Step back in time and breathe in the Culture - Go Ahead. One step inside the magnificent Cadillac Palace Theatre and patrons of the arts are transported to a gilded past, richly restored in the heart of Chicago's contemporary Theatre District.

Suggested Pre-Theater Dining Spots:

Specialty: Grand setting for large-scale live Chicago theatre/musical experience

Hours: Varies per event

Prices: Varies per event

Credit Cards: American Express, Optima, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and Carte Blanche

Parking: Pay lots, street parking is difficult. Discount parking for theatre patrons at 171 N. Wells Street

ADA: Wheelchair accessible

Location: Chicago Loop

The space, originally opened in 1926 as a vaudevillian showcase, was indeed borne of great aspirations. Modeled after the palace of Versailles, and located next door to the Hotel Allegro (formerly the Hotel Bismarck), the Cadillac Palace became the benchmark for the Randolph Street theater district revival. After the Cadillac Division of General Motors purchased naming rights, The Cadillac Palace opened with its inaugural production of "Aida" in November 1999. The theatre was converted into a movie palace in the early 1930's, presenting films with live stage shows, but then eventually showed only movies. However, by the 1950's, Broadway shows were occasionally booked at the theater.

Live performances shifted to rock concerts in the mid-1980's as the venue was renamed the Bismark Theater. But in 1999, the theater underwent extensive renovations and the Cadillac Palace returned to its true roots as a performance theater. As in its early days, rich appointments currently characterize every aspect of the lobby, which is adorned with huge and elegant mirrors and white marble. A sweeping succession of lobbies and foyers give undivided attention to the aesthetic senses.

It is hard to find any bad sight line at the Palace. The venue seats 2,300, with Orchestra, Dress Circle and Balcony seating available. At a renovation cost of $20 million, the sights are spectacular before the curtain ever rises. Plush and comfortable seating, excellent acoustics, and conscientious temperature (although summer visitors may want to bring a light sweater, at times the air conditioning seems to be on turbo). And for those who want to experience the Cadillac Palace Theatre on a budget, check out the balcony seating -- often many seats are available for substantially less than the main floor, with an even better view.

Chicago History: At its grand opening on October 4, 1926, the Palace Theatre, at the corner of Randolph and LaSalle Streets in Chicago featured a breathtaking vision inspired by the Palaces of Fontainebleau and Versailles. Originally intended as the flagship of Vaudeville's Legendary Orpheum Circuit, stars noted to have played the Palace Theatre in its early years include Jimmy Durante, Mae West, Jack Benny, Sophie Tucker and Bob Hope.

The Perfect Choice For: Theatre lovers, anniversary dates, architecture enthusiasts, girl's days out, larger groups (call for group ticket info)