2026 Chicago Preservation Expo

In celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) invites all Chicagoans to the 2026 Chicago Preservation Expo from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, May 18 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Through this free event, attendees have the opportunity to connect with City staff, community and nonprofit organizations, professional service providers and trades experts at the forefront of historic preservation in Chicago. DPD also presents the 26th edition of the Preservation Excellence Awards on behalf of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks from 6-7 p.m. in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Cultural Center. Selected by the commission's Permit Review Committee, the awardees will include a variety of individual landmarks and landmark district projects showcasing the best in preservation work across the city.