Auditorium Theatre — Performance Venue Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like? Inspired to build a theater that would benefit the city and serve as the world’s largest and most ornate building, Chicago businessman Ferdinand Wythe Peck began plans for the Auditorium Theatre and debuted the venue in 1889. Since then, the theater has been the site of major historical events and performances and earned impressive titles along the way (including a National Historic Landmark designation). Credit its meticulous planning and the team behind it, who envisioned a building achieving modern architecture feats at the time—and whose design has resulted in longstanding distinction across acoustics and architecture. What kinds of events can we see here? Expect a diverse curation of arts and entertainment throughout the year, spanning dance, music, theater, speakers, and comedians. How are the seats? The theater houses more than 3,800 seats across several sections. Even if you're further back than you'd hoped, consider it still a win—this theater's historic details and design are a spectacle in and of themselves. Good for kids? Children (in their own seats) are permitted, but for every performance, parents/guardians are encouraged to discern age-appropriate content. Anything in particular that makes this place special, from the programming to a unique feature it has? Some of the most notable artists and speakers of every generation have graced this stage, including Aretha Franklin, The Doors, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Theodore Roosevelt, Stevie Wonder, and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. This season is no exception—keep an eye on the calendar for events with Tom Hanks, The National, and Loreena McKennitt, among others. Special programming is also a feature here—just one example being Hearts to Art, the theater's youth summer camp for those who have experienced the loss of a parent. The camp aims to foster connection and collaboration through the healing power of the arts across its many forms. If we’re going to be in town, what—and who—do you think this is best for? Anyone seeking a dose of the arts in elevated, historic environs will do well by a visit here. Gather friends for a speaker event or concert, or make it a date night." - Nicole Schnitzler
