The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

General Features
Home›featured-blogs›General Features›Chicago’s iconic architecture series, part two: The Chicago Theatre, Merchandise Mart and Second City

Chicago’s iconic architecture series, part two: The Chicago Theatre, Merchandise Mart and Second City

By TheRealChicagoOnline
May 24, 2015
795
0
Share:

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

The second offering in a series on Chicago’s most historic buildings

By Scott Hartge

BP-theater-Chicago-578x385

Photo: CJSMith / OutofChicago.com

The Chicago Theatre
Location: 175 N. State in the Loop.
www.TheChicagoTheatre.com

History: On October 26, 1921, the Chicago Theatre opened its doors to the public and quickly became an architectural marvel. Built in French Baroque style, the elegant theatre houses an astounding 3,600-seat auditorium, a beautiful lobby and the photogenic “CHICAGO” sign that hangs over State Street. The arch behind the sign was modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was originally a luxurious movie palace, America’s first, but over the years the venue has housed countless impressive live acts like Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Arcade Fire, Robin Williams, The Allman Brothers and Jerry Seinfeld.

What’s happening: Now owned by Madison Square Garden, Inc., the Chicago Theatre will be holding a number of standout performances and concerts in the coming months. For fans of the popular cartoon Bob’s Burgers, there will be a live reading of an episode by the cast of the show on March 20. On April 25, folk singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens will be returning to Chicago in support of his first album in five years.

Fun facts: In 1986, the building was scheduled to be demolished until the Chicago Theatre Restoration Associates and the City of Chicago teamed up to save the iconic venue, which stands seven stories tall and spans half a city block. The theatre, which is registered as a national and Chicago landmark, is also known for its grand Wurlitzer pipe organ, one of the oldest still in existence.

Merchandise Mart

Photo by Honest Buildings

Photo by Honest Buildings

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

Location: 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza in River North
www.MMart.com

History: Originally built by Marshall Field & Co., the massive Merchandise Mart is one of Chicago’s most eye-catching buildings. Located on the banks of the Chicago River, this greyish building spans an astonishing two city blocks, covering 25 stories and 4.2 million square feet. Since its opening in 1930, the Merchandise Mart has served as the largest commercial building in America and was owned by the Kennedy family for more than 50 years until 1998.

What’s happening: The Merchandise Mart currently is home to dozens of retail shops, wholesale showrooms, restaurants and trade shows. Each day roughly 38,000 people pass through its doors, and 10 million visit it each year. Even if you are not looking to shop, walking around the building is still entertaining due to its sheer size.

Fun facts: Since the structure is so big and holds so many businesses, the Mart actually had its own zip code until 2008. It also has its own El stop that leads people straight into the building.

Second City
Location: 1616 N. Wells in Old Town Second City exterior
www.SecondCity.com

History: Second City, arguably the most influential comedy club in America, opened in 1959 before moving into its current home in 1967 in the heart of the Old Town neighborhood. Over the years, Second City’s performance space has served as a launching pad for comedians and actors on their way to Hollywood. Climbing the stairs of the mainstage theater is like a walk up memory lane, complete with black and white photos of previous casts (and famous faces in their youth) through the decades.

What’s happening: Second City has been a permanent fixture in Chicago for generations, much like Wrigley Field, Navy Pier and deep dish pizza. People from all over the country flock to the hilariously satirical and culturally relevant sketch and improv revues. Current shows include Panic on Cloud 9, Apes of Wrath and The Best of Second City, which includes some of the best sketches of Second City’s historic 52-year existence.

Fun facts: The likes of Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, Mike Myers, John Belushi, Alan Alda and John Candy are just a few who planted their comedic roots at this legendary club.

Your ads will be inserted here by

Easy Ads.

Please go to the plugin admin page to set up your ad code.

TagsAlan AldaBill MurrayChicago architectureChicago TheatreJohn BelushiJohn CandyMarshall FieldMerchandise MartMike MyersNavy PierSecond CityStephen ColbertSteve CarellTina FeyWrigley Field
Previous Article

My Chicago: When the weather is nice, ...

Next Article

Chicago’s Signature Dishes: The flautas and tilapia ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Steppenwolf’s “Straight White Men” is fun, full of heart, and uncomfortably thought provoking

    February 23, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Amusing and educational, The Windy City Music Theatre’s “Seussical the Musical” will have your little ones singing ...

    October 14, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    Second City’s “#DateMe: An OKCupid Experiment” gives comedic insight into the world of online dating

    August 7, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Griffin Theatre’s version of “Ragtime” is a seriously unserious story of race and class in turn-of-the-century America

    June 29, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s musical adaptation of “Sense & Sensibility” is witty, relatable, magical

    May 3, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    Chicago Insider: Luis Torres on J. Rocco and Bottlefork, Blackhawks games at Municipal and martinis at Brando’s Speakeasy

    October 9, 2014
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Coffee craze: Exploring the best, most unique independent coffee shops Chicago has to offer

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Bring your own bottle: Save some money at these Chicago dining establishments

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Alfresco dining: Outdoor seating is key for these Chicago restaurants

  • LATEST REVIEWS

  • TOP REVIEWS

Timeline

  • November 11, 2021

    Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

  • July 31, 2019

    Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & Ash

  • July 30, 2019

    First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater experience

  • July 28, 2019

    Finger lickin’ good: Six trusted Chicago spots for a stellar barbecue experience

  • July 25, 2019

    The Big City Blog: Four Friday Night Flights beer tastings remain this summer, including July 26 in Ravenswood

Latest Comments

  • The 14 Best Fireplaces in Chicago | UrbanMatter
    on
    October 11, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: The Real Chicago […]

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the ...

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum | FreeForAll.org
    on
    January 16, 2017
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Why You Should Visit a Museum – FreeForAll.org
    on
    October 23, 2016
    […] Photo Credit: Therealchicago   […]

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • The Real Chicago – The Big City Blog: A very Chicago night on the town
    on
    May 31, 2016
    […] up was The Redhead Piano Bar for drinks and live music. I’ve said it before ...

    Friendly, unfussy, and serious about music: Hanging with Marshall Nelson from the Redhead Piano Bar

  • Scouting Logan Square: A Renewed Historical Neighborhood - The Annex, a blog by Casamatic
    on
    March 10, 2016
    […] (cover photo via The Real Chicago) […]

    The rise of Logan Square: Why this diverse area has quickly become one of Chicago’s hottest ...

Find us on Facebook

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
  • Latest Posts

  • Inside Scoop: Massive FoBAB beer festival returns to Chicago this weekend, Nov. 12-13

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    November 11, 2021
  • Chicago Insider Etienne Padin on obscure museums, shopping in Andersonville and dining at Maple & ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 31, 2019
  • First Look review: CMX CineBistro provides a fun, fresh take on the luxury dine-in theater ...

    By TheRealChicagoOnline
    July 30, 2019

Photostream

    Follow us

    © Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.