The Chicago Theatre

175 North State Street

Chicago, Illinois

Circa 1927

Seven uniformed ushers at the Chicago Theatre.

The grand lobby with its Tiffany stained-glass curved window modeled after the Royal Chapel at Versailles, is five stories high and surrounded by gallery promenades at the mezzanine and balcony levels.  Stained glass was a common, extravagant element in these "movie palaces", suggesting the lobby window was integral to its intended grandeur.

The grand staircase is patterned after that of the Paris Opera House and ascends to the various levels of the Great Balcony. 

The Chicago Theatre, originally known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre Corporation with a seating capacity of 3,600 is a theatre seven stories high, more than one half of a city block wide and nearly as long in the loop area of the city.  The vertical sign 

C-H-I-C-A-G-O, at nearly six stories high, is one of the few such signs in existence today.  A symbol of State Street and Chicago, the sign and marquee are landmarks in themselves as is the original 1921 29-rank Opus 434 Wurlitzer pipe organ. 

Organ console was painted white prior to an overhaul in 1985.

The grandeur of the Chicago Theatre often leaves its visitors breathless.  The elegant lobby, majestic staircase and beautiful auditorium complete with murals above the stage and on the ceiling, are components of an amazing building called "the Wonder Theatre of the World" when it opened October 26, 1921 with Norma Talmadge on screen in "The Sign on the Door."  A 50-piece orchestra performed in the orchestra pit and Jesse Crawford (1895-1962) played the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ.  After a "white glove inspection," a staff of 125 ushers welcomed guests who paid 25 cents until 1 p.m., 35 cents in the afternoon and 50 cents after 6 p.m.

The Chicago Theatre was the first large, lavish movie palace in America and was the prototype for all others.  This beautiful movie palace was constructed for $4 million by theatre owners, Barney and Abe J. Balaban, his brother-in-law, Sam Katz and Morris Katz. It was designed by architects, C. W. (Cornelius Ward) Rapp, George L. Rapp and Mason G. Rapp.  It was the flagship of the Balaban and Katz theatre chain. Attention was given to a visitor's total experience, from the moment a patron walked through the front door until they sat down in their seat. 

Built in French Baroque style, the Chicago Theatre's exterior features a miniature replica of Paris' Arc de Triomphe, sculpted above its State Street marquee. Faced in a glazed, off-white terra cotta, the triumphal arch is sixty feet wide and six stories high.  Within the arch is a grand window in which is set a large circular stained-glass panel bearing the corporate emblem/coat-of-arms of the Balaban and Katz chain which are two horses holding ribbons of 35-mm film in their mouths.  

If you find yourself in Chicago, guided, behind-the-scenes tours are offered for this iconic landmark.  The tour takes you through the theatre's history and architectural highlights, from its inception in 1921 to its present-day role as an entertainment venue.  Included in the behind-the-scenes tours are the backstage areas, dressing rooms and seeing backstage artist signatures including those from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Dolly Parton. The tour is approximately 60-75 minutes long and may sell out subject to availability.