The Chicago Theatre
The Chicago Theatre
4.5
About
Since it opened in 1921, an array of the entertainment world’s brightest stars and greatest productions have graced The Chicago Theatre stage, including Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons, David Byrne, Ed Sheeran, Wilco, Neil Young, Diana Ross, Madonna, Jerry Seinfeld, Janet Jackson, Elvis Costello, Bob Weir, Jim Gaffigan, Conan O’Brien, Amy Schumer, Steely Dan and Brett Eldredge. The theater’s outstanding track record of performers and events continues to this day, building on its legendary status in the city of Chicago and across the country. The Chicago Theatre also offers The Chicago Theatre Tour Experience which gives fans the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the historic venue.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown / The Loop
Often visitors' first stop in Chicago, The Loop is a good starting point to sample the city's energy and flavor. This central business district boasts Michelin-rated restaurants, upscale hotels, premier shopping, and enough arresting architecture to keep your camera busy for hours. You won’t find too many photo galleries of downtown Chicago without a shot of Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. A stunning skyline coupled with cultural attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago present a Downtown where work and play peacefully coexist.
How to get there
- Lake • 1 min walk
- State/Lake • 1 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
813 reviews
Excellent
565
Very good
202
Average
32
Poor
8
Terrible
6
Fred D
2 contributions
May 2023
The Chicago Theater has a great downtown location. Parking is available nearby. It is exciting to go to the theater district. The interior of the theater is breathtaking and stunning in Golden era of Hollywood style. Unfortunately the sound was bad in the Chicago Theater. I saw Gladys Knight on May 11, 2023, and the sound was muddy all night. Gladys had 3 singers and 6 instrumentalists backing her up, including drums, percussion, 2 keyboards, bass, and drums. This doesn't seem like a challenging lineup to provide sound for, but the sound was consistently poor throughout the show.. The sound quality improved slightly as the show progressed, so someone seemed to be trying to improve the sound quality. But the sound remained muddy and frustrating. It wasn't one particular instrument or vocal that sounded muddy; everything sounded muddy and dull. I suspect the acoustics of the Chicago Theater building may have been the problem
Written May 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JJMERKEL1021
7 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful but not handicapped accessible. There are elevators, that take you all the way up and all the way down. Either way you have to walk up or down stairs. There's no rail in the middle or sides to hold on to while climbing the stairs. You even had to walk up two steps to get into the washroom stall. The seats sit very low, which makes it difficult to get down if you have bad legs but they are comfortable. I think the theater itself was absolutely gorgeous. I just wish we knew ahead of time so we could get different seats.
Written November 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ezmony08
Clinton, MS13 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Just caught the Jill Scott concert last Monday night and it was spectacular, flew into Chicago to catch the concert and enjoy the lakefront. My wife has been coming to Chicago since her childhood but neither of us have been downtown. This was a great trip although short in length but we’ll be back. The theatre was nice and cozy but so are most theatre’s of that era. My wife enjoyed the show and I love making her happy so it was cool to me.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex G
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We booked the Chicago theater marquee tour probably a month in advance. Our tour was scheduled on Nov 4 at 14:00. That was our first time in Chicago and we travelled with our 11 years old from NYC. When we arrived on Nov 6 at 13:30 we were told by the guy at the door that the tour was cancelled and we will get the refund. When I contacted Ticketmaster on 7th their response was that the event organizer didn’t cancel the event, so they can’t issue the refund. After long conversation they gave me some contact info. But it doesn’t seem to belong to the Chicago theater. Really bad experience.
Written November 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake
Minneapolis, MN125 contributions
Apr 2019
My girlfriend and I went to see Eckhart Tolle give a lecture here. We were blown away at how beautiful the venue was! It very much had a European feel to it. It was suprisingly really big inside as well. We did wait in line for a while to get in, but that is typical for venues like this. They sell drinks and snacks there, which was nice. The location is also great as well. We stayed in River North and were super close. We would love another opportunity to see a show here.
Written March 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisa d
Illinois, United States17 contributions
Dec 2019
Went with group of ladies at Christmas to see the Twas the Night before Show. OMG..show was amazing. Was my first time at the Chicago Theater, and I hope it won't be my last. Definitely has the feel of times gone by, but not run down at all. Was worried that I was going to be disappointed with my seats, but nothing could be further from the truth. In looking around, there really was NO bad seat in the house. Awesome place...Highly recommend this theater!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lilsis06
Milwaukee, WI16 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Nice Theatre very historic. We had Loge AA and were the best seats in the house. Picture from cell phone with NO zoom. Just heads up in seated in 407 it is smaller leg room.
