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The National Historic Landmark theatre, which officially opened on December 9, 1889, has been a Chicago institution for 130 years. You’re invited to celebrate this milestone anniversary at a FREE Open House! Take a historic theatre tour, pose for a picture at a photo booth with an Auditorium Theatre-themed backdrop; sketch and take photos of the theatre; bring the kids for free popcorn and coloring; grab a drink at the bar; and enter a raffle for a chance to win free tickets to a future Auditorium Theatre performance. Photographs, program books, and posters from the theatre’s archives will also be on display.
Attendees who pre-register for the event get one free drink (beer, wine, soda, or water), but no ticket is needed to attend! Limit of two drink tickets per order.
FEATURING: Historic Theatre Tours, led by an expert Auditorium Theatre tour guide; Self-guided tours, with photo opportunities and scavenger hunt clues to be found along the way; A photo booth with an Auditorium Theatre backdrop and props; Coloring and sketching areas; Raffle to win free tickets to an Auditorium show! A birthday toast to the Auditorium @ 6PM with champagne and a special birthday cake created just for the Auditorium by Eli’s Cheesecake!
This is a free, non-ticketed event. Pre-registration is only required for free drink tickets.
Photographs copyright © 2002-2025 Mike Hume / Historic Theatre Photos unless otherwise noted.
Text copyright © 2017-2025 Mike Hume / Historic Theatre Photos.
For photograph licensing and/or re-use contact me here .
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