The theatre was built on the site of the former Iroquois Theatre, which was the location of a tragic 1903 fire.
Architects Rapp and Rapp incorporated extensive use of gold leaf, marble, and crystal chandeliers into the lobby design.
The venue was originally designed to present vaudeville performances before transitioning to a cinema and eventually a live theatre house.
In 1999, the theatre was restored at a cost of $22 million to modernize the stage and technical infrastructure.
The venue features a signature grand staircase that was designed to emulate the interiors of French royal palaces.
The Cadillac Palace Theatre is a historic venue located in Chicago's Loop, functioning as a primary host for Broadway In Chicago touring productions. Originally opened in 1926 as the New Palace Theatre, it was designed by architects Rapp and Rapp in an opulent French Renaissance style. The interior features a grand lobby modeled after the Palace of Versailles and the Trianon in France. It operates as a proscenium-style house with a seating capacity of approximately 2,300 patrons across three levels. The theatre underwent a major renovation in 1999 to restore its original 1920s architectural features while updating stage capabilities for modern touring shows. It is currently owned and managed by Broadway In Chicago. The venue frequently serves as a destination for pre-Broadway tryouts and major national musical tours.
The base of the grand lobby staircase provides the best perspective of the gold-leaf detailing and crystal chandeliers.
Check the Broadway In Chicago website for the specific 'playbill' status of your show to see if a digital program is available.
Arrive early to view the lobby architecture, as the interior is widely considered the most ornate of the city's downtown theatres.
Use the coat check during winter months to avoid crowding your seat, as the seating areas can be tight.
Do not purchase tickets from street scalpers; use only the official Broadway In Chicago website or authorized box office counters.
The theatre is dark on days when there are no scheduled productions; typically closed on major holidays unless a show is specifically programmed.
Smart casual attire is recommended; avoid athletic wear or flip-flops to match the formal tone of the historic venue.
