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
815 reviews
Excellent
565
Very good
203
Average
32
Poor
8
Terrible
7
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Terry W
4 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Worst theatre experience ever. Loved Wanda Sykes show - when I could see it which was not often since the staff was constantly shining lights to seat people well into an hour after the show started. Woman in my aisle, constantly going in and out which was disruptive and when I complained to the staff after she pushed me into my seat, I was asked to leave the theatre. Will never come here for a show again, horrible experience and rude staff.
Written May 18, 2024
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.
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.
sanju_222323
New Jersey16,810 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Aside from Cloud Gate and Buckingham Fountain, The Chicago Theatre's red and yellow marquee is perhaps one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. At the northern edge of the Loop, The Chicago Theatre first opened its doors in 1921 as an extravagant movie theater and performance venue. Between the theater's unmistakable sign and its stunning façade, it's impossible to miss this stunning Chicago landmark.
the theater has hosted such big names as Duke Ellington, Diana Ross and Prince, in addition to screening blockbuster flicks. The theater's historic appearance enhances the overall experience of catching an event here. Just remember, cameras and video cameras, including those on cell phones, cannot be used during tours or performances.
It is a few blocks northwest of Millennium Park. Even if you don't have time to check out a show, be sure to pop in or schedule a tour to get a closer look.
the theater has hosted such big names as Duke Ellington, Diana Ross and Prince, in addition to screening blockbuster flicks. The theater's historic appearance enhances the overall experience of catching an event here. Just remember, cameras and video cameras, including those on cell phones, cannot be used during tours or performances.
It is a few blocks northwest of Millennium Park. Even if you don't have time to check out a show, be sure to pop in or schedule a tour to get a closer look.
Written May 23, 2024
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, MS53 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.
Ferro,C
Lourmarin, France87 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Chicago icon building. You go back to the past seeing the internal structure of the theater and its boxes. The ceiling in particular has French neo-baroque decoration.
It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Written January 15, 2024
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, MN122 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, WI22 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.
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
Written August 9, 2023
Is it cold in the theatre? Should I bring a jacket? It’s currently 90 degrees out.
Written August 6, 2022
Inside is a comfortable athmosphere, I guess 70-72.
Written August 7, 2022
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!
Written November 11, 2021
Where are the best box seats in the theatre? Thank you.
Written October 25, 2019
Can I bring my 8 year old daughter to the theater?
Written October 23, 2019
Hello do they do any form of metal detection upon entry, whether it’s a “wand” down or the step through checkers?
Written February 7, 2019
Yes... they wand... why do you ask ?
Written February 7, 2019
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?
Written December 12, 2018
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.
Written January 10, 2019
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.
Written November 27, 2018
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.
Written February 13, 2017
Hello. I am sorry i cannot help you. We were only there for the theater tour.
👩
Written February 14, 2017
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