Chicago Theatre

A grand 1920s movie palace in French Baroque style, restored as a concert venue — its glowing red marquee is a Chicago icon.

The Chicago Theatre opened in 1921 and ranks among the most opulent surviving movie palaces in the United States. Designed by Rapp & Rapp in French Baroque style, it originally seated more than 3,000 patrons. The six-story lobby with marble staircases and gilded ceilings was one of the most elaborate cinema foyers of its era. After a period of decline the venue was restored in the 1980s and now operates as a concert and event hall. The glowing red marquee sign on State Street remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chicago.