Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
5
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
Symphony Center, home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, presents over 200 concerts annually featuring the best of classical, jazz, world, chamber, and pop music. Founded in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world. Performing in over 150 concerts each year, the CSO's talented musicians are the driving force behind the ensemble's famous sound heard on best-selling recordings as well as in performances in Chicago and on tour throughout the United States and around the globe. In addition, Symphony Center Presents brings leading touring ensembles, chamber music, piano recitals and jazz performances to the stage of Orchestra Hall. Discover what’s on at cso.org and see music’s brightest stars from classical to jazz light up the stage at Orchestra Hall.
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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
- Adams/Wabash • 2 min walk
- Monroe • 4 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
- Linda MGuilford, New York80 contributionsMusic in the air, niceThe hall, the music, the staff, the musicians - everything came together for a great evening out and it doesn't need to be expensive. We had tickets in an upper balcony-the acoustics were very good, although the stairs are very steep. I recommend going every chance you get.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 25, 2023
- ILona BChicago, Illinois260 contributionsMade my Holiday SeasonSecond Visit and this place never disappoints. Everyone is nice, helpful and makes sure you have a great experience. Sat in the upper balcony but the sound and performance was spectacular. Stairs are steep…but doable.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 13, 2023
- joaniemariaEldridge, Iowa5,170 contributionsBeautiful music venue. Highly recommend!We went to hear Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Jazz Orchestra. The building is beautiful and the acoustics are crystal clear. It was a wonderful evening. I will definitely return and recommend to any music lover. This is a lovely venue.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 25, 2024
- Miguel GómezMonterrey, Mexico38 contributionsNice place.We went to see a Bolero of Ravel performance and it was good. The place has a good acoustic, and medium size. However, one thing that I noticed was that the seats were a little bit old, or that’s how they look like, and a little bit uncomfortable, just a little bit. Out of that, if you are big fan of classic music and you are coming here for a performance I am pretty sure you will enjoy it.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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.
5.0
750 reviews
Excellent
632
Very good
94
Average
19
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Linda M
Guilford, NY80 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The hall, the music, the staff, the musicians - everything came together for a great evening out and it doesn't need to be expensive. We had tickets in an upper balcony-the acoustics were very good, although the stairs are very steep.
I recommend going every chance you get.
I recommend going every chance you get.
Written October 25, 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.
ILona B
Chicago, IL260 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Second Visit and this place never disappoints. Everyone is nice, helpful and makes sure you have a great experience. Sat in the upper balcony but the sound and performance was spectacular. Stairs are steep…but doable.
Written December 13, 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.
Irina
United States14,041 contributions
Dec 2019
It's really impossible to overestimate the greatest cultural impact of Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Center on the cultural life of this vibrant city.
Long time ago, we saw the legendary Daniel Barenboim conducting and - at the same time! - performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. You never forget events like this. The audience was breathless.
The upcoming year 2020 is going to be culturally very memorable for Symphony Orchestra, performing various concerts and series to commemorate the 250th Birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the orchestra itself is going to celebrate its 130th Anniversary. What a year for classical music! What a year for Chicago Symphony Orchestra and for its guests, performers, supporters - for everybody in the world.
The building of Symphony Center (opened in 1997) is very impressive, it has an additional rehearsal space, a nice restaurant, and also an interactive education center.
Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra is located in the Loop area of the city, at 220 S Michigan Ave - in the center of many cultural activities, that attract visitors from all over the world.
Long time ago, we saw the legendary Daniel Barenboim conducting and - at the same time! - performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. You never forget events like this. The audience was breathless.
The upcoming year 2020 is going to be culturally very memorable for Symphony Orchestra, performing various concerts and series to commemorate the 250th Birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the orchestra itself is going to celebrate its 130th Anniversary. What a year for classical music! What a year for Chicago Symphony Orchestra and for its guests, performers, supporters - for everybody in the world.
The building of Symphony Center (opened in 1997) is very impressive, it has an additional rehearsal space, a nice restaurant, and also an interactive education center.
Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra is located in the Loop area of the city, at 220 S Michigan Ave - in the center of many cultural activities, that attract visitors from all over the world.
Written December 17, 2019
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.
Ville M
Kaarina, Finland53 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
I visited today's concert very instantly and adhoc, so got only a gallery seat (the most highest level). The experience was excellent! Acoustics of the hall is brilliant, so it really sounded a lot better than on main floor seats on many halls (disclaimer: I have no idea how it was on floor seating here).
