Institute of Design at Illinois Tech
The Institute of Design at Illinois Tech isn't just a venue. It's where modern design thinking took root in America. In 1937, Bauhaus visionary László Moholy-Nagy brought a radical idea to Chicago: that design should shape how humans live, think, and innovate. That vision became The New Bauhaus, and eventually the Institute of Design, home to the first PhD program in design in the US and a launching pad for generations of designers, researchers, and strategists who redefined the field. 📍 3137 S Federal St Chicago, IL 60616
Parking Information
Visitor parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis across several lots on IIT's Mies Campus. The easiest way to pay is via Mobile Pay (Text2Park) — just text the lot code to 25023 or scan the QR code at your lot, then enter your license plate and payment info from your phone. Daily parking is $16.50. View full visitor parking details and lot locations on the IIT Parking page.
Alternatively, you can find and reserve a spot nearby through SpotHero.
Getting to Chicago
Chicago is served by two major airports:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
~30-minute drive to the hotel
Or by CTA: Blue Line from O'Hare, 19 stops to Jackson, transfer to the Red Line toward 95th/Dan Ryan, 3 stops to Cermak-Chinatown, then an 8-min walk to the hotel (~1 hr 7 min total)
Midway International Airport (MDW)
~18-minute drive to the hotel
Or by CTA: Orange Line from Midway, 7 stops to Roosevelt, transfer to the Red Line toward 95th/Dan Ryan, 1 stop to Cermak-Chinatown, then an 8-min walk to the hotel (~43 min total)
Hotel Information
Traveling from out of town? We recommend securing a room at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood — one of the city's most culturally rich and walkable areas, with great food and easy access to the venue.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chinatown
📍 2357 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
📞 312-766-9668
~8-minute drive to the Institute of Design
Or by CTA: walk 8 min to Cermak-Chinatown station, take the Red Line toward 95th/Dan Ryan, ride 1 stop, get off at Sox-35th, and walk 9 min to the venue (~20 min total)
