Venues, Hotels and Travel

About Hyde Park, Chicago

Within the greater Chicago area, TEI2026 will take place in Hyde Park, a historic and vibrant neighborhood just 15 minutes from downtown. Home to the University of Chicago, Hyde Park is known for its intellectual and cultural significance, with landmarks like the stunning Rockefeller Chapel and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House.

Venue Locations

Ida Noyes Hall

Programs to take place: Main Conference (Talk Sessions), Work-in-Progress, and Student Design Competition.

Located on the Midway Plaisance, this historic 1916 building sits at the heart of the University of Chicago campus. It will host the main talk sessions, keynotes, and Student Design Competition exhibits.

Google Map Link | History of the Architecture

Ida Noyes Hall Ida Noyes Hall

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI)

Programs to take place: Studios/Graduate Student Consortium (March 8th), Reception [Demo + Art and Performance Exhibition] (March 9th evening)

Situated just a short walk (15-20 minutes) from Ida Noyes, this landmark campus of science and technology (a remaining building of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition) provides an inspiring setting for the studios, graduate student consortium, and art and performance exhibition.

Google Map Link | Museum Web

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

David Rubenstein Forum

Program to take place: Welcome reception (March 8th evening)

The evening reception will take place here, in the modern and open-plan top-floor event space overlooking the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

Google Map Link | About the Architecture

David Rubenstein Forum David Rubenstein Forum

Accommodation and Hotels

General Recommendations

Staying in Hyde Park

We recommend three hotels within walking distance of the TEI 2026 venues and the University of Chicago campus <Study, Sophy, and Hyatt Place>. Among these, Hyatt Place offers a discount rate for TEI participants with limited availability (see details at [c] below).

Hyde Park is generally safe around the university and lakefront areas, but like any large city, safety can vary block by block. For convenience and safety, we recommend staying north of 61st Street, near or above the Midway Plaisance. (As a fact, the UCPD extended patrol area reaches roughly to 64th St, but south of that and westward can feel more isolated.) Read more about the safety resource in the latter section.

Staying in Downtown and Greater Chicago Area

Participants may also consider staying in downtown and the greater Chicago area, which offers a wide range of hotels and price options. Hyde Park is easily accessible from downtown via the Metra Electric Line or CTA buses (see below 'Local Transportation').

Three Hotels within walking distance from the venues:

[a] The Study at the University of Chicago

[b] Sophy Hyde Park

  • Distance from the main venue: 22 mins walk / 6mins by car
  • Rate: $256+ night (*please find the latest price from their web)
  • Web: https://sophyhotel.com/
  • Phone: (773) 289-1003

[c] Hyatt Place Chicago-South/University Medical Center

  • Distance from the main venue: 26 mins walk / 7mins by car
  • Web: www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/chizu-hyatt-place-chicago-south-university-medical-center
  • Phone: (888) 591-1234
  • Rate: $169*

    • *This is a conference discount rate, when booked before February 6th. Please reserve via this link, or a Group Code 'G-AMCT'. There is a limited number of rooms secured with this price, and restricted between March 7th - 12th. If additional nights need to be added with the discount, please reach out to teja.syers@hyatt.com.

    [Update: Jan 27] Rooms at the conference discount rate are filling quickly. The hotel has increased the number of rooms available at this rate, and we advise attendees seeking affordable hotel options to reserve as soon as possible.

Transportation: Getting to Chicago & Hyde Park

*International Visitors: We encourage you to check U.S. visa requirements early. Invitation letters will be issued upon registration request. More details in the Visa Information Page.

TEI2026 - Transportation to Hyde Park Venues Map

Airports

There are two options for the airports to fly into the greater Chicago area, and then to get to Hyde Park.

O'Hare International Airport (ORD):

  • Distance: ~25 miles (≈40 km) to Hyde Park.
  • Taxi/rideshare: ~45–90 minutes, depending on traffic (USD 60-100).
  • Public transit: Blue Line "L" train to Jackson, transfer to Red Line to Garfield, then CTA Bus #55 to Hyde Park. (1.5-2hours)

Midway International Airport (MDW):

  • Distance: ~10 miles (≈16 km) to Hyde Park.
  • Taxi/rideshare: ~25–35 minutes, depending on the traffic (USD 40-60).
  • Public transit: CTA Bus #55 to Hyde Park (30 mins).

