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Cinemas

The Chicago Theatre

πŸ“ Chicago Loop, IL

β˜…4.7(10,559 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

The Chicago Theatre is a landmark 1920s French Baroque venue hosting concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances in a grand 3,600-seat auditorium.

βœ“ Historic 1920s theaterβœ“ French Baroque interiorβœ“ Live performancesβœ“ Comedy showsβœ“ Compact seatingβœ“ Iconic marquee
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Shanz Shanz

🎭 My Visit to The Chicago Theatre Visiting The Chicago Theatre was an absolute delight and a must-see landmark in downtown Chicago. Famous for its iconic marquee and historic architecture, the theatre is a stunning example of 1920s grandeur, blending French Baroque design with classic American charm. Walking through the ornate lobby with its intricate plasterwork, grand staircase, and gilded ceilings felt like stepping back in time. The theatre hosts a variety of performances, from concerts and comedy shows to Broadway productions, making it a hub for cultural entertainment in the city. Even if you don’t catch a live performance, the theatre’s exterior and lobby alone are worth visiting for photos and a glimpse into Chicago’s rich performing arts history. Guided tours are available and offer fascinating insights into the theatre’s past, its architecture, and famous performers who have graced its stage. πŸ“ Tips for Visitors: β€’ The theatre is located on North State Street, easily accessible by Metro or bus. β€’ Don’t miss photographing the iconic marquee at night β€” it’s magical when lit up. β€’ Check the schedule in advance if you want to attend a show. Overall, the Chicago Theatre is a must-visit for architecture lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience a piece of Chicago’s vibrant arts scene. 🌟

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with older children and teenagers attending a specific performance. The architectural experience alone rewards a visit for those drawn to historic venues. Younger children find the seating cramped and bathroom queues long on busy show nights.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Book performance tickets in advance and confirm show start times before planning transport
⏰Nearby parking lots on Wabash and Lake are more reliable than street options
🎟️Plan bathroom visits before the show starts β€” queues build quickly during intermission
πŸš—Architectural tours are available on select days for those visiting the building independently

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.7
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10,559 Google reviews

Stunning historic architecture50%
Great atmosphere during shows30%
Compact seating12%
Bathroom queues on show nights8%
S

Shanz Shanz

5 months ago

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β€œπŸŽ­ My Visit to The Chicago Theatre Visiting The Chicago Theatre was an absolute delight and a must-see landmark in downtown Chicago. Famous for its iconic marquee and historic architecture, the theatre is a stunning example of 1920s grandeur, blending French Baroque design with classic American charm. Walking through the ornate lobby with its intricate plasterwork, grand staircase, and gilded ceilings felt like stepping back in time. The theatre hosts a variety of performances, from concerts and comedy shows to Broadway productions, making it a hub for cultural entertainment in the city. Even if you don’t catch a live performance, the theatre’s exterior and lobby alone are worth visiting for photos and a glimpse into Chicago’s rich performing arts history. Guided tours are available and offer fascinating insights into the theatre’s past, its architecture, and famous performers who have graced its stage. πŸ“ Tips for Visitors: β€’ The theatre is located on North State Street, easily accessible by Metro or bus. β€’ Don’t miss photographing the iconic marquee at night β€” it’s magical when lit up. β€’ Check the schedule in advance if you want to attend a show. Overall, the Chicago Theatre is a must-visit for architecture lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience a piece of Chicago’s vibrant arts scene. πŸŒŸβ€

V

Vee Food Life

a month ago

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β€œThis historic theater is all kinds of awesome! I’ve seen numerous concerts and comedy shows here and it never disappoints. Love the decor and all the details inside. Seat sizing is tolerable but on the smaller end. Every view is pretty good. They do have numerous bars throughout the venue. Bathroom lines can get pretty long. I usually park in some close by lots since street parking is NOT the easiest around there. Lots of places to eat nearby if you want to grab a snack before or after.”

J

Jess Neumann

a month ago

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β€œSuch an amazing experience! Beautiful, clean, easy to get in, and the staff were cheerful and pleasant! The parking was easy around the corner, just a short walk. Josh Johnson killed it. The opening flower girls and Kellye Howard was hilarious and so talented! I want to go see more shows here!”

D

Dayana Khuzhko

3 weeks ago

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β€œAbsolutely stunning historic theater in downtown Chicago. The architecture and ceiling details are incredible and make the venue feel magical. The atmosphere during the show was amazing even with a full crowd. Definitely one of the most beautiful theaters in the city.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Chicago Theatre has anchored State Street since 1921 with its iconic marquee and French Baroque interior β€” grand lobby, sweeping staircase, ornate ceiling details, and majestic auditorium. The venue hosts concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical performances year-round. Guided architectural tours run separately from show nights for those visiting the building specifically. Multiple concession bars are distributed throughout the venue; seating leans toward the compact side across all sections.

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