Bathrooms were limited however so I would plan ahead.
Bathrooms were limited however so I would plan ahead.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelinKind
Austin, TX174 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
Got 4 booth tickets for Vince Vaughn at the Chicago Theatre. Did some searching to find out more info on the booth seats and didn't find that much around.
The booths are located on the Mezzanine level. Each booth is directly behind the mezzanine seating. There are 14 booths of 4 seats each. Each booth is a couch for 4 with a table in front of it. If you have a group of 4, as we did, it was great. Otherwise, you will be sharing the couch/table with strangers.
The big bonus of the booth seating is the waiter service. The downside of the waiter service is you cannot start a tab with the waiter and must pay cash (no credit card). So having to pay for each round as they come in cash with the show going on in front of you is a bit of a hassle. Seems like it would be much more user friendly if they allowed you to start a tab and run your card at the end.
The sight lines are good. The booth seating isn't that close to the stage. It is farther back from the stage than you would think from the seating chart. The balcony/loge hangs way over the mezzanine. But you can still see the stage with the overhang.
Would suggest booth seating if you have 4 people and are looking to hang out/socialize/have drinks at a show. Wouldn't suggest it for a play etc where you plan to be quiet and attentive. Would prefer regular seats in that case as opposed to a couch for 4.
The booths are located on the Mezzanine level. Each booth is directly behind the mezzanine seating. There are 14 booths of 4 seats each. Each booth is a couch for 4 with a table in front of it. If you have a group of 4, as we did, it was great. Otherwise, you will be sharing the couch/table with strangers.
The big bonus of the booth seating is the waiter service. The downside of the waiter service is you cannot start a tab with the waiter and must pay cash (no credit card). So having to pay for each round as they come in cash with the show going on in front of you is a bit of a hassle. Seems like it would be much more user friendly if they allowed you to start a tab and run your card at the end.
The sight lines are good. The booth seating isn't that close to the stage. It is farther back from the stage than you would think from the seating chart. The balcony/loge hangs way over the mezzanine. But you can still see the stage with the overhang.
Would suggest booth seating if you have 4 people and are looking to hang out/socialize/have drinks at a show. Wouldn't suggest it for a play etc where you plan to be quiet and attentive. Would prefer regular seats in that case as opposed to a couch for 4.
Written June 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irina
United States11,162 contributions
Jul 2021
It is just so marvelous, that Chicago keeps its cultural traditions and history alive, and The Chicago Theatre is one of those historic venues. This year, it is the 100 years grand anniversary of this theater.
Once you see this seven-floors, large historic building, with spectacular marquee and the vertical shining "Chicago" sign -- you won't forget it. Designed in the neo-baroque style by the architects C. Rapp and G. Rapp, the theater was built in 1921 . At first, it was a movie theater, like several other theaters in the area, then it started welcoming theater stage productions, was renovated, and today it is widely famous as the music shows venue, with the beautiful, opulent auditorium, and the 3600 seating capacity.
Currently, the shows are not playing, many of them have been rescheduled for later in 2021, and the theater makes announcements on the upcoming shows for 2022. A detailed info on the shows is constantly updated online and on the theater phone service.
The location of The Chicago Theatre on State Street is perfect, being in the central part of the Loop area, and at the same time in the closest proximity to the Chicago River, and to the North side of the city. There are a lot of nice restaurants near the theater, hotels, shops and department stores, many other theaters, businesses and administrative buildings.
The Chicago Theatre is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places (1976), and it is the designated Chicago Landmark (1983).
The unforgettable neon fonts of the "Chicago" sign were used in the title of Rob Marshall's film "Chicago" in 2002.
Happy Anniversary, The Chicago Theatre! Keep on shining and bringing joy to all your fans!
Once you see this seven-floors, large historic building, with spectacular marquee and the vertical shining "Chicago" sign -- you won't forget it. Designed in the neo-baroque style by the architects C. Rapp and G. Rapp, the theater was built in 1921 . At first, it was a movie theater, like several other theaters in the area, then it started welcoming theater stage productions, was renovated, and today it is widely famous as the music shows venue, with the beautiful, opulent auditorium, and the 3600 seating capacity.
Currently, the shows are not playing, many of them have been rescheduled for later in 2021, and the theater makes announcements on the upcoming shows for 2022. A detailed info on the shows is constantly updated online and on the theater phone service.
