What a stunning and underrated theater! I'm a Broadway in Chicago regular and have gone to the main 3 venues more times than I can count but I've only been to the Auditorium twice! I wish they used it more because it's beautiful and spacious; much more leg room than the Cadillac. They also have an enormous dress circle which I highly recommend for reasonably priced tickets. I will hopefully be back sometime soon for another show! read more

Auditorium Theatre - & Juliet playbill! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Watched & Juliet here and the theater is truly stunning. The beautiful gold carvings and details throughout the theater make it such a fun place to see a show, and the seats were great. My only complaint is that I wish there were bathrooms on every level instead of only on the bottom and third floors. Besides that, it was a great experience! read more

Auditorium Theatre - auditorium from mezzanine - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is the largest of the many theatres around downtown that I've been to. I'm pretty sure it has a lot more seats than the nederlander, Chicago theatre, CIBC, etc. From the main downtown area it's not too bad to get to, ~ a 15 minute walk. Because the theatre seats so many, some of the seats have a pretty skewed view. E.g. front balcony left side and right side almost require you to be always turned to one side to see most of the stage. The number of staff is also not enough to keep track of phone usage and talking, and I observed a lot of both during a recent show. On the plus side, the stage itself is nice and there are some beautiful paintings around the theatre. Overall, though, I think the seating options and etiquette at the other theatres has been much better, and I'd prefer watching shows at them instead. read more

Opulence! Comfort! We enjoyed Ludovico Einaudi's Summer Portraits tour and it was amazing. The theatre was full but still ran very well. We were checked in quickly despite long lines. This is a spectacular venue with gorgeous architecture. Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful time, no matter the performance. read more

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Built in 1889, this is an absolutely stunning theatre. We attended a Raye concert and was not only surprised by the sheer size of the space but it is both visually stunning as well as acoustically amazing. It is 5 stories with balconies cantilevered over the main floor. Just a heads up that drinks/booze isn't available on every floor. The line moved quickly and the number of attendants available make quick work of guests trying to find their seats. The stairs are steep so hold off on the 4th or 5th beverage! A great place to watch a show. read more

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I came to see Kruder and Dorfmeister. Sitting in the upper balcony, I had a perfect view. When you walk in they will have to check you bag and have you go through metal detectors, the workers were sweet and nice. This theater has great an acoustics. The band sounds great. Just be careful when buying tickets, resellers will pop up before the Auditorium Theater. read more

Auditorium Theatre - My view - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Had not been inside this theater since graduating in 2010. It's a beautiful, classic and aged architectural structure. In 1975 it became a historical landmark. Imagine my excitement when finding out that Mean Girls was going to be performing at this locale. The performance was amazing! The lights, sounds, dancing and theatrics were all well worth seeing. read more

Auditorium Theatre - My program. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is absolutely stunning! They just don't make things the way they used to and that really shines here! The crown molding, carvings, golds and velvets shine through. Every seat has a good view! read more

Auditorium Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice and classy theater! Gender neutral bathrooms, clean, no musty old carpet smell, modern enough but classy. Interior design and lights are very nice. Acoustics work well. Nice staff and security. You have to go through metal detectors, they look through all bags, you can't bring even a tiny Swiss Army knife so keep anything sharp at home. They will confiscate any sharp metal objects and keep it safe until the end of the show and they will return it. Oh and the seats aren't vinyl as I would like bc it's easy to clean but they are cloth and comfortable and plush. read more

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Very beautiful theater in the heart of Chicago. We went to see Broadway show of Elf the musical while on a work trip. Recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before your show starts. It was a slow line to get inside. It's nice. They have security, but it does make it very tedious to get in the front door. Inside is very ordinate and lots of details from mosaics in the floor to artwork on the walls and ceilings. Elf certainly made us laugh. Nobody beats Will as Buddy the Elf though! read more

Auditorium Theatre - Inside - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great location downtown. Excellent presentation. Options for drinks and sweet snacks outside the auditorium. You can bring in the drinks you buy. read more

beautiful and historic, with helpful staff. BUT- stay away from the balcony, Row 2 seats - they're nothing more than 2 chairs sitting directly behind two other chairs. Since they're all on the same level (Row 2 isn't elevated over Row 1) the view is obstructed. We had to constantly crane our necks to look around the people in our own box and in the boxes closer to the stage. Not only was this not noted (and SHOULD be!) when we bought, the seats were sold at "premium seats" pricing, more than the standard orchestra seats which definitely had a better view. Very disappointed; I feel like the theater is defrauding its patrons. read more

