Chicago Theatre: Behind-the-Scenes Tour & Stage Access

Walk the Chicago Theatre Stage Where Sinatra Performed

You get a fully guided 60-75 minute walk through the Chicago Theatre's grand lobby, auditorium, and stage, with access to backstage areas and dressing rooms where performers left their signatures. Your guide explains the French Baroque architecture and the theatre's history from 1921 onward. The tour doesn't happen on concert days, so book around event schedules.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chicago Theatre's history and architecture

• Enter the grand lobby
• View the famous marquess
• Explore the majestic auditorium
• Stand on the iconic theatre stage
• Discover backstage artist signatures
• Learn about French Baroque design
• See ornate plasterwork and chandelier
• Immerse in theatre's rich history

The experience

So you're standing in the grand lobby and the marquee is right there, the actual one from 1921, and your guide is already pointing out details in the plasterwork that you'd walk past a hundred times and never notice. The tour runs 60 to 75 minutes depending on what's happening in the building that day, and it's not a quick shuffle through. You get the auditorium with its atmospheric design, the stage itself, backstage areas, dressing rooms where people actually left their names. That's the part that sticks with you: seeing Frank Sinatra's signature, Dean Martin's, Dolly Parton's, all of them just written on the walls like they were marking their territory.

The French Baroque architecture is the other thing. The grand chandelier, the ornate plasterwork, the bones of the place. It's 1921 and someone decided to build something that would still make you stop and look a hundred years later. Your guide walks you through the history, the cultural weight of it, why this theatre mattered and still does. It's not a lecture. It's more like someone who knows the building showing you around their house, except the house is a landmark and the stories are about the people who performed there.

One thing to know: if there's a concert or event happening, you won't get stage or dressing room access that day, so the tour shifts. Photo restrictions might apply depending on what's going on. The building is wheelchair accessible, Wi-Fi is included, and the whole thing is designed so you're not struggling to keep up: suitable for all fitness levels. Public transit gets you there, and if you need accessible transportation, that's available too.

What’s included

• Your tour includes a fully guided exploration of the Chicago Theatre with access to the grand lobby, auditorium, iconic stage, backstage areas, and dressing rooms where artist signatures are displayed.
• Free Wi-Fi is provided inside the building.
• The tour lasts 60 to 75 minutes and is led by a guide who walks you through the theatre's 1921 history, French Baroque architecture, and cultural significance.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to SundayDepartures at 12:00 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by The Madison Square Garden Company

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see inside one of Chicago's landmark theatres without arranging your own research or timing. The guide handles the history and the backstage access, which is what makes the artist signatures and the stage itself feel like more than just a room.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

Can you take photos inside the Chicago Theatre?

Photo restrictions may apply depending on events in the building. Your guide will let you know what's allowed when the tour starts.

How long is the Chicago Theatre tour?

The tour runs 60 to 75 minutes. Duration can vary based on what's scheduled in the building that day.

Is the Chicago Theatre tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options are also wheelchair accessible.

What if there's a concert or event the day I want to tour?

On event days, there is no stage or dressing room access. Tour content changes based on what's happening in the building, so check the schedule before booking.

Is Wi-Fi included?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available inside the building during your tour.

Can service animals come on the tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

How do I get to the Chicago Theatre?

Public transportation options are available nearby. The theatre is located in downtown Chicago and accessible by bus and train.