Inside the Chicago Theatre's 1921 Lobby and Auditorium
A 60 to 75 minute guided walk through the Chicago Theatre: a 1921 lobby inspired by the royal chapel at Versailles, a grand staircase after the Paris Opera, and the 3,600-seat auditorium, with backstage access when the schedule allows.
🎬 Your Nov 6 Session
🎭 From the Marquee to the Lobby
The tour entrance is the door under the marquee on State Street, between Lake and Benton Place, a block from the State/Lake and Lake stations. Inside, the lobby takes its design from the royal chapel at Versailles, and the grand staircase is reminiscent of the Paris Opera. Guides cover the October 1921 opening, the Rapp and Rapp design, and the 3,600-seat auditorium, seven stories high.
✍️ Backstage, When the Schedule Allows
The route adds the stage and the backstage corridors where performers signed the walls, with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Dolly Parton among the names the theatre lists. There is no stage or dressing room access on concert days, and tour content can change, so backstage is the part most likely to shift. Video cameras, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, recorders and professional lenses stay outside. The stage, backstage and balcony are stairs only, and a free wheelchair transport can be requested at 888-609-7599.
🎟️ Dates, Prices and Entry
The November 6 tour is listed for 12:00 PM Chicago time, and more sessions run Friday to Sunday through November. Adult tickets list at 27 to 29 dollars, children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over at 22 to 23 dollars, online prices including a 4 dollar service fee and taxes, with the final cost depending on session and channel. Children under 5 need no ticket of their own, under 18s should bring an adult, groups of 9 or more call 212-465-6080, the venue is cashless, and sales are final. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
