Civic Opera Building, Art Deco skyscraper in central Chicago, United States.
The Civic Opera Building is a 45-story tower on North Wacker Drive with symmetrical side wings flanking a central core, all clad in limestone. The structure houses office spaces and a large opera house with seating for about 3,500 people.
The building was commissioned by Samuel Insull in 1927 and completed in 1929 as a new home for opera in Chicago. This project was part of Insull's broader vision to establish the city as a major cultural force separate from New York.
The opera house inside serves as a home for major performing companies that draw audiences throughout the year. Visitors experience live performances that reflect Chicago's long-standing commitment to supporting opera and dance.
The building is a major downtown skyscraper with good public access to certain areas, though entry to the opera house requires tickets for performances. The main lobby and exterior are easily viewable when walking through the neighborhood.
The building's form was intentionally designed to resemble a throne facing westward, reflecting an ambitious cultural vision. This distinctive silhouette becomes apparent when viewing the structure from certain angles across the city.
Location: Chicago
Inception: 1929
Architectural style: Art Deco
Floors above the ground: 45
GPS coordinates: 41.88250,-87.63750
Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:44
Franklin Center
341 m
Civic Opera House
0 m
150 North Riverside Chicago
306 m
111 South Wacker Drive
245 m
One North Wacker
113 m
181 West Madison Street
338 m
Citigroup Center
254 m
151 North Franklin
329 m
Gage Group Buildings
151 m
Bank of America Plaza
340 m
First Leiter Building
315 m
Hyatt Center
203 m
155 North Wacker
272 m
The Gogo Building
212 m
One South Wacker
147 m
Chicago Mercantile Exchange Center
145 m
300 West Adams Building
339 m
Heller International Building
318 m
Washington Block
287 m
Randolph Street Bridge
220 m
Madison Plaza
232 m
Boeing International Headquarters
207 m
191 North Wacker
333 m
Monroe Street Bridge
220 m
Madison Street Bridge
88 m
Washington Boulevard Bridge
94 m
Gage Building
151 m
Keith Building
151 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes