Located on North State Street in Chicago's Loop area, the historic Chicago Theatre is a legendary 3,600-seat performing arts venue. Built in 1921 as the flagship motion picture house for the Balaban and Katz chain, it stands as the oldest surviving grand movie palace of its kind. You will instantly recognize its iconic vertical marquee, considered an unofficial emblem of the city.
Visiting this Chicago Landmark lets you experience opulent Neo-Baroque French-revival architecture that has hosted world-class talent, film premieres, and live entertainment for over a century. When you visit, admire the seven-story exterior featuring off-white architectural terracotta and a six-story triumphal arch with a circular Tiffany stained glass window. Inside, explore the five-story grand lobby inspired by the Royal Chapel at Versailles, walk up the grand staircase patterned after the Paris Opera House, and view magnificent crystal chandeliers fitted with Steuben glass shades.
Inside the auditorium, marvel at fourteen public oil-on-canvas murals depicting Greek and Roman deities painted by artist Louis Grell, and take in the historic 1921 Wurlitzer pipe organ, one of the oldest Mighty Wurlitzers still in existence today.
What to see at Chicago Theatre
- Distinctive vertical marquee and six-story triumphal arch facade
- Grand five-story lobby influenced by the Royal Chapel at Versailles
- Grand staircase patterned after the Paris Opera House
- Auditorium proscenium flanked by 14 murals of Greek and Roman deities
- Historic 1921 Wurlitzer pipe organ with four manuals and 26 ranks of pipes
Visiting tips
Be sure to stop on North State Street to view the classic marquee and locate the plaque dedicated to Roger Ebert underneath it.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During scheduled performances
How to get there & what’s nearby
Chicago Theatre is easy to reach on Chicago’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Buckingham Fountain. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Chicago travel guide.
See the full Chicago travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.