Chicago Theatre, Chicago (must see)

The unmistakable vertical "CHICAGO" sign and marquee of the Chicago Theatre are impossible to overlook, as is its façade, which draws inspiration from the iconic Triumphal Arch in Paris. This building ranks among the city's most frequently photographed structures and earned the moniker "the Wonder Theatre of the World" upon its grand opening in 1921. Constructed immediately after the devastating Great Fire, it mimics the style and materials of the destroyed buildings, having one of the Loop's last surviving cast-iron facades (a feature that fell out of favor due to its susceptibility to heat, which could cause it to collapse along with the masonry walls it supports).

However, the Chicago Theatre is renowned primarily for its sumptuous interior, adorned with exquisite murals, crystal chandeliers, and bronze light fixtures. The entire lobby is a homage to the Royal Chapel at Versailles, featuring a grand staircase modeled after the Paris Opera House, gracefully ascending to the mezzanine and balcony levels. The auditorium, with a seating capacity of 3,800, offers exceptional sightlines, owing to the uniquely shaped site.

During its early years, the theater screened silent films accompanied by live orchestras and the in-house Wurlitzer theatre organ. Today, it hosts a wide array of performances, including post-Broadway plays, musicals, concerts, and comedy shows. Visitors can partake in informative tours that provide insights into the baroque interior, allow them to stand on the same stage graced by legendary entertainers like John Philip Sousa, Duke Ellington, Ellen DeGeneres, and Beyoncé, and even offer backstage access, where autographed walls bear testament to the venue's rich history.