Chicago Theatre

The Chicago Theatre, originally the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, opened in 1921 on North State Street in the Loop. It served as the flagship for the Balaban & Katz chain, dominating movie exhibition from 1925 to 1945. Today, Madison Square Garden, Inc. owns and operates the venue as a 3,600-seat performing arts space. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and named a Chicago Landmark in 1983. Visitors attend stage plays, magic shows, comedy performances, speeches, sporting events, and popular music concerts. The theater's distinctive marquee, an unofficial emblem of the city, frequently appears in film, television, artwork, and photography. Its historic architecture and varied programming make it a prime destination for live entertainment in a landmark setting.