The location of The Chicago Theatre on State Street is perfect, being in the central part of the Loop area, and at the same time in the closest proximity to the Chicago River, and to the North side of the city. There are a lot of nice restaurants near the theater, hotels, shops and department stores, many other theaters, businesses and administrative buildings.
The Chicago Theatre is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places (1976), and it is the designated Chicago Landmark (1983).
The unforgettable neon fonts of the "Chicago" sign were used in the title of Rob Marshall's film "Chicago" in 2002.
Happy Anniversary, The Chicago Theatre! Keep on shining and bringing joy to all your fans!
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Tampa, FL34 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
The Chicago Theatre tour should be on your list of things to do when you visit Chicago. The tour guide gave a great presentation and had the answer to all of the questions that were asked. Approaching 100 years old, the style of architecture and the beauty this building has inside of it makes it a must see. When you stand at center stage and look out into the theatre it really does give you a special feeling.
Written July 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
has anyone had an issue with conceal carry here? i would hate to be walking out of a show at night and need to have my firerarm but had to leave it in the car
Is it cold in the theatre? Should I bring a jacket? It’s currently 90 degrees out.
inekesg
Walnut Creek, CA146 contributions
Inside is a comfortable athmosphere, I guess 70-72.
Do you have to wear a mask while inside?
Irina
United States11,162 contributions
From what I know, all theatres in the Theater District of the city, including the Chicago Theatre, nowadays require to wear a mask through the show. I would definitely take the mask with, and act according to the situation. Or you might call the theater directly at (312) 462-6300, and inquire.
Enjoy the show!
chill993
Westchester, IL487 contributions
Where are the best box seats in the theatre? Thank you.
Silvia dorsey
3 contributions
Can I bring my 8 year old daughter to the theater?
Mark R
Lemont, IL93 contributions
Yes she would love it.
Hello do they do any form of metal detection upon entry, whether it’s a “wand” down or the step through checkers?
Laura M
Chicago, IL11 contributions
Yes... they wand... why do you ask ?
brittany b
4 contributions
A show I want to purchase tickets for is general admission - some sites also mention zoned seating..? Is general admission here just first come first serve for the entire theatre or is general admission sold by section?
Denise M
Chicago, IL58 contributions
I’ve only seen shows which had assigned seats, to the best of my memory. Main floor seating is far superior and more expensive for the shows I’ve seen.
Jen S
3 contributions
Best place to park near the theatre?
RJK_Chicago
Deerfield, IL629 contributions
To be honest, I always use ‘SpotHero’ or ‘ParkWhiz’ to find nearby parking at a bargain rate. They are apps on cellphone or you can go online. You put in the Theatre address and you can pick one right around the corner.
Baker67104
Owosso, MI11 contributions
I bought 4 VIP tickets for the April 22, 8 pm performance of Move Beyond Live. This is the first time I've purchased VIP access tickets so I don't know what to do - e.g., when to arrive and where to go for the before show meet, photo opportunity, etc. with Julianne and Derek Hough.
I do know what is included in the price of my tickets, it's just the process of accessing that I have questions about. I don't see any other special designation on the tickets other than "VIVIP4" - does that let the ticket taker know they're VIP tickets? Do we receive anything else in the mail before the show? Any guidance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Just haven't been able to find anything on line.
Hirlsa
Munich, Germany3,291 contributions
Hello. I am sorry i cannot help you. We were only there for the theater tour.
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Claim your listingThe Chicago Theatre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Chicago Theatre
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Chicago Theatre:
- The Chicago Theatre Tour Experience (From $24.00)
- Gangsters and Ghosts Tour in Chicago (From $35.00)
- Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour (From $49.50)
- Chicago Favorites Food & Walking Tour plus FREE Bike/Kayak Rental (From $79.99)
- Chicago: Architecture, History & Highlights Small Group Tour (From $59.00)
- Hotels near The Chicago Theatre:
- (0.11 mi) Virgin Hotels Chicago
- (0.09 mi) Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
- (0.06 mi) theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel
- (0.12 mi) Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago
- (0.08 mi) Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop - Theatre District
- Restaurants near The Chicago Theatre:
- (0.02 mi) Chick-fil-A
- (0.03 mi) Potbelly Sandwich Shop
- (0.10 mi) Miss Ricky's
- (0.10 mi) The Dearborn
- (0.10 mi) Catch 35
- Attractions near The Chicago Theatre:
- (0.01 mi) Medieval Torture Museum
- (0.01 mi) Page Brother's Building
- (0.01 mi) Chicago Opera Theater
- (0.02 mi) Windy City Live
- (0.07 mi) James M. Nederlander Theatre