CAF Offers All-Access Tours of Auditorium Theatre (original) (raw)

Architecture Sat Mar 15 2014

The Chicago Architecture Foundation is celebrating its 125th anniversary by providing rare access to all parts of the landmark Auditorium Theatre. The first event in the CAF's new "Behind-the-Scenes" program will give guests exclusive access to the theater, including views from the 6th floor balcony, tours of the costume shop and dressing rooms and a walk onto the actual stage.

The National Historic Landmark building, designed by the famous architectural team of Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, was built in 1889. It was the tallest building in the country at the time and was sometimes called the "eighth wonder of the world." The theater is known for its perfect acoustics, stunning ornament and design, and its innovative architecture.

Hosting the event and describing the history of the building will be Dawn Schuette, architectural expert and treasurer of the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects. She formerly taught in the College of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Schuette will describe the characteristics of the building that make up the innovative structure and sound quality.

Chicago Behind-the-Scenes: Auditorium Theatre will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, March 25, at the theater, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. Cost is 30toCAFmembersand30 to CAF members and 30toCAFmembersand35 for nonmembers, including one drink ticket. Reservations can be made here. For more information, see the CAF website or Facebook page.

Photo by James Steinkamp.