Chicago Theatre

A landmark historical theater that just screams ‘Chicago’
Noteworthy for: The theater has hosted popular comedians, bands and other performers for over 80 years.

This 1920s theater is surely the country’s most iconic – its bright, old-fashioned signature sign calls out across the years from the era of glittering Broadway shows and classy guys and dolls.
The theater’s exterior is modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, while the lavish interior in the French baroque style includes painted murals, chandeliers and a grand, open staircase spiraling up three floors (modeled after the Paris Opera House, no less). After a brief closure in 1986, the theater was completely overhauled and redecorated, and looks as good now as it did in its heyday.

You can tour the theater during the day – guides point out the interesting architectural and historical details – and you can see where famous singers, musicians and actors of years gone by have signed their names on the backstage walls.