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    Chicago Symphony Center

    4.5 (217 reviews)
    ModerateMusic Venues
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

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    Recommended Reviews - Chicago Symphony Center

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    Updated the review just to provide an idea of how big the stage and venue are. The view is from the second balcony.
    Malavika P.

    Another fantastic performance at the CSO! Riccardo Muti (one of the most renowned conductors globally) is wonderful to watch: his energy is infectious. I've also enjoyed performances where Klaus Mäkelä was the conductor. On weekday afternoons the CSO often has smaller performances with string quartets. Tickets are reasonable, and it is an intimate experience where you can actually sit on the main stage. The musicians often talk to the audience about the pieces they are playing, and performances tend to be shorter. Highly, highly recommend a trip to the CSO if you're a long-time resident or even a casual tourist.

    View from the stage
    Joneice B.

    Allowed to tour this symphony center as apart of Choose Chicago Architecture Weekend. The facility is simply beautiful. I was very fortunate to accidentally get on a private tour. Someone who works there was showing their family around and unbeknownst to me I entered a door being held open and stumbled upon an exclusive tour. By the time I realized that this wasn't the regular tour, I was on stage. It was so cool. I was grateful to see backstage and be on the stage. I will checking out a performance in 2025 and I cannot wait to hear the music fill up this space. Check this place out if you want to hear some live music.

    Eric W.

    If you are looking for a unique experience , see the world renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra , CSO, from the gray Terrace seating which puts you in the action. If you're not concerned about seeing every orchestra member you will get the unique view of seeing the concert almost directly above the orchestra! There is something neat about seeing the audience from their vantage point . If the chorus is playing that night , you may get to mingle during intermission or after since you're on the same level! Same price as balcony seats ! ( we found last minute tickets for $75) #music #orchestra #chicago

    View from Stage Left
    Mei Mei H.

    We received tickets last minute to attend had the opportunity to sit on the stage or the balcony. I opted to sit on stage left and had a great view of the winter quartet who performed with the Chamber music series. I loved the intimate environment and how the stage was decorated with festive giant wreaths and red bows.

    Sitting in the nosebleeds _
    Sara C.

    If you ever have a chance to attend a performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra - gooooo! There is absolutely not one bad seat in Symphony Center, and I can confirm that because I sat in what may be considered some of the worst seats (the highest up). However, the layout of the Orchestra Hall is so well laid out that even in the nosebleed sections, you can see and hear everything perfectly! We saw John Williams conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and it was a life changing experience. The orchestra played John's music to a tee (of course!) - it felt like we were watching him record the original scores. I am not ashamed to say I may have shed a few tears, it was so beautiful and well done. Watch their schedule and if you ever see that a concert or conductor you love will be there - walk, run, fly, do whatever you have to do and get there. I guarantee you won't regret it!

    Kitty L.

    Last week I attended the spectacular "Soundpost: Perception, a classical music and fashion experience" at the Chicago Symphony Center!  Daughter received a media invite from the Chicago Fashion Coalition, and I was happy to be her plus one guest.  The event was CFC's collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's young professionals' network, the Overture Council, and the Chicago Civic Orchestra of Chicago, aiming to "shatter generational stereotypes and celebrate the distinctive fusion of fashion and music in Chicago".   I had been to the Chicago Symphony Center many times years ago, and enjoyed every performance of the CSO.  We had also attended special performances such as Yo Yo Ma's "Silk Road" ensemble.  This time was unique and fun.  The vibes were very lively and festive.  Olivia was our host and warmly led us to the media seating in the lower balcony.  I always sat in the orchestra level and did not realize that front row seats in the lower balcony got the best view of the entire stage, and the magnificent hall.  This event had all the audience sitting on the stage and the terrace above(behind) the stage to have an immersive experience.  The models would walk on the walkway with the string quartet musicians on both sides.  The entire "normal" audience seating in the hall was intentionally left empty.  I believed we got the best view of the show!  Interestingly, ABC7Chicago's camera crew was in our section, just more to the side of the balcony.   I like many genres of music, and classical music was one of them.  That fascinating night, a unique fashion show featuring six designers and their group of models paired with beautiful classical music by the quartet musicians from the Civic Orchestra was just mesmerizing!  The show ran from 8:00 to 10:00 PM (with a 20-minute intermission) and I enjoyed every minute of it!   One fun fact was that the suggested dress code was Perceptual Elegance, and guests were encouraged to "come dressed to impress"!  There was a wide range of fashion in the lounge during reception and in the audience on stage, and that made people watching very fun and enjoyable as well!   The "Perception" experience attempted to invoke a renewed perspective on the world itself from the audience was quite an ambitious goal to achieve.  However, I definitely left with a new appreciation for fashion, and an awakening of the love that I had for classical music! (I also shared this review on Chicago Fashion Coalition as this event was a collaboration)

    Bailey M.

    I went here a few nights ago for their show that they do with the Joffrey Ballet, this was the second time they collaborated since 2019. It was a 2 hour show, the first half was purely the CSO. The second half was the CSO with the ballet performers. Within the second half there was two different ballet performances, one was very eccentric which I was surprised by. The second dance included 5 dancers showcasing the ordinary struggles of a family, it was cute and heart touching. The venue is very beautiful and has nice acoustics. I sat in the main section, right side and was happy with my view.

    Always an excellent concert and building, but I came here to write about the kids programming (children's progamming) called Once Upon A Symphony. We brought our daughter in Kinder and now in First grade, the program is advertised preK and K, and I think thats right. She really loves them as a non-musical person and it helps spur her interest. Great costumes and storytelling. Id recommend for ages 3-7 even if they say 3-5, my dd is just at the right age (6.5) to 100% enjoy it beyond "exposure" at a younger age. Well done all

    Amazing seats!
    Dan W.

    Saw an incredible show here in box seats. It's a wonderful experience that I cannot recommend. The acoustics in the space are otherworldly! It reminded me of how much I missed live music, and how talented people are. These people must rehearse and rehearse with so much dedication.

    Aleks T.

    Absolutely incredible experience. My husband and I came to see Daniil Trifonov perform with the CSO and even he was left in awe (and has very limited knowledge/experience with classical music). Not a bad seat in the house. We sat on the farthest right side of the upper balcony and the views and sounds were more than what I had hoped for. The ushers were so incredibly kind and helpful. Parking was also super convenient as the Grant Park South garage leads right up to the front doors of the orchestra hall. While the tickets can be a little more on the expensive side, they are WELL worth the money to see such a world-class group of talented musicians and we left feeling honored to have seen them play. Both the Stravinsky and Rachmaninov sections were mesmerizing and it would be hard to choose which was a favorite. Looking forward to attending more performances in the future!

    Merry merry Chicago
    Kinza D.

    My husband took me here for my first show last week and we had so much fun. We went for their merry, merry Christmas show - it was super lively and festive and we loved that we recognized a bunch of the songs. The music was captivating and the holiday singalong got everyone in a fun mood. The hall is beautiful and you can get a great view of the stage from anywhere in the room. Can't wait to go back!

    CSO at the movies series
    Laura M.

    Had my first CSO at the movies experience watching Jurassic Park. So phenomenal!!! The whole experience was wonderful. I cannot wait to see more movies this way! It was family friendly and they had an intermission long enough to grab a drink and a snack (or use the loo). As of 3/27/22, masks were still required the whole time and you did have to show proof of vaccination. In the gallery, steps are steep, if you are fearful of heights, I'd recommend getting seats in a lower area. I highly recommend everyone tries this experience at least once!

    Bob L.

    If you have not gone to a concert or event you are missing out. A must see whether a resident or tourist. Lots of great memories I have of attending here thru the years. It does not matter what kind of music you like you have to experience a classical concert here and I assure you that you will be glad and love this place.

    Chicago symphony

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    great place great atmosphere. The costumer service as amazing. would definitely recommend to anyone visiting for the fir time

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    My family saw Sound Waves this weekend and had a great time. It was perfect for kids and, of course, the orchestra was phenomenal.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Chicago Symphony Center

    Is there a family restroom if I take my 7 year old daughter?

    Yes, a family-friendly restroom is available near the Flynn Gallery coatroom in the 6th floor lobby at Symphony Center.

    Recommended Bev/bite spot in proximity to CSO?

    The Gage !!!!!!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Chicago Symphony Center

    And Ricardo Muti, nearing the end of his time with the CSO, is one of the greatest conductors in your lifetime.

    Mentioned in 73 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Jazz Showcase - The photos alone are worth the visit!

    Jazz Showcase

    (235 reviews)

    $$

    South Loop

    This place has a magical feel IF you're into jazz. If you aren't a jazz lover, you just may become…read moreone here. Well, I love jazz and it's a great place to be. I came here for the first time knowing my grandparents started coming here in the 50's for date night jazz. This place was founded in 1947 and you can see they've preserved this place to keep that same feel with all the greats from the past... Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Lonnie Liston Smith, Hugh Masekela, Dexter Gordon, etc. (those are my favorites!). I saw the Kyle Swan Quartet. They were absolutely amazing. You see young and seasoned musicians that are so talented. I usually go to Birdland in NYC but this place, Jazz Showcase, is better to me because it feels more welcoming and like home here versus a production at a theater. We interact with the artists here-- well, they interact with us and make us feel like we are at home and like we are supposed to be there with them, not a performance transaction. $25+ for a show and booking online was a breeze. It's comfortable here, chairs are good and there's sofas in reserved areas but the whole seating area has a great view of the stage no matter where you're sitting. The staff seems gracious and kind of everyone who visits and genuinely wants you to have a great time. They see very selective in their talent that performs here... but why wouldn't they when they've been here for so long and had the best artists perform here?! I came the night that The only downside that may be for some people is they don't have food... only drinks. Me personally, I ate before and don't come for food, I come for the jazz... but they've got beer, cocktails, and other spirits. Macallan and Laphroaig for those who need a good whiskey. Come here if you're ready to relax and listen to great jazz with artists who know their craft. I'm coming back with friends... or even alone. Yeah, it's cool like that. ***Side note: the GPS may take you to the Main Street and you may not see the sign right away and actually have to turn the corner on Plymouth and walk down that side street to get to the end of the block (where the dead end/no outlet is).

    Great time! The performance was really good and the venue was huge! Random comfortable seats in the…read moreform of chairs, sofas, couches, and loveseats. A little on the expensive side for a one hour show! Shocked that a complementary drink was not included in the fee.

    Bernice's Tavern

    Bernice's Tavern

    (134 reviews)

    $

    Bridgeport

    Hidden Gem of a Dive Bar. If you're looking for an alternative to Maria's in Bridgeport, just to…read moremix it up, this place is perfect. Also a fantastic place to bar hop. Cash only. Mildly sticky floors (But in the good dive bar sort of way), overpopulated wall decorations, and friendly looking bar people who've been curating the classic rock playlist since before George Bush ran for president.

    Upon initial arrival, I'm not gonna lie - I was a little hesitant. Dive bars are my thing, but this…read moreone reminded me of one of those hillbilly country bars with sparse options in liquor and potentially boring vibes. One other bar patron was in. No music was playing. However...within five minutes, I could already tell I was going to like it here. Steve, who I later found out was the owner, was very hospitable & friendly, turning on music, catering to my silly request to see the stop light colors change, etc. Eventually, more people started arriving at the bar, including live music. Everything fell into place. It became a really great experience, where people were all friendly and welcoming. Bathroom was clean. Bar was clean. ATM works perfectly (it's a cash only bar). I love good bars and "good vibes" (and hate the phrase good vibes but whatever it works here ) and if the shoe fits, hey, enjoy it while you can! Oh and disclaimer - nothing wrong with a hillbilly bar, I tend to meet the best people at these hole in the wall establishments who've, ya know, actually lived their lives and have rich stories to share If I'm back in Chicago, this'll be a place I'll try to visit again. If you're local, better check it out. I'm an expert, trust me

    The Revival

    The Revival

    (26 reviews)

    $$

    South Loop

    I'm not sure I can even type words without falling into what might be mistaken as hyperbole…read more I had the luck to stumble upon tickets for a one night only show of Dorff, Jagodowski, and Messing. That's Kevin Dorff (writer for Conan), TJ Jagodowski (umm legend for more than Sonic commercials), and Susan Messing (the spitfire that spits the hottest fire (and who I had the good fortune of studying under at the Annoyance)). The show was phenomenal. $20 for 45 minutes of pure, smart, incredible comedy. With the comedy 20 feet away! I saw in the back at a high top with a cider and a mocktail. Drink service comes through halfway through the show or you can order before obviously. A few snacks are available. This is such a cool venue that more people should be talking about.

    My husband and I watched an improv show last night. We bought the tickets day of, when we realized…read morewe had no plans for the evening. Buying tickets on their site is so easy! Also, don't forget to add a donation! We got to the theater about 25 minutes before show time, they have a big lobby area with seating as you wait. There's also a small bar, with assorted mixed drinks, beer, cider and wine. The staff there is so nice, they let me try something before I committed to it. The theatre itself is large with different types of seating. I prefer the high top tables in the back row. The show started a bit later than advertised but it was all good. The show was so funny! And of course in true improv style, they had the audience participation by asking for prompts and input. I would 100% go back!

    Chicago Symphony Center - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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