Auditorium Theatre :: Theatre History

Theatre History

A National Historic Landmark, the Auditorium Theatre is known internationally for its perfect acoustics, innovative architecture and stunning design. The famous architectural firm of Adler and Sullivan designed the theatre in 1889 using modern technology, including electric lighting and air conditioning. They pushed the limits of modern architecture to make the Auditorium the tallest building in Chicago, the first multi-use building ever designed and the most massive modern edifice in the world.

Thanks to multiple restoration and conservation projects, visitors again enjoy the radiant 24-karat gold-leafed ceiling arches, hundreds of Sullivan's beautifully restored intricate stencil patterns, ornate guilded and bas-relief designs, and the endless floor and wall mosaics and murals by Charles Holloway and Albert Fleury.

The Auditorium Theatre has a past that follows the path of Chicago's history, from the Great Chicago Fire and World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 to the present. From opera to rock'n'roll, from political conventions to sporting events, the Auditorium Theatre has played a role in the lives of Chicago citizens for almost 120 years.

Schedule a tour!
Tour the magnificent Auditorium Theatre and marvel at the art and architecture of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. Tours are available Mondays at 10am and 12 noon, and Thursdays at 10am and cost $10 per person. Additional times for group tours (20+) are available by appointment only.
To schedule a tour of the Auditorium Theatre, please call (312) 431-2389 ext 0.

Explore the History of the Theatre!
With the generous support of American Express, we have designed an interactive and information website that shares information about the history, architecture and context that surrounds the Historic Auditorium Theatre. You'll also find activities that your family or classroom can explore before or after a visit to the theatre.

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	Theatre History A National Historic Landmark, the Auditorium Theatre is known internationally for its perfect acoustics, innovative architecture and stunning design. The famous architectural firm of Adler and Sullivan designed the theatre in 1889 using modern technology, including electric lighting and air conditioning. They pushed the limits of modern architecture to make the Auditorium the tallest building in Chicago, the first multi-use building ever designed and the most massive modern edifice in the world. Thanks to multiple restoration and conservation projects, visitors again enjoy the radiant 24-karat gold-leafed ceiling arches, hundreds of Sullivan's beautifully restored intricate stencil patterns, ornate guilded and bas-relief designs, and the endless floor and wall mosaics and murals by Charles Holloway and Albert Fleury. The Auditorium Theatre has a past that follows the path of Chicago's history, from the Great Chicago Fire and World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 to the present. From opera to rock'n'roll, from political conventions to sporting events, the Auditorium Theatre has played a role in the lives of Chicago citizens for almost 120 years. Schedule a tour! Tour the magnificent Auditorium Theatre and marvel at the art and architecture of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan. Tours are available Mondays at 10am and 12 noon, and Thursdays at 10am and cost $10 per person. Additional times for group tours (20+) are available by appointment only. To schedule a tour of the Auditorium Theatre, please call (312) 431-2389 ext 0. Explore the History of the Theatre! With the generous support of American Express, we have designed an interactive and information website that shares information about the history, architecture and context that surrounds the Historic Auditorium Theatre. You'll also find activities that your family or classroom can explore before or after a visit to the theatre.