Very outdated. Remodeling should be in its future--from the worn carpeting to the vintage seating and such a small stage area. Tiny pieces of foam were falling from the ceiling during the stage performance. I attended The Hip Hop Orchestra w/ Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra and D-Composed Chicago. I did not particularly enjoy the performances by Thee Phantom. It seemed to interrupt the flow of hearing the orchestra. That's what I was there to hear. It was not what I expected at all. read more

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I would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Auditorium theater for their assistance in keeping me safe at the Lily Allen concert on 4/4/2026. Xylan, Rayna, and Giesla made every attempt to get me back to my home after I was left alone at the concert in an unsafe situation. If it wasn't for them, I don't know what would have happened, but I was able to get home safely. I extend my deepest apologies for the disruption that I caused. Those three people may have saved my life that night, and for that I am eternally grateful. If a raise is available, all 3 of them deserve it, or some other form of recognition. They were respectful and tolerant, the ambiance and environment were supportive and exciting, and I feel truly blessed to have received their assistance. God bless you. Sincerely, Kate read more

I personally thought the place was very cool. Easy entry. Friendly staff. Bars could use a little better variety. There really is not a bad seat in the place. Surprise! Seating in the balconies is very cool but take it easy getting there. Especially if you have even a little vertigo. I will definitely buy tickets to another event here. P.S. It is absolutely beautiful. Take it all in. read more

First experience in this theater was to see Beetlejuice the musical. Overall was impressed with the beauty of the theater however I did not like the process of getting into the theater. The entrance is long and off a very busy street and the way it was set up like you had to kind of walk into the street to get to the entrance so that was kind of a mess. The show was fantastic and I was very impressed with the talent and would recommend this musical for all ages. At this theater we actually set in a box. That was my first time sitting in a box (only 4 seats) and I really enjoyed it. Definitely worth upgrading to have that more personal feeling. Our seats were very comfy and there were no heads blocking our view. I would say the only annoying thing is the other 2 before in the box kept standing up during the performance. These seats were so comfy and spacious that they could stretched their legs sitting down....like seriously calm down. Another issue with this theater was the confusing lines to purchase merchandise. We got in one line and they let a group go and then told us we weren't in line which was not true. So then we had to get back in line. Meanwhile several people cut the line as the attendants were not very attentive. But for really liking the show...I almost didn't purchase my ornament. All in all it was fun times. I would come back to this theater. My drink was strong but the price to value was less to be desired. Nearby parking and a Peet's coffee was a highlight. Try to get to this spot at least 20 to 30 minutes before as getting in is quite a process. read more

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The sound system here is always good. Comfortable, plush seating. Needs sum rehabbing but overall in good condition. If u are out of shape, handicapped u may want 2 get mainfloor seating. Climbing the stairs is not like it used to be for this 52 year old man. Lol. read more

Did you know that this is a national historical landmark? It's a gorgeous theater with 3,901 seats total. Elegance and opulence abound. We recently went here to see the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra preform with special guests, Tank and the Bangas. The acoustics are phenomenal, and even though we were sitting in one of the balconies, it sounded like we were sitting on the front row. The seats were nice, with plenty of leg room. Get there early so you can truly take in the beautiful architecture and decor of the theater. read more

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Great venue for seeing any event. I don't think there is a bad seat in the place. Great acoustics for a concert. We heard the entrance into the building can take some time with the security in place. We arrived 45 minutes early and didn't have to wait in a line. We only sat prior to the concert, and then everyone stood. I didn't find the seats uncomfortable. read more

Auditorium Theatre - Rex Orange County from row EE - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went to see the sugar hill nutcracker. A real treat. The seats were at the gallery and it was a lovely experience. read more

Auditorium Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a wonderful old theater. The architecture is amazing and so well maintained. All of the staff were very friendly, professional and guided many people to their seats. Many reviews mention uncomfortable seating, but out seats were located in the dress circle and were fine. The sound was excellent. There were no bathrooms on our floor, but the bathrooms on the floor above us were fine, but there were only two stalls in the woman's bathroom. We used spot hero and was able to park two blocks away for $8.00 for a Sunday evening event. The venue is historic and beautiful. read more

Auditorium Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This theater has wide comfortable seats with enough legroom! Best theater seats in Chicago!

