THE CHICAGO THEATRE
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Chicago's beautiful and legendary baroque theater that doubles as a movie theater and offers a themed tour.
A Chicago icon and symbol of the great American movie palaces, this French neo-baroque theater was built in 1921. It opened as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre and quickly became one of the most prestigious movie and entertainment venues in the United States. Mainly dedicated to the cinema until the 1980s, it eventually closed its doors in 1985 due to lack of attendance.
Saved from demolition, it reopened in 1986 and has since established itself as one of Chicago's must-see landmarks. On State Street, its emblematic façade, inspired by monumental Parisian architecture, is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe, topped by the famous large vertical red sign bearing the white letters "C.H.I.C.A.G.O". Inside, the theatrical décor blends stucco, gilding and carved woodwork in an exuberant Baroque style, evoking the splendors of Europe. It is also one of Chicago's most photographed landmarks. It has been the setting for numerous films and historical events. It was here that President Ronald Reagan announced his engagement to his first wife, Jane Wyman. The greatest artists have performed here: Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra and Prince. Sinatra himself performed here when the theater reopened in 1986.
You can visit this legendary venue on guided tours devoted to the theater's history and architecture. The icing on the cake: the tour even allows you to step onto its legendary stage!
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