How-to-Spend-CAC-satchel.jpg)
$300
Chicago Architecture Center logo satchel
![Cocoon House kimonos](/wp-content/archive/images/2018/1118/C201811-F-How-to-Spend-CAC-kimono.jpg)
$130
Cocoon House kimonos