The Chicago Theatre is a performing arts venue for music, comedy, family shows, and more, and it's largely known for its stunning architecture, design, and rich history. It opened in 1921 as a cinema and is considered to be one of the first extraordinary film palaces of America, inspiring the design of many theatres to come.

The Chicago Theatre is a perfect stop for a matinee show or an evening out after dinner at a nearby restaurant. There are plenty of hotels nearby, too, with a range of options listed on the theater’s website.

Chicago Theatre - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Chicago and 10 Best Things to Do in Chicago (Read all about Chicago here)

photo by Daniel Schwen (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

Highlights of The Chicago Theatre

To fully experience the theatre, plan to attend one of the venue’s tours to learn more about the building’s history and architecture. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to stand on the beloved Chicago Theatre stage, and you can also check out artist signatures on dressing room walls, including those of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Dolly Parton.

Designed in a French Baroque style, The Chicago Theatre sports a miniature replica of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe on its exterior. The grand lobby of the theatre was inspired by the Royal Chapel at Versailles and is 5 stories high, with gallery promenades on the mezzanine and balcony levels.

Good to know about The Chicago Theatre

If you plan on visiting other historic and entertainment spots throughout Chicago, consider exploring the Go Chicago all-access pass, which allows visitors to see over 25 Chicago attractions, tours, and museums for a flat rate, with occasional other perks such as skip-the-line privileges and discounts at specific attractions, shopping locations, and restaurants.

Video cameras, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, professional cameras, and audio recording devices are prohibited at The Chicago Theatre. Outside food is also not allowed inside the venue. For parking, make sure to plan ahead through The Chicago Theatre's parking app, called ParkWhiz.

photo by Raymon Sutedjo (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Chicago Theatre

Location: 175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Open: Hours vary per tour or event

Phone: +1 212-465-6000

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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