The Auditorium

In 1889, Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, two of the most influential and transformative architects in history, unveiled their crowning achievement – The Auditorium.  A rare combination of staggering size and unparalleled acoustics, the 3900-seat Auditorium was immediately hailed as one of the most majestic artistic venues not only in the United States, but throughout the world, with its soaring ceiling, gilded elegance, and graceful design.  It is known for its remarkable horseshoe shape, its perfect acoustics and unimpaired sightlines.

The Auditorium was the first multi-purpose building in Chicago incorporating a hotel, offices, retail spaces along with a performing arts space and one of the first public buildings to use newly developed modern technologies like electric lighting and air conditioning.  Throughout the building there are hundreds of Sullivan’s intricate stencil patterns and ornate gilded and bas-relief designs.  Radiant 24-karat gold-leafed ceiling arches, exquisite murals by Charles Holloway and Albert Fleury and endless floor and wall mosaics adorn the House.  The Auditorium’s fortress-like exterior echoes the strength and power of its purpose and Frank Lloyd Wright, who received much inspiration working his first job as a draftsman on the project said The Auditorium is, “The greatest room for music and opera in the world-bar none.” 

Throughout its life, The Auditorium has continued to evolve, and in addition to a rewarding partnership with Broadway In Chicago, bringing iconic musicals like Wicked, Elf, Les Misérables and many more to Chicago, The Auditorium takes pride in presenting an eclectic array of dazzling performers and incomparable international talent across many genres including music superstars like Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Sting, Aretha Franklin and the Grateful Dead, world premier dance and ballet companies like the Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, film series, operas, orchestras, and iconic speakers!  

While its programming has adapted and grown, The Auditorium has remained dedicated to providing the highest quality of artistic experiences while preserving the storied principles upon which it was founded, not only a venue for the performing arts, but also as a testament to Chicago’s rich cultural heritage.  Its vibrant history and continued significance make it a cornerstone of the city’s artistic community.  The Auditorium is Chicago’s Landmark Stage® and the Theatre For The People.