The Chicago Theatre

Chicago: A Historic Hub for Performing Arts

Chicago has long been a center for performing arts in the United States, with the iconic Chicago Theatre at its heart. Located in the city’s Loop area, the theater is a landmark and testament to the artistic brilliance of the 1920s and 1930s. The seven-story building covers nearly half a city block and features a Neo-Baroque exterior designed by the McNulty Brothers, as well as an interior inspired Inspired by nature
Artist Robert Tucker talks about himself and his artist experience in this exclusive article. Inspired by nature The glorious portal of a new year is again upon me. My mind has wondered since the start of 2008 as to which direction my creative self will take. For me a torrent of feelings were released in… by the Second French Empire and the Royal Chapel at Versailles.

Initially known as the Balaban & Katz Chicago Theatre, the venue was opened on October 26th, 1921, by A.J. and Barney Balaban and their partner Sam Katz. With a seating capacity of approximately 3,880, it was hailed as the “Wonder Theatre of the World” and served as a hub for performing arts and live theater for 40 years.

However, in the 1970s, the theater experienced a decline in business due to a downturn in the economy and society. The Chicago Theatre Preservation Group purchased the venue in 1984, but their attempts to turn it into a movie theater failed, and it was closed on September 19th, 1985. Recognizing the historic and monumental value of the Chicago Theatre, the Chicago Theatre Preservation Council initiated renovation efforts in 1986, costing $9 million. The theater’s exterior and interior were restored to their original grandeur by two different architectural firms.

The renovations reduced the seating capacity to 3,600 and the adjacent Page Building was also restored to house theater staff and support. The Chicago Theatre officially reopened on September 10th, 1986, with a performance by Frank Sinatra, who had previously played at the theater in the 1950s.

Today, the Chicago Theatre is once again a central hub for performing arts, contributing to the North Loop renaissance and holding significant value in the city of Chicago. The venue’s beauty and rich history serve as enduring reminders of its importance to the local arts scene.