Civic Opera House, Art Deco opera house in Chicago, United States
The Civic Opera House is an opera venue in Chicago built with a limestone exterior and Art Deco design features. The structure includes a 45-story office tower flanked by two 22-story wings that run along the Chicago River.
Samuel Insull commissioned the building in 1929 to create a permanent home for Chicago's opera community. The construction occurred during a period of strong economic activity in the city and established it as a major cultural landmark.
The opera company and ballet troupe that call this place home draw audiences from across the region who gather to watch live performances. These events shape how locals and visitors understand the performing arts scene and create shared memories around classical and contemporary works.
The venue sits on North Wacker Drive where it is easily accessible by public transit and car. Visitors can take guided tours of the building, find accessible seating throughout, and enjoy several dining options nearby.
The building inspired aspects of Orson Welles's film Citizen Kane, specifically scenes depicting the construction of an opera house. The architectural details and the story of this structure continue to spark creative references among artists and filmmakers.
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