A look at the architecture and interior design of four main theatres in chicago

How early do you get to the theatre? There’s not a ton of choice since most theatres let you in the lobby 45 to 60 minutes before a performance. More on the 45-minute mark, in my experience. And usually getting seated at 30 minutes before a performance. You can always mingle, but for the more observant, you can turn waiting into a bit of a pre-show.

But what’s so special about getting to the theatre early?

For one, they don’t build them like they used to. The buildings are extremely ornate, perhaps some are over-the-top. But always an interesting place to wait for the show while you admire all the details. Architecture, decoration, atmosphere. The closer you look, the more entertaining. And you might be inspired to research a bit more into the history and artistic intentions behind each venue. I’ll be looking into these theatres individually in the upcoming year. If only for the pictures.  

let’s get a small taste by admiring the interior design of these 4 chicago theatres.

The Chicago Theatre

Let’s start with the powerhouse theatre, named after this great city. Originally built in 1921, the Chicago Theatre has gone through a few changes, but the last major renovation was in the 1970s. Most of my photos are of the Chicago Theatre. Looking back at them, I thought many of these were from different places. This theatre was the most diverse. Different themes and atmospheres for each room.

The lobby was the most modern. Extravagant but reserved. On your way to seating, you’ll spot a golden ceiling that seems grand, despite its size. A touch royal. However, on another spot, that same ceiling came off pink like a vintage dressing room and more personal. Smaller even. So lighting’s important. The auditorium felt the most intimidating, with historical and cathedral elements.

If you go in early, you can enjoy the opulent lobby best from the higher levels. You can get a great view of the arched windows and snag a table. There are a couple of small round tables on each side. My picture is showing chairs, but I think there might be standing tables also. Worth it to grab one and admire the theatre, especially if you go solo. Arched windows, columns, filigree all over. Do yourself a favor and don’t wait in the downstairs lobby. Even if the tables are all taken, there’s standing room. Go and admire!

Despite the balcony seating may not be the most comfortable, I’d get seats in the higher levels for the pictures. You can see the ceiling from the main floor, but a better sight is in the balcony. This is absolutely beautiful, and you won’t want to sit down without snatching a few shots.

Close-up of the pink ceiling with white filigree. Sculptures of women holding up the columns with fruits piled on top, depicting riches or fertility would be my best guess.

After that, you may think you’ve seen the best this theatre has to offer. But the auditorium is unlike any other theatre in Chicago, perhaps due to its size. This is the largest theatre of the group, after all. But the spectacular blue dome steals your eyes, lined with layers of gold filigree. This makes me think of jewelry, almost a crown, topping this theatre.

There’s also a major historical and cathedral aspect to this room. Greek (or Roman) gods and goddesses are painted directly on the walls. Including a 40 by 15 feet painting of Apollo on a chariot above the stage. And yes, more sculpture detailing and gold filigree everywhere.  

I’ll have to check the next time I go, but orchestra attendees might be losing out on the architecture. I’m not sure how well you can see from the main floor. But choose balcony (or box) seats, if only for the pictures of the venue. No, really. The best move would be to catch a tour of the theatre. But if that’s not an option, I’d go for balcony or box seats just to take a good look. Got to go at least once.  

This was from box seats, but you can admire the stunning blue dome from anywhere on the upper levels. It’s an even better view in the center! There is so much to look at: painted walls, filigree, sculptures of countless faces, but the blue dome center takes the cake! It might be one of the few occasions that the ceiling is more entertaining and stunning that the framing around the stage.

Even attending feels like a different experience depending on where you’re sitting. I normally stick to orchestra; these seats are the most comfortable. Just be careful of sitting too far left or right, you lose a bit of the stage view.

Hiking it up to the balcony seats get a little tighter as you get higher. Low balcony is fine but half-way through the top, there are some seats that are smaller than the rest. There is a 3,600-seat capacity in this theatre, which is attended by 5 million people annually. You can see that more clearly in the balcony, so fair warning. It will feel much larger and crowded. This theatre is worth shilling out extra for box seats though. And there is also a 1-hour tour during select days.

The face in this image seems in awe of the chandelier.

More faces on this one. An elegant woman with a darker figure below, but is it on guard? Or just a mask of tragedy?

Hopefully, if you’re ever in Chicago, you’ll take in a show at this majestic theatre. Make sure to get all the fun shots: Outside the theatre, the lit-up marquee on the way in, and another marquee but with the program on the way out! Aim to get something for each room you pass through. At your seat, get the stage front and center (before the show, of course). Take a peek at the orchestra, especially just before the show. The musicians might be tuning their instruments. Plus, shots of the theatre seats. Much more comfortable to get it early before it fills up with a crowd of faces.  

Cadillac Palace Theatre

Moving onto a smaller theatre. With a 2,500-seat capacity and a million attendees annually, the Cadillac Palace can also feel different depending on where you’re sitting. Originally built in 1926, this venue has a calmer atmosphere. But it chooses to highlight its most valued features versus putting everything out there on full blast.  

Starting with the lobby, the gold details all over the ceiling can still be viewed clearly from the main floor. In this case, the simpler chandeliers don’t compete the ceiling. The walls might be another story.

In contrast to the Chicago Theatre, orchestra seating might be a better view of the interior due to the lighting. There are small tray (or inverted) ceiling sections that are lit-up with ornate details. I think the light might help provide a more intimate atmosphere, at least while you’re waiting for the show to start. The walls on the main floor are pink under the mezzanine, which turn to lavender for the rest of the auditorium.

The walls are decorated with dancing women surrounded with heavy filigree. Note how the lighting is emphasizing these features. The dark also contrasts nicely. While a smaller venue, compared to the Chicago Theatre, you can get a sight of everything from the orchestra level. This includes the center dome.

This soft pink dome is delicately lit and has vertical rectangles circling the interior. This leads into tiny round details. Smaller filigree as it’s losing in. Lighting was taken more into consideration than at the Chicago Theatre. Other than what I mentioned, even the small lighting fixtures seem to have a bigger impact for what it is. It pops more, even if gently, due to the minimal amount of light. The ceiling trays are another interesting element, I haven’t seen much in other places.

Nederlander Theatre

Unlike the Cadillac Palace, when it comes to the Nederlander, it’s all about the lobby. Originally known historically as the Oriental Theatre, it was built in 1926 and is incredibly decorated. I have too many pictures to choose from. In this single case, I keep to the lobby more than the other theatres as I wait. I even take a few pics on the way out.

With a 2,253-seat capacity, the Nederlander also welcomes a million attendees per year. All pass through this extravagant gold lobby with a wide-open French window. This coffered ceiling also features images of a woman praying, with major Eastern influences all over. Different shades of gold, this oddly doesn’t look overdone.

The auditorium features a center tray ceiling like the Cadillac Palace but a single massive one. While not exactly a dome, this lit-up center looks white (or silver) with a textured ceiling. Large, gold filigree in the middle and lining the tray ceiling. It’s simple but a strong statement. This picture shows a strong contrast between light and dark.

CIBC Theatre

The smallest of the bunch, the CIBC Theatre has an 1,800-seating capacity. But still brings in a million visitors annually. Originally built in 1926. It has a tiny foyer with an interesting ceiling. Similar to a tray ceiling, this coffered ceiling has several squares. Each with its individual lighting fixtures. Small but gold details lining each individual square.

The lighting is old school theatre, like the lighting on the marquee. A little odd since it’s indoors but makes one think of the theatre. It kind of works. I don’t remember much of a lobby; you’re immediately met with a steep set of stairs. Or directed to waiting just outside the auditorium doors if on the main floor.

The auditorium has the most traditional box seats, top to bottom, at the sides of the stage. Due to this fact, there isn’t a ton of filigree or sculptured details on the walls. But the red drapery with gold trims all over is classically theatre.

As mentioned, I’ll be doing a deep dive per theatre in the near future. Did you have a personal favorite? Hopefully, this inspires you to get to theatre early. If only to admire the beautiful buildings bringing groups of strangers together for a fun evening. Better yet, I hope to see some of your own pictures!