Both coat check (2 USD, cash only) and bar are available also on the gallery lobby, so it's worth climbing stairs or elevator to 6th floor right away.
If you want, you can also take a seat from one of the boxes for either half of the concert. They are in first-come, first-serve basis but should be rotated during the intermission to allow other guests to enjoy the boxes too.
Both coat check (2 USD, cash only) and bar are available also on the gallery lobby, so it's worth climbing stairs or elevator to 6th floor right away.
If you want, you can also take a seat from one of the boxes for either half of the concert. They are in first-come, first-serve basis but should be rotated during the intermission to allow other guests to enjoy the boxes too.
Written December 15, 2017
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.
Letícia Pereira
Belo Horizonte, MG705 contributions
Oct 2016
The Symphony Center is a great place that you can see the best shows and concerts. The acoustic is perfect!
Definitely Recommend!
Definitely Recommend!
Written November 3, 2016
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.
Elizabeth P
Chicago, IL80 contributions
Jan 2016
The Chicago Symphony is an absolute must when you are in Chicago. I spent over $2,500 on tickets this year. One of my 8 concert series is in the Terrace--the one of the least expensive sections. The Terrace is behind the orchestra which provides the best view of the conductor of any seat in the hall. The only limitation is when there is a piece featuring the brass or percussion section because it is right underneath you. However even in pieces featuring those sections of the orchestra--their part is not extremely long. I sit in this section not only to watch the conductor, but you can see each section as it is playing. Many people prefer the first balcony as the best seats in the house--for the sound quality as well as view of the orchestra. I also sit for other tickets on the main floor which I like. It doesn't really matter where you sit---just be certain to go to the Chicago Symphony. The ticket prices start at $35. You will not be able to see very well in those seat, but the sound is terrific anywhere in the hall. I am on the Board of the League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (former Women's Association). I am doing volunteer work through this group several times a week. My passion is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. You must visit.
Written January 16, 2016
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.
UniversityMom1
Oswego, IL72 contributions
May 2015 • Family
I have to start out by saying that I am a native Chicagoan. So, I have a close place in my heart for the Chicago Symphony. I am also very familiar with Symphony Center as my daughter played there while she was a member of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. With that being said, if you are a lover of the arts and are in Chicago, and evening at the symphony is a wonderful place to be.
Symphony Center is in the heart of Chicago. It is across the street from the Art Institute and Millennium Park and a few miles down the road (a short cab or bus ride) from The Mag Mile, Water Tower, The Hancock Building and Oak Street Beach. One can spend the day shopping and seeing the sights of Chicago and have a wonderful evening at the symphony only a few minutes away.
For those driving, there is a parking lot right around the corner on Adams and Wabash, that is very convenient. If you park there, at the end of the concert you can walk to the back of the building through the rotunda and exit through doors that will take you directly into this lot. Unfortunately, the doors only open out, so you have to walk around the building on Adams Street to get into the side door of the rotunda (next to the Tea Room Restaurant), or walk to Michigan Avenue to enter the front of the building before the concert. There is also the Millennium Park lot, but it is much further. Either way, Symphony center has a really great location right on Michigan Avenue.
The building itself is a collection of old and new. Rich carpeting, vintage staircases and chandeliers as well as beautifully crafted architecture on the ceilings offer an old world appeal. However, when looking at the stage, one gets a more contemporary feel with the flooring consisting of lighter woods.
Relative to seating, I have sat in many places in Symphony Center and I would say that I have two favorites. I usually sit in the First Balcony. There, you cannot only see the performers but get good sound quality of music. Just make sure NOT to get seats in the front row of the First Balcony. There are bars that obstruct your view and you can't see much. I suggest seats at least 7 to 8 rows up from the front (maybe a little more) to enjoy the full view.
My second choice, if you don't care as much about sound, but would like to be up front and personal with the musicians are the seats to the side of the stage. These seats give a great view of not only the orchestra members, but also the conductor. The sound, however, may lack a little in quality.
For those who care nothing about viewing, there is the Gallery seating. The sound quality is good, but the performers are very far away and, if you are afraid of heights, these are the worst seats in the house. All of the seating/stairs in the Symphony Center are very steep. However, in the Gallery it's so steep that it would be VERY uncomfortable for anyone with a fear of heights.
