Description

This is one of the best known buildings designed by Chicago School heavies Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, opening in 1889 to rave reviews. The imposing exterior is defined by its massive load-bearing walls, which are so heavy that some parts of the foundation have been warped by the weight. It is of no concern to the beautiful Auditorium Theatre, the 4,300 seat hall that has played host to opera and rock and roll alike. After World War II, the building fell into disrepair and it was not until much later in life, now part of Roosevelt University, that the building was restored to its former glory. You can tour the building and see the opulent interior, but it's best to see a play or concert here. The acoustics were designed by Sullivan himself, and it shows. Another architectural monument in a city with so many, the Auditorium still stands tall.