The Wende Museum Community Center has received a 2026 American Architecture Award. The annual awards program, presented by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, celebrates excellence in American architectural design. The project is one of just three award winners in the Community Centers category this year.
The Community Center design was recognized for integrating a historic MGM prop house into a vibrant, contemporary community center. The architects combined adaptive reuse and sustainable materials to create flexible cultural and educational spaces while preserving open space and strengthening connections across the museum campus.
On Friday, December 11, 2026, the award organizers will host an Awards Gala Dinner Ceremony at The Arts Club of Chicago, honoring the winning architects, clients, and developers.
Explore this year’s award-winning projects and learn more about the Wende Museum Community Center’s recognition.