This was my first time at this theater, and although it is a beautiful and historic lesson learned do not get seats in the upper balcony. But I will say I guess you get what you paid for. The seats in the upper balcony are narrow and uncomfortable. During the performance of Beetlejuice, the lights in the upper balcony don't dim as much, so it was distracting. Another thing was when anyone got up the stairs made noises so that was another factor. They have an elevator that makes things accessible and made for getting out faster because walking up 6 flights of stairs, I was tired. They have a bar and snack on every floor, which is nice. The bathroom was big and clean. The history surrounding the building is amazing. I will come back if there is another show in town, but I will def get closer seats for better comfort. read more

Auditorium Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We recently went to a concert here. The first in many years. The theater was designed by Adler and Sullivan and opened in 1889. It featured electricity and air conditioning which was rare at the time. With gorgeous 24 karat gold leafed ceiling arches, it is a sight to behold. At obesity time, it was the tallest building in Chicago. It is a National Historic Landmark, a building otitis built for operas, but with its stunning architecture and prefect acoustics, it is a theater that everyone should enjoy. read more

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Beautiful venue BUT the seats are so uncomfortable it does not fit all body shapes. If you're sitting on the Upper level, the bathroom is a few floors down and you can barely see the entertainment. The workers are always nice though and helpful. read more

Auditorium Theatre - Saw Stephen Colbert - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Nice old auditorium but seats are small and some seats are not good... very hard to see the stage! read more

Auditorium Theatre - Some seats are not good! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you have a problem, Don Hall the seating manager is very unprofessional and lacks skills for his position when problems arise. Unfortunately, it maybe a bigger policy problem that the staff is unable to correct in addition to a skillset of lacking customer service. I was not asking for a solution of my seats being corrected, but in understanding how the problem happened in the first place. Out of 4 seats, one seat was placed off to themselves. I had purchased my seats a year in advance. Apparently, planning ahead was something that could not be handled correctly. Theater was beautiful, but honestly have had better experiences at other places. Will avoid this location again. read more

Gorgeous. Breathtaking. add all of the *adjectives* If you like art and or/music, please see a show here. Last month was my first time - unbelievable. The sound is pristine; the sightlines are gorgeous... just pick an event and go. Please. As an ADA patron, staff could not have been more accommodating or friendly. Cheers to everyone there. I appreciate you all. read more

Sound: Awesome Vibe: Very cool Comfort: Ungodly awkward Accessibility: Not very (They have ramps and elevators but seating and aisles are NARROW and treacherous in the balconies) Inclusion: Considerable (gender neutral bathrooms available) Came to see The National and the sound was awesome even in the nosebleed section...which felt more like Quasimodo seating than anything. The balconies are VERY vertigo inducing. Steep, rigid seating with confusing railings, stairs and navigation. Seating was so uncomfortable it was ALMOST entertaining. The seats are DEFINITELY not fat friendly whatsoever. We had 6th floor balcony seats and had tried to choose seats that seemed at least moderately accessible, but everything is so narrow it was nearly impossible to navigate without feeling like I was going to go tumbling down 5 floors of balconies. Luckily I survived without incident...unless you count flat, numb glutes incidental. Still glad I came and I would probably revisit if a great band was playing at a reasonable rate. Our tickets were in the $40ish range for maybe second to worst quality seats in the place. Not terrible for a great band. I would hope perhaps they might allow a medical cushion for me though? Entry was super smooth and fast, but I came about 2 songs into the opener. read more

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The entire place is beautiful. I had a seat in the middle balcony and honestly I don't think there's probably a bad view in the theatre anywhere. There were concessions on the upper floors and plenty of staff to help you find your seat. Someone was actually sitting in my seat when I arrived and they helped me sort it out. The snacks and drinks were reasonably priced. read more

This is an old world beautiful theater. It's stunning to walk in to. Sometimes with these old theaters don't necessarily have the best seating. But you really won't find a bad seat in the house. And the sound system stands up to my scrutiny. You'll have a wonderful experience. read more

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I have been fortunate enough to see a few shows at the Auditorium Theatre and have enjoyed every experience and show here. A few days ago I saw the Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show and had another consistently great experience! As for parking, if you can take public transit, that would be best if you do not want to pay for parking/deal with Loop traffic. All of the staff I interacted with were kind and friendly. The wait times to get in were not long at all. One weird thing about the theatre is that there are no bathrooms on the second floor and can be a bit odd to find. The staff will definitely help you find the closest one, though. The seats were fairly comfy as well despite them being old. I have sat in different parts of the theatre and have never had a bad view of the stage. The details of the theatre are incredibly breathtaking and I love how they added some festive lights for the festive show! This theatre has a quite the variety of shows, so if you find one that interests you, please go to this theatre! read more

