Closed at the onset of World War II, the Auditorium Theatre was neglected and abandoned for many years, slipping into oblivion and decay. Through the valiant efforts of one audacious woman, Mrs. Beatrice T. Spachner,and a group of dedicated civic leaders, an independent council was formed to raise funds to restore the theatre to its original splendor. Thanks to their efforts, the theatre reopened in October 1967.

Throughout its history, the Auditorium has hosted countless dance companies, musicians, speakers, and events. Recent performances include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Folklórico de México, David Byrne, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, Neil Young, and Death Cab for Cutie.   The Auditorium Theatre is also extremely proud to have hosted the national tours of Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Show Boat, and The Color Purple.

Staying true to the vision of the theatre’s founders, the Auditorium truly does welcome all of Chicago.

Origins

Ferdinand Peck, a wealthy Chicago businessman, incorporated the Chicago Auditorium Association in December 1886 to develop what he envisioned as the world’s largest and grandest theatre, one that would rival such institutions as the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.

Chicago in the late 1800s was a leading center for political idealism and labor activism. One particularly important demonstration, fighting for an eight-hour work day, occurred at an open market near Des Plaines Ave. and Randolph St. on May 4, 1886. This incident, which became known as the Haymarket Riot, further inspired Ferdinand Peck to create a venue that embodied the democratic ideals that he believed could bring art to all of the people in Chicago.

Peck persuaded many Chicago philanthropists to join the Association, including Marshall Field, Edson Keith, and George Pullman. On December 22, 1886, the Association hired the renowned architectural firm of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan (with whom Peck had worked on the Chicago Opera Festival in 1885) to create the building and the theatre.

Adler and Sullivan designed a tall Romanesque-style structure with thick load-bearing outer walls. When completed, it was the tallest building in Chicago and the largest building in the country. The construction of the Auditorium cost more than $3,200,000, making it the most expensive building in the city. The Auditorium’s fortress-like exterior echoes the strength and power of its purpose. The simplicity and boldness of the exterior is contrasted with the intricate detail and design of the theatre’s interior, which is lavishly decorated with marble mosaics, art glass, murals and plaster reliefs in organic ornamentation.

Excavation began on January 28, 1887, and the Auditorium Theatre officially opened in December 1889.The Auditorium Building’s design included a 4,200 seat auditorium, originally intended primarily for the production of opera, surrounded by over 130 offices; a first-class, 400-room hotel, a bar, and restaurants.

The Auditorium Theatre as recorded in 1889:

The Auditorium Theatre as recorded today: