Chicago Theatre

The Basics

The first of the great early-20th-century movie palaces, the Chicago Theatre was designed to be as lavish as Versailles. Its landmark marquee is backed by a miniature replica of the Arc de Triomphe, the 5-story lobby is modeled on Versailles’ Royal Chapel, and the grand staircase is based on the one at the Palais Garnier, the Paris’ stunning opera house.

The theater is a popular stop on city sightseeing tours, and you can admire its exterior on any number of hop-on hop-off bus tours. To explore the theater’s impressive interior, attend a performance or take one of the venue’s daily tours, included with the Chicago Explorer Pass and Go Chicago Card.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Chicago Theatre is a must-visit for history, theater, and architecture buffs.

• Check the performance calendar before you visit; many shows sell out far in advance.

• The venue offers a coat check for coats and bags, as well as backpacks, large bags, and strollers, which are not permitted inside the auditorium.

• Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the theater.

• The facility is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Chicago Theatre is located on North State Street, in the Loop in downtown Chicago. It’s easily accessible by public transit, or on foot from local landmarks. By subway, take the Red Line to Lake or the Brown, Green, Pink, Orange, or Purple Line Express elevated line to Lake/State. If you’re driving, download the venue’s parking app to secure a spot in advance at a nearby garage.

When to Get There

The theater is open year-round, with a full calendar of concerts, comedy shows, and special events. If you’d like to explore the theater’s interior without attending a performance, book a 1-hour tour, offered at 12pm daily.

Other Chicago Architecture Landmarks

In the late 1800s, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of downtown, making way for different styles of architecture as new buildings went up. Architecture enthusiasts will swoon in Chicago and definitely want to seek out popular landmarks such as the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower, on the Magnificent Mile. Also, just across Michigan Avenue stands the Wrigley Building, with its giant clockface and two towers overlooking the Chicago River.

What is Chicago Theatre known for?

Built in 1921, this downtown institution has been a fixture on Chicago’s entertainment scene for over a century. It’s as famous for its iconic facade and illuminated “Chicago” marquee as it is for the performances on the theater stage, from comedy acts and concerts to Broadway productions.

Is visiting the Chicago Theatre worth it?

Yes—although that depends on how you experience it. History and architecture buffs will get a kick out of touring the interior during a guided visit—some tours even offer special backstage access. While theater or music fans might prefer to catch a live act performing on stage. Check the schedule, as events vary.

Is there a dress code for seeing a show at Chicago Theatre?

No, there’s no specific dress code. That said, people tend to dress according to whichever show they see. Jazz shows might draw a more formally attired crowd, while comedy troupes or rock concerts tend to bring out the jeans and sneakers. How you dress is up to you.

Can you take photos inside the Chicago Theatre?

Yes, photography is typically encouraged during guided tours, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos. However, during live events, photography policies might vary depending on who is performing (plays, for example, often restrict photography, while taking pictures is generally allowed during concerts). But don’t worry: They’ll let you know.

Is Chicago Theatre good for kids?

That depends. While kids may enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic venue (and the chance to peek backstage), the programming caters to adults, from rowdy comedy acts and celebrity stand-up performances to DJ sets. That said, there are often seasonal kid-friendly shows, especially around Christmas.

What is the best month to visit the Chicago Theatre?

The holiday season is a great time to catch a holiday-themed performance and enjoy the festive atmosphere around Chicago’s downtown area—if you can brave the city’s infamous winter chill. Otherwise, try to come in spring or fall, when Chicago enjoys milder weather, and Chicago Theatre has a packed events roster.

Ways to explore

One of the Windy City’s great early 20th-century movie palaces, the Chicago Theatre has since become both an icon of the city and an essential cultural stop. Today, the theater is a highlight of city sightseeing tours, and you can admire its exterior on any number of hop-on hop-off bus tours, walking tours, and beyond.

To explore the theater’s impressive interior, prebook one of the venue’s regular timed experience tours (included with the Chicago Explorer Pass). Or, attend a performance; research the Chicago Theatre’s events calendar, and score tickets online, before your trip.

Accessibility

The Chicago Theatre is accessible to wheelchair users, with step-free access and dedicated seating areas and accommodations.

Age limits

The venue itself does not have age limits, but individual shows and performances may have age minimums.

What to pack

Smartphone for digital tickets, small handheld bag, layers in case of cold air-conditioning, credit cards (the theater is cashless)

What to wear

There is no formal dress code at the Chicago Theatre, so wear whatever you feel comfortable in.

Not allowed

Recording performances, outside food and beverages, selfie sticks or tripods, smoking

Amenities

Coat check, food and drink concessions, restrooms

Address

The Chicago Theatre is conveniently located in the Loop neighborhood of downtown Chicago. The area is very well-served by public transportation, as well as taxis and rideshare services, and even water taxis. Alternatively, use tours with included transit to get there.

Driving

The Chicago Theatre is accessible via major thoroughfares like Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Paid parking garages are located in the vicinity of the theater.

Public transportation

Take the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, or Purple lines of the Chicago L to State/Lake, or take the Red line to Lake. Alternatively, take Metra or South Shore Line commuter trains to Millennium Station, or use buses or water taxis.

Best times to visit

To admire the theater, visit during the day, or book an early afternoon tour on days when they’re held. Otherwise, come for an individual performance of your choosing; research the venue’s calendar for more information.

Best days to visit

Venue tours of the Chicago Theatre are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Otherwise, showtimes are held throughout the week, though rarely on Mondays.

Best months to visit

The Chicago Theatre hosts performances throughout the year, so there’s never a bad time to visit. Expect tickets to be in high demand in the summer and winter holiday tourist high seasons.

Special events

The theater hosts a range of performances throughout the year. It often holds special festive events in the lead-up to Christmas.