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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.
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Text copyright © 2017-2026 Mike Hume / Historic Theatre Photos.
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