Arie Crown Theater

The Arie Crown Theater is an entertainment venue on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago's Near South Side, part of the McCormick Place convention center. Opened in 1960 and named after Lithuanian immigrant Arie Crown, it originally seated 5,000 but now holds 4,188 after acoustic improvements in the auditorium and staging area. The theater was damaged by a 1967 fire and remained closed until 1971, reopening in January for Mahalia Jackson's funeral. For over five decades, the Arie Crown has hosted a wide range of performances, including classical, R&B, rock, musicals, and plays. Iconic stars such as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and David Bowie have performed here. Recent improvements to acoustics enhance the experience, making it a premier venue for live music, comedy, and theater in Chicago.