Such an amazing place, it is so beautiful you will be enchanted by it. I watched Madame Butterfly here and it was an amazing opera. The performers were amazing, you can tell they practiced it A LOT. Every line was on point and the acting was great. If there is an opera going, and youre in Chicago, you cant miss it. Its amazing. Youll be amazed by how talented the singers are. I could spend hours, HOURS, looking at the building and exploring it. It is MASSIVE and amazingly beautiful.

Great production of West side story! Sat in the main floor the first time and loved it. Sat in the second balcony and I must say I thought I enjoyed it more because I was able to see the great choreography even better. The seats were comfortable and Im glad the AC was on!

This venue greets visitors to the loop as the exit the Chicago and Northwestern rail terminal.

Lyric Opera is always good. If you are a first timer its useful to know that there is valet parking ($30 cash only) - on Wacker just in front of the Opera. Also, well organized lines for taxi/ride share after the show. There are a limited, by reservation, dining options inside (and one requires that you are a $7500/year donor) but many places to get drinks and some light snacks. Better in most cases to dine before you arrive. Coat checks are available. 1 hour before the show will be a 30 minute lecture about the opera which is always interesting. The auditorium will open for seating 30 minutes before the show. Will Call ticket windows are just inside and to the right of the entrance.

I am a huge Opera lover. I have been to many operas around the world, I am happy I added Lyric Opera of Chicago to my collection. The whole Opera is very shiny, I appreciated you can pay by card when buying a drink during intermezzo. 2 dollar per coat in a cloak room, programs were free. I watch I Puritani by Bellini, production owned by the metropolitan Opera NY. Excellent experience!

Expensive, but an incredible experience. I went to a 11 am sesión and everyone was dressed very elegant. The atmosphere was full of charming and high style

We went to their Family Day event. It was great to get to expose kids to the opera without worrying about them disrupting other audiences.They had a 20 minutes performance to showcase different type of opera, kids get to experience with being an opera singer, learn how the fight scenes are choreographed, see the backstage and the pit, make a prop pizza and a hat, story time, try on costumes, face painting, etcThey also had a quiet room as accommodation.Their restaurant kind of sucks though. I wouldnt recommend it with that price. They made a special kids menu for the event but it was pretty bad hot dog and fries. The kale and squash tart/quiche was decent.

Amazing interior, excellent groups exhibiting their beat performances so that you will forget that youre watching an opera! Its so real

I love this place. Not a fan of the rude ushers but the place is huge and so detailed. My nephew and sons graduation was here and I love how its set up. You can see everything no matter where you sit!!

Great old theater. It was great to see everyone dressed up.

I saw a world-class production of Don Giovanni here three weeks ago. This is a truly incredible opera company and they deserve every accolade they receive. YES, the tickets are expensive, but the prices are justified by the quality of the productions and the talent on the stage and in the orchestra.Please support this company if you can. Theyre a national treasure.

Gorgeous American art-deco palace for such beautiful music. One of the great opera houses of the world. Interesting history behind the building of this magnificent structure. Heres a hint: It is built like a huge throne with its back to the Met.

Beautiful building, wonderful play. What more could a girl ask for?

This is a nice place to visit while in Chicago, It is 88 years old and the building shows how well designed and its architecture was built to last. I have visited this place several times and booked opera shows for next season already. The ushers were very nice as well as the bartenders. The acoustics are great and any seat is a good seat, I do prefer first balcony myself center and above.

While this is the only opera house Ive ever been to, with the exception of Sata Fes outdoor opera house, I would be surprised if theres a more beautiful venue in the United States.

The Civic Opera House, also called Lyric Opera House is an opera house located at 20 North Wacker Drive in Chicago. The Civics main performance space, named for Ardis Krainik, seats 3,563, making it the second-largest opera auditorium in North America, after the Metropolitan Opera House. Built for the Chicago Civic Opera, today it is the permanent home of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. It is part of a complex with a 45-story office tower and two 22-story wings, known as the Civic Opera Building that opened November 4, 1929 and features Art Deco details.

Gorgeous and excellent as