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Went to see Beetlejuice was a nice night. It's a beautiful theater amazing detail accents on the building interior. the seats he had were phenomenal. They were a little old. W could feel the springs was kind of funny, but I highly recommend my seat section where Z orchestra could see the stage no obstructive view. I did try to make note of the obstructed seats because we were looking at those at one point, and the pillar doesn't seem to be like it would be a little restrictive but probably not awful. The bathroom is downstairs so that was hard. If you have issues, there was an elevator. The gentleman that works behind the beverage counter was very rude and very unfriendly. The cast was fantastic amazing performance so fun. , . The usher was fantastic, super nice super friendly, very personable. read more

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Located near Michigan Avenue, this huge auditorium held the packed audience members. I ordered tickets a month ago and didn't notice until today that they didn't arrive by email. I called two times with no luck. I emailed and customer service sent me a ticket. I thought that I ordered a different seat and they put me further back in the theater. Metal detectors greeted guests. Tom Hanks was funny and was describing his new future ventures and book which was included in the ticket. I loved him in Big, an older comedy movie. I saw his newest movie but was disappointed that it was more sentimental and poignant than comedic. He was interviewed by wbez. The show was longer than mentioned. Ubers were very pricey as the show ended. No photos were allowed during which was a bummer. Instead of waiting for elevators many elected to walk the staircase to enter or exit the building. read more

Auditorium Theatre - Tom hanks - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went for an Indian musical and got seats in the 3rd floor balcony.... The seats were like 100 years old with bad and dirty covers . I felt very ikky to sit there ... the auditorium is old and needs constant maintenance. I hope the management does something to restore this beautiful space read more

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This is a wonderful old theater, could use a little love. We saw a concert and had lower box seats. It provided a great view. The staff was all very nice and helpful. I loved the history behind the theater. Apparently you used to walk up a few steps to get in but now you walk down a few steps instead. The security staff was efficient and fast. I felt very safe that all were vaccinated and wearing masks. The acoustics were wonderful. read more

Auditorium Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in located in the upper balcony area. It was like sitting on a cardboard box. I felt claustrophobic with the lack of space and felt so stiff. The upper balcony area also made me feel scared in case of a fire or emergency because it is so tight. In one area there are several seats closed in with iron and a horrible obstructed view. $15 for a tiny drink was ridiculous. Bathrooms were nice and staff who worked there were super nice. read more

Saw Future Islands here 2 days ago and they put on an amazing show unfortunately whoever was working the mixing board should be fired then rehired then fired again...lol I've seen hundreds of concerts and this was the worst sounding concert in my entire life...The lead singer didn't even need to be there since you couldn't hear a thing he was saying and sometimes the music was off key...And people think aragon ballroom has bad sound. This was next level mushy blurred sound. It's sad to have to watch a band as good as this in a beautiful historical spot like this and the sound be this trash. I will never see a show here again...And thanks for making me dislike a great band (Well at least for this one night) read more

This place is very beautiful and has good sound, but it is a horrible place to see a play! It is way to big to see a musical because the actors look like ants on the stage. The staff is also horrible. They are disrespectful bullies if you are a senior citizen. I was bullied by a so-called security guard who refused my entry into the theatre because my AXS TICKETS DIDN'T WORK! He was 6 inches taller than me and 40 years younger and he tried to intimidate me by glaring at me. When I was not intimidated by him he refused my entry. I guess this guy 6 inches taller and 40 years younger black guy thought that the 75 year old white guy was dangerous. If you are a senior citizen, DO NOT GO TO THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE WITH AXS TICKETS! THEY WILL HUMILATE YOU AND ATTACK YOU. IF YOU STAND UP FOR YOURSELF! AXS IS A SCAM! THE PHONE TICKETS DON'T WORK!! THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE HAS A VERY UNPROFESSIONAL STAFF THAT WILL BULLY YOU! I KNOW! THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR SENIORS, AND YOU'LL BE OUT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS! JUST LIKE ME! read more

Great venue! Staff was kind and helpful, the building was beautiful, and had a great view from my seat. The signature cocktail, "the storyteller" was delicious, it was $16 (classic chicago theater/venue drink pricing, what can you do) read more

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