Train and Cars

For domestic travelers, trains and cars can be cost- and carbon-footprint-friendly options.

Please find more information on Amtrak webpage for train options. The Amtrak trains typically arrive at Union Station and are 20 mins by taxi/rideshare or 45 mins by local CTA trains to the venues in Hyde Park.

You can also find the visitor parking information on the university webpage, including options like Campus North (Ellis) Garage, or Kimbark South Parking Garage (<$30 for one day parking). Please note that the parking is subject to availability.

Local Transit, Getting Around, and Safety

Hyde Park and the University campus are highly accessible, walkable, and rich with amenities.

  • CTA Buses: #55, #6, #2 – frequent service connecting Hyde Park and downtown or Midway airport.
  • Metra Electric Line: From downtown's Millennium Station to 'Univ. of Chicago/59th' Station —walkable to the venues (7 mins walk to Ida Noyes).
  • Biking: Divvy bike-share stations around campus; lakefront trail offers scenic rides to downtown.
  • Rideshare/taxi: Widely available via Uber, Lyft or local cab services.

Public Transportation Guide by the University of Chicago:

https://safety-security.uchicago.edu/en/transportation/public-transportation.

Intractive Hyde Park Campus Map by the University: https://maps.uchicago.edu

We also recommend checking the safety resources provided by the University of Chicago for getting around the Hyde Park and greater Chicago areas below:

https://safety-security.uchicago.edu/safety-resources

Sightseeing, Food, etc.

Below are some highlights for exploring Hyde Park and beyond during your time at TEI2026. For more details (including Griffin MSI free museum passes for TEI participants), please check the welcome email sent to in-person participants.

On-campus / Hyde Park highlights

If this is your first time on the UChicago campus, we recommend taking a walk to experience the stunning architecture and campus grounds. Highlights include:

  • Harper Memorial Library
  • Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
  • The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library
  • Frederick C. Robie House – a Prairie-School landmark by Frank Lloyd Wright
  • University of Chicago Main Quadrangle
  • Stroll along the Midway Plaisance and nearby lakefront
  • Browse independent bookstore 57th Street Books and local cafés

Find more via the UChicago Architecture Map.

There are also small free-admission museums on campus worth a short visit:

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (our conference venue) is one of the largest science museums in the world and well worth a dedicated visit if you have time outside the TEI program. Check the welcome email for details on free museum passes available to TEI participants.

Food and Dining

Meals are not provided during the main conference (except the Studio/GSC day boxed lunch and the pre-registered DEI Lunch on March 9). Here are some recommendations:

Breakfast

Valois (near 53rd St) is a local-favorite classic American diner. There are also many cafés and breakfast spots in the area.

Lunch

Visit maps.uchicago.edu/dining/ for a full list of nearby options. Top picks:

  • Plein Air Cafe – salads, sandwiches, and café; can get crowded at lunch
  • Hutchinson Cafeteria – the largest university cafeteria, with a beautiful dining space
  • BAR DAVID – Modern Mediterranean; less crowded, more upscale
  • Medici On 57th – classic American food, a local staple

Dinner

Many restaurants along 53rd Street in Hyde Park (~20 min walk north of Ida Noyes), including Chicago-signature deep dish pizza from Giordano's.

University Pub (Ida Noyes basement)

The TEI2026 team has arranged special access to the University Pub in the basement of Ida Noyes Hall — normally exclusive to UChicago members — for all TEI participants with a conference badge. $5 entry + valid ID required (21+). Enjoy local craft beers and bar food (burgers, nachos, etc). Open 4 pm–12 am (food until 10 pm). More info here.

Across Chicago

  • Architecture tours (river cruise, Lakeshore skyline)
  • Cultural institutions: Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Millennium Park
  • Dining: From Chicago‐style deep-dish pizza and classic hot dogs to fine dining and global street food markets