Auditorium Building, Chicago

A prime example of the Chicago School architectural style, the Auditorium Building is most renowned for its magnificent 4,000-seat theatre, revered for its nearly flawless acoustics and impeccable sightlines. At one point, it even inspired the legendary Modernist maestro Frank Lloyd Wright to dub it the "greatest room for music and opera in the world".

Constructed in 1889 by the esteemed duo of Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, this iconic complex solidified their global reputation as pioneers in modern architectural thought. Adler's prior triumphs in theater design secured their commission for this coveted project, and the ensuing publicity catapulted Sullivan's innovative architectural principles into the spotlight.

Conceived as a permanent haven for Chicago's operatic, symphonic, and cultural events, the building's visionary design included vast, multi-use commercial spaces, a 400-room hotel, and rental offices to balance potential deficits from operating the colossal theater. It stood as a monumental civic achievement; however, within just a decade, the building had fallen into disrepair, with its lowest point marked by a transformation into a recreational center for soldiers who ingeniously repurposed the stage as a makeshift bowling alley.

Roosevelt University eventually took ownership in 1946, but it wasn't until the 1960s that the building underwent a full-scale restoration and reopened its doors. In 1989, the cultural institution marked its centenary with the grand opening of "Les Misérables". A comprehensive restoration initiative commenced in 2001, featuring extensive paint analysis to resurrect the original color patterns, intricate stenciling details, and a charming mural that once adorned the interior. In 2002, the theater's 113-year-old stage underwent removal and reconstruction, just in time to host the Bolshoi Ballet, which garnered sold-out performances and critical acclaim.

Even if you can't catch a concert, consider embarking on a tour of this historic gem!