175 N State | The Chicago Theater

Many don’t know, but The Chicago Theatre was the first large, lavish movie palace in all of America. Originally named “the Wonder Theatre of the World” when it opened in 1921, it was re-furbished just a short decade later to impress visitors of Chicago’s 1933 World's Fair — also known as the Century of Progress International Exposition

The theater stood seven stories tall, largely adorned in cream-colored terracotta, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Once inside guests climb the Grand Staircase, modeled after the Paris Opera House.

(circa 1927)

(circa 1928)

(circa 1930)

(circa 1933)

(circa 1956)

Over the decades State Street faced much uncertainty, as did the Theater. The business of movie houses eventually became obsolete, and the Theater struggled to keep up with the times. Trying on many hats only to later spend decades vacant. Many residents and tourists wondered what would be done with the building.

In the mid-80s, in true Chicago-style, it was scheduled for demolition! (OK, this is seriously hard for me to comprehend — because I’m the generation that can’t picture State Street without it. The marquee is literally an icon!)

Obviously we all know the Chicago Theater was saved, largely and most notably with assistance from the City of Chicago. (THANKS, Chicago!) After waiting to re-open for 50 years the once lavish Baroque-inspired interior was lovingly restored for the first time since the World’s Fair of 1933. The Chicago Theater successfully reopened on September 10, 1986, with a performance by Frank Sinatra.

(circa 2020)

... I walked by the building last weekend and was reminded of all the history we house in this city!! Reminded that this notion, and need every now and again, that #saveourstages is nothing new. Our venues are our history.