The Chicago Theatre is recognizable by the towering vertical sign that spells out the city's name in glowing letters, a landmark that rises nearly six stories above State Street. Built in nineteen twenty-one, this structure was designed by…
Downtown Historic Theater Walk
This walk takes you past the glowing marquees and grand facades of the Loop's most legendary playhouses and historic movie palaces. You'll trace the dramatic history of Chicago entertainment, from the roaring vaudeville era to landmark pre-Broadway premieres.
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1. The Chicago Theatre
2. Goodman Theatre
The Goodman Theatre features a glass-walled entrance that incorporates architectural remnants from historic theaters like the Garrick and the Woods. It is the oldest and largest nonprofit theater in Chicago, serving as a professional stage…
3. James M. Nederlander Theatre
The James M. Nederlander Theatre is recognizable by its ornate terra cotta facade and the glowing marquee that stretches across West Randolph Street in the Loop. Opened in nineteen twenty-six as the Oriental Theatre, it was designed by…
4. Cadillac Palace Theatre
The Cadillac Palace Theatre is distinguished by its French Baroque interior, which was inspired by the architecture of the palaces at Versailles and Fontainebleau. Opened on October fourth, nineteen twenty-six, as the New Palace Theatre,…
5. Civic Opera House
The Civic Opera Building is defined by its unusual shape, which resembles a colossal armchair facing the Chicago River. This massive structure, designed by the firm Graham, Anderson, Probst and White, consists of a forty-five-story central…
6. CIBC Theatre
The CIBC Theatre is marked by its ornate Beaux-Arts facade and its history as the first venue in Chicago to cost over one million dollars. When it opened on New Year's Day in nineteen oh six, the building also stood as the tallest in the…
7. Auditorium Theatre
The Auditorium Theatre is defined by its fortress-like exterior of monochromatic rusticated stone, a heavy, blocky presence on Michigan Avenue that conceals a delicate and ornate interior. Completed in eighteen eighty-nine, this multi-use…