Auditorium Theatre Launches Evening Tours

The Auditorium Theatre announces new evening tours on Tuesdays at 5:30PM, where visitors will have the chance to learn the theatre's history while enjoying an after-work drink. The theatre also offers three tours in the daytime on Mondays and Thursdays.

The Auditorium Theatre's renowned tours give visitors the opportunity to learn the rich history of this National Historic Landmark - from its beginnings as a "theatre for the people" in a city that was fiercely divided after labor riots and the Great Chicago Fire to present day, where theatre visitors can catch Broadway shows, ballet performances, rock and roll concerts, and everything in between.

"Our theatre tours offer something for everyone, whether you are an architecture aficionado, a Chicago history buff, an opera or dance lover, or a rock and roll enthusiast," says Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Auditorium Theatre CEO. "There is so much to learn about the Auditorium Theatre and its impact on Chicago's cultural landscape over the past 128 years. Offering tours at different times throughout the week gives us a chance to share the history of this beautiful theatre with a larger audience."

Visitors get an up-close look at Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan's masterpiece, including the awe-inspiring golden arches, beautifully restored stencil patterns, original stained glass panels, and mosaics. Tour-takers also learn how the theatre was air-conditioned in 1889, why the theatre floats, and which classic rock bands from the 60s, 70s, and 80s graced the stage, including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and the Who. Tours start in the theatre's lobby and go all the way up to the breathtaking sixth-floor balcony, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the theatre's perfect acoustics and excellent sight lines from a new perspective.

In addition to the new Tuesday evening tours, the Auditorium also offers tours on Mondays at 10:30AM and Noon and on Thursdays at 10:30AM. Additional times for group tours (of 10 or more people) are available by appointment, depending on theatre availability. Due to theatre usage, some public tour times and dates may be unavailable.

Tickets are $20 (includes beer or wine), $15 (includes water or soda), or $12 per person and may be purchased online here, by phone at 312.341.2300, or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office 30 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Groups of 10 or more people may call 312.341.2357 to check availability for a private tour. Tuesday evening tours begin January 16.