The Cadillac Theater
The Cadillac Theater - Luxury All Around
Originally opened in 1926, the Cadillac Palace Theater holds 2300+ seats and was based on the vivid wonders of the French palaces of Fontainebleau and Versailles. The theater is lavishly decorated. The lobby is richly appointed with huge decorative mirrors and breche violet and white marble which swept dramatically through a succession of lobbies and foyers and the great rose marbled wall surfaces embellished with gold leaf and wood decorations.
The Palace Theater was the home of the famous Orpheum Circuit, and among the stars believed to have played the Palace in its beginning years are Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante, Mae West, Sophie Tucker and Bob Hope.
In 1931, the theater was converted into a movie palace. It started off presenting both films and live stage shows. In time the theater started showing only movies. During the 1950's, Broadway shows were occasionally booked at the theater. Then in the mid-1980's the venue featured rock concerts and was called the Bismark Theater.
As time moved on, just like many other grand theaters and movie houses of the time urban decay set in. The Palace fell into disrepair and was deserted leaving only an empty shell of its former glory. Unlike many of its demolished and forgotten counterparts, this theater was saved from demolition. It took $20 million in 1999 to restore and revive the theater to it's former dazzling beauty. The Cadillac division of General Motors then bought the naming rights and appropriately named, The Cadillac Palace was born. The first production at the Cadillac Palace was Aida.
The Cadillac Palace is located at 151 W Randolph St in Chicago. Parking can be difficult on the street, so it's recommended that you use a pay lot. There is discounted parking for theater goers at 171 N Wells St. To get there by car, From 90/94, head east on Washington, take a left on State, then left on Randolph. If you are coming from Lake Shore Drive, exit Randolph, go west on Randolph and you will find the theater just west of the corner of LaSalle and Randolph.
Originally opened in 1926, the Cadillac Palace Theater holds 2300+ seats and was based on the vivid wonders of the French palaces of Fontainebleau and Versailles. The theater is lavishly decorated. The lobby is richly appointed with huge decorative mirrors and breche violet and white marble which swept dramatically through a succession of lobbies and foyers and the great rose marbled wall surfaces embellished with gold leaf and wood decorations.
The Palace Theater was the home of the famous Orpheum Circuit, and among the stars believed to have played the Palace in its beginning years are Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante, Mae West, Sophie Tucker and Bob Hope.
In 1931, the theater was converted into a movie palace. It started off presenting both films and live stage shows. In time the theater started showing only movies. During the 1950's, Broadway shows were occasionally booked at the theater. Then in the mid-1980's the venue featured rock concerts and was called the Bismark Theater.
As time moved on, just like many other grand theaters and movie houses of the time urban decay set in. The Palace fell into disrepair and was deserted leaving only an empty shell of its former glory. Unlike many of its demolished and forgotten counterparts, this theater was saved from demolition. It took $20 million in 1999 to restore and revive the theater to it's former dazzling beauty. The Cadillac division of General Motors then bought the naming rights and appropriately named, The Cadillac Palace was born. The first production at the Cadillac Palace was Aida.
The Cadillac Palace is located at 151 W Randolph St in Chicago. Parking can be difficult on the street, so it's recommended that you use a pay lot. There is discounted parking for theater goers at 171 N Wells St. To get there by car, From 90/94, head east on Washington, take a left on State, then left on Randolph. If you are coming from Lake Shore Drive, exit Randolph, go west on Randolph and you will find the theater just west of the corner of LaSalle and Randolph.