Even though my daughter has moved on to college and is no longer in the CYSO, I still enjoy seeing both the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra perform (these kids are awesome!) and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Great entertainment for people who love the arts.
Symphony Center is in the heart of Chicago. It is across the street from the Art Institute and Millennium Park and a few miles down the road (a short cab or bus ride) from The Mag Mile, Water Tower, The Hancock Building and Oak Street Beach. One can spend the day shopping and seeing the sights of Chicago and have a wonderful evening at the symphony only a few minutes away.
For those driving, there is a parking lot right around the corner on Adams and Wabash, that is very convenient. If you park there, at the end of the concert you can walk to the back of the building through the rotunda and exit through doors that will take you directly into this lot. Unfortunately, the doors only open out, so you have to walk around the building on Adams Street to get into the side door of the rotunda (next to the Tea Room Restaurant), or walk to Michigan Avenue to enter the front of the building before the concert. There is also the Millennium Park lot, but it is much further. Either way, Symphony center has a really great location right on Michigan Avenue.
The building itself is a collection of old and new. Rich carpeting, vintage staircases and chandeliers as well as beautifully crafted architecture on the ceilings offer an old world appeal. However, when looking at the stage, one gets a more contemporary feel with the flooring consisting of lighter woods.
Relative to seating, I have sat in many places in Symphony Center and I would say that I have two favorites. I usually sit in the First Balcony. There, you cannot only see the performers but get good sound quality of music. Just make sure NOT to get seats in the front row of the First Balcony. There are bars that obstruct your view and you can't see much. I suggest seats at least 7 to 8 rows up from the front (maybe a little more) to enjoy the full view.
My second choice, if you don't care as much about sound, but would like to be up front and personal with the musicians are the seats to the side of the stage. These seats give a great view of not only the orchestra members, but also the conductor. The sound, however, may lack a little in quality.
For those who care nothing about viewing, there is the Gallery seating. The sound quality is good, but the performers are very far away and, if you are afraid of heights, these are the worst seats in the house. All of the seating/stairs in the Symphony Center are very steep. However, in the Gallery it's so steep that it would be VERY uncomfortable for anyone with a fear of heights.
Even though my daughter has moved on to college and is no longer in the CYSO, I still enjoy seeing both the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra perform (these kids are awesome!) and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Great entertainment for people who love the arts.
Written October 15, 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.
Kevin W
Streamwood, IL45 contributions
Nov 2012 • Family
I've been to Symphony Center and the CSO many times. Today I took my four year-old daughter for the first time to their Once Upon a Symphony series specifically designed for 3-5 year olds. ( http://cso.org/Page.aspx?id=17157 )
Overall, this was a great experience and a wonderful way to introduce toddlers to the symphony.
Three things they do incredibly well:
1. The CSO pre-emails some information to prepare for the experience - books to read and the music that will be performed, so you can play and prepare your child for the show.
2. Pre-concert activities to warm kids up to music and interactivity with the show.
3. A incredibly well-designed hall specifically for this show. (This doesn't take place in the main concert hall - it's a cozy 2nd floor hall with a variety of padded seating options perfect for the interactive show this is.)
The half-hour long program combines storytelling with small-ensemble classical music. Kids are given a chance to interactively be exposed to the music and instruments. After the show, they're also invited to come talk to the musicians and see their instruments up close. Again, more stuff very well done and definitely designed appropriately for the target age.
All in all, this was a great experience and now at the end of the night, my daughter is still talking about the show.
With all that said, I was a bit disappointed in the length of the performance. 30 minutes on the nose. At $20 for adults and $10 for kids, it's a bit steep when you consider the amount of time you're really getting to experience the music and the environment. The music is intertwined throughout the storytelling, which is brilliant, but there's also not much straight music to get kids to focus on.
We made the best of the day by walking throughout Orchestra Hall, looking for the pictures of the performers we met in the Arcade, & grabbing lunch and a snack in the city. This made a good cornerstone for a full day of fun, but all in all, it was a small cornerstone for what it cost.
While I'd definitely consider going again, I may opt for the CSO's Family Matinee series in the future, which is a shortened version of a traditional CSO performance. ( http://cso.org/Institute/ChildrenAndFamilies/FamilyMatinee.aspx )
Overall, this was a great experience and a wonderful way to introduce toddlers to the symphony.
Three things they do incredibly well:
1. The CSO pre-emails some information to prepare for the experience - books to read and the music that will be performed, so you can play and prepare your child for the show.
2. Pre-concert activities to warm kids up to music and interactivity with the show.
3. A incredibly well-designed hall specifically for this show. (This doesn't take place in the main concert hall - it's a cozy 2nd floor hall with a variety of padded seating options perfect for the interactive show this is.)
The half-hour long program combines storytelling with small-ensemble classical music. Kids are given a chance to interactively be exposed to the music and instruments. After the show, they're also invited to come talk to the musicians and see their instruments up close. Again, more stuff very well done and definitely designed appropriately for the target age.
All in all, this was a great experience and now at the end of the night, my daughter is still talking about the show.
With all that said, I was a bit disappointed in the length of the performance. 30 minutes on the nose. At $20 for adults and $10 for kids, it's a bit steep when you consider the amount of time you're really getting to experience the music and the environment. The music is intertwined throughout the storytelling, which is brilliant, but there's also not much straight music to get kids to focus on.
We made the best of the day by walking throughout Orchestra Hall, looking for the pictures of the performers we met in the Arcade, & grabbing lunch and a snack in the city. This made a good cornerstone for a full day of fun, but all in all, it was a small cornerstone for what it cost.
While I'd definitely consider going again, I may opt for the CSO's Family Matinee series in the future, which is a shortened version of a traditional CSO performance. ( http://cso.org/Institute/ChildrenAndFamilies/FamilyMatinee.aspx )
Written November 17, 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.
Annaline
Park Ridge, IL7,180 contributions
Mar 2015
I go to CSO concert at least once per season. If you love classical music it is must see venue in town. In addition it is also must see for those who appreciate art history and old buildings.
Written July 24, 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.
AndyN5
Guelph, Canada20 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
We were perched way up in the 6th balcony but the sight-lines and acoustics were excellent. Enjoyable spot from which to observe Muti's wonderfully reserved style. Mozart was brilliant, Prokoviof excellent. Very enjoyable evening.
Written October 12, 2013
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.
Hello! I am looking for seating advice for a concert in March. Upper balcony & gallery are only available tickets left. Any recommendations?
Written January 28, 2020
The first row of the balcony are great seats
Written February 12, 2020
Are taxi/cab services easy to obtain for post-performances at the Symphony Center? Will the symphony center staff assist in hailing cab during the evening?
Written October 22, 2017
Have observed many inquires regarding restaurants around Symphony Center, The Art Institute, and other Michigan Avenue
venues. There are ample upscale restaurants in the area. The Symphony complex has one, there's also Russian Tea Room,
and hotel dining services. Best recommendation for comfort food at a reasonable price (by Chicago standards) is located on State street, the first building immediately south of the Palmer House hotel. Called, BEEF & BRANDY, street level floor. Lower level is their college age hangout, not for sophisticated ears. Point of Interest: Believe downtown Colleges and Universities have a student population of approximately 60,000, many reside in dormitories located in south loop area. Reminds one of Boston.
Back to food, Macy's State street has several delightful eateries.
Check 7th floor or lower level. Express elevator from street level
to 7th, which includes the famous Walnut Room. Lower level features full meal quasi cafeteria service, along with deli items and light sandwich options, plus a Starbucks coffee shop. Therefore, when visiting and attending the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra (CSO to the locals), don't go hungry, and enjoy the
concert.
Written October 24, 2017
What are reasonably priced good restaurants near Chicago symphony center?
Written February 17, 2017
Hello,
Sorry for the late reply, just came back from NZ. Lawry's in Chicago is the BEST Prime Rib Restaurant, is a little pricey, but you will have an unforgettable experience. The place, the food and the ambience are 1st class all the way!!!!
Written March 14, 2017
What shows are on from June 1 to June 7, 2016? What is the schedule?
Written May 18, 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Chicago, Illinois
Unfortunately, Trip Advisor won't allow for websites. Google CSO and you will find what you need.
Written May 22, 2016
Abigael P
Skokie, Illinois
17 contributions
Hi! So glad you are looking into this wonderful orchestra! For a calendar of all tickets and events, go to cso. org and click on the link that says "Season Calendar". The link is right under the small calendar on the main page of the site.
Good luck planning your visit!
Written January 17, 2015
Please check Chicago Symphony Orchestra CSO, the official site for the symphony, do purchase the ticket ahead of time, the symphony hall is beautiful and the performance is world class. I had a wonderful time when I visit last October.
Written January 17, 2015
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