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Calendar View shows all instances of recurring events, except for daily events which are not shown for clairty (use List View instead).
Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes view to learn about the secrets and stories that make our theatre unique! Explore this national historic landmark designed by famed architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler like never before. Be awed by taking a closer look at the brilliant 24-karat gold-leafed ceiling arches and the beautifully restored artwork throughout our building.
The Auditorium is also able to accommodate private tours for larger groups. If you would like to have a private backstage tour, please fill out this form 
.
Tours are approximately 80-90 minutes in length.
Go on a history-filled journey, from the inception of this majestic venue in 1921, all the way to its present-day incarnation as a premiere entertainment venue. The Marquee Tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby, sweeping staircase and majestic auditorium. Tour guests have the chance to stand on the famous Chicago Theatre stage, plus view artist signatures on the dressing room walls, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Dolly Parton and so many more!
Tours run Fridays at 12pm and Saturdays at 12pm and 2pm. Duration approximately 60 mins. Please note tour content is subject to change based on events in the building and that some tours can take up to 75 mins. There is no stage or dressing room access on concert days.
Tickets: Adults $20; Children (12 & under), Students (with valid ID), and Seniors (65 and older): $15. For groups (15+) call (212) 465-6080 or email [email protected] .
Tour content, prices, dates, and times are subject to change without notice. Tours are offered on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability.
Broadway In Chicago offers a public tour of our theatres every Saturday at 11am. Each tour visits two of our three theatres: the Nederlander (previously Oriental_ Theatre, the Cadillac Palace and the CIBC Theatre. The tour showcases the glittering vintage décor inspired by the foremost theatre designers of our time, who created through their designs in the French Renaissance styling. You will also learn about the cutting edge technology that makes each theatre the home to today’s most complex theatrical productions and the recent restorations that brought beauty and elegance back to these century-old theatres.
Locals referred to the Auditorium Building as the “eighth wonder of the world” upon its completion. In 1889, it was the tallest building in Chicago and the largest building in the country by volume. Its theatre boasted some of the world’s best acoustics.
The Richardsonian Romanesque-style structure was revolutionary as a mixed-use development, containing both hotel rooms and offices in order to supplement revenue from the theatre. Architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan (along with young draftsman Frank Lloyd Wright) even had their offices in the building for a short time.
The magnificent theatre interior showcases Sullivan’s intricate ornamentation, gilded arches, mosaics, murals, and decorative stenciling. Above is the spectacular atrium, crowned by a 108-panel stained-glass skylight designed by artists George Healy and Louis Millet. Crafted with jewel-like glass and exhibited at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair, the skylight remains one of The Auditorium’s most remarkable features.
Guests will be able to explore the Auditorium’s Front of House areas over all 6 floors. There will be no onstage or backstage access.
This 2,500-seat theatre opened in 1927 as the Avalon Theater. It was renamed in 1987 as a tribute to the original Regal Theater in Bronzeville, which was demolished in 1973.
The atmospheric Moorish Revival design by John Eberson was similar to that of the Paradise Theater on Chicago’s west side, which was demolished in the 1950s. A mural on the exterior of the building includes the likenesses of many famous jazz and blues musicians associated with the Regal Theater, including Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1992. In 1999, Tyler Perry got his start at the Regal with the nascent Madea character. Aside from holding an election night party to celebrate Barack Obama’s presidential victory in 2008, the theater has been vacant and mostly unused since 2003.
In December 2024, the City of Chicago agreed to a phased re-opening of the Avalon Regal Theater, starting with restoration of the grand Banquet Hall. The goal is to reopen the building in time for its 100th anniversary in 2027.
Visitors will be able to see the grand lobby and auditorium. Advance reservations are not required.
The Uptown will be open for FREE TOURS on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026, 10am to 3pm on both days. No tickets or advance reservations are required.
Visitors will enter through the main lobby and take a short guided tour of the auditorium. No photography will be permitted. Expect long lines and wait times!
100th Birthday Celebration featuring silent movies shown with live musical accompaniment by Marvin Faulwell and Bob Keckeisen!
More details to follow soon.
Photographs copyright © 2002-2026 Mike Hume / Historic Theatre Photos unless otherwise noted.
Text copyright © 2017-2026 Mike Hume / Historic Theatre Photos.
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