History of The Auditorium: Chapter 13

2010-2025

From Heritage to Headlines

From its grand opening over 135 years ago, Chicago’s Auditorium has been a city landmark. But in the 2010s and beyond, it didn’t just rest on its historic laurels—it came alive, balancing tradition, innovation, and community connection. This theatre proves that a 19th-century masterpiece can not only survive but thrive in the 21st century.

A Decade of Artistic Innovation

The 2010s were transformative. The theatre hosted everything from world-class ballet to major concerts, Broadway revivals, and orchestral performances. The Joffrey Ballet, which called the Auditorium home until 2017, drew international attention, while the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater established a beloved annual residency celebrating diversity and artistry. Artists like Aretha Franklin and Chance the Rapper lit up the stage, connecting the theatre’s storied past with the vibrant present.

The Auditorium’s growth wasn’t just about bigger shows—it was about deeper community connection. Programs like “Made in Chicago,” student matinees, and community partnerships reflected the theatre’s mission to engage all of Chicago’s diverse communities, making it more than a place to buy a ticket—it’s a space for engagement.

Even intimate performances found a home here. In 2010, the “Cabaret Series” featuring singer-songwriter Susan Werner illustrated the theatre’s commitment to personal, smaller-scale shows alongside major productions.

In 2011, the theatre established ArtsXChange to provide educators who want to integrate arts-based learning into existing curriculum and practice using arts-learning strategies for the classroom.

Some moments went beyond traditional arts. In 2015, the Auditorium made history by hosting the NFL Draft, the first time in 50 years it was held outside New York City. More recently, it welcomed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert during the Democratic National Convention, showcasing its versatility on a national stage.

Preservation Meets Progress

The Auditorium isn’t just a venue—it’s a living piece of Chicago history. Restoration efforts have preserved its architectural treasures, and in 2019, the theatre was recognized as “Outstanding Historic Theatre” by the League of Historic American Theatres—an honor made even more special as it coincided with the theatre’s 130th anniversary. Celebrations included performances, historical retrospectives, and initiatives carrying its mission into the next decade.

The global Covid-19 pandemic closed our doors for nearly 600 days forcing the theatre to use creative ingenuity to provide a sense of community and showcase the true power of the arts digitally. The reopening was celebrating the start of the 2021-22 Season with Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. A truly Chicago event with a local dance company that highlights the strength and resilience of our dance community.

In 2025, major restoration work began to revive the stained-glass skylight, atrium, and original Adler & Sullivan stencil work, with completion anticipated around fall 2027. These efforts ensure the theatre remains both a historic gem and a modern cultural hub.

Reinvention, Rebrand, and Community

The pandemic challenged theatres everywhere, and the Auditorium adapted with virtual programming, creative audience experiences, and renewed community engagement. Post-pandemic, the theatre emerged with fresh purpose. Programming now includes film-and-live-score experiences, multidisciplinary events, and initiatives like the 2025–26 season’s “Celebrating Women Leaders in Dance.”

In 2025, the venue embraced a refreshed identity, rebranding simply as The Auditorium. This signals a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and contemporary relevance while honoring its historic legacy. The 2024–25 season exemplified this evolution with offerings like Hiplet Ballerinas and a live-scored version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula with the Chicago Philharmonic, blending traditional performing-arts staples with innovative formats.

Looking Ahead

The Auditorium’s next chapter promises continued innovation and engagement:

• Expanded programming across genres, including immersive experiences.
• Community-driven initiatives emphasizing inclusion and representation.
• Major restorations enhancing both aesthetic and operational experiences.
• Flexible ticketing and outreach programs making the arts accessible to all.

From classical concerts to groundbreaking contemporary collaborations, from the NFL Draft to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Auditorium has navigated the past decade with creativity, resilience, and vision. With its 2025 rebrand, it’s more than a historic venue—it’s a dynamic cultural hub, ready to inspire, educate, and entertain for generations to come.

From crisis to comeback, from heritage to progress, The Auditorium stands today as a vibrant, evolving stage—a place where Chicago’s past, present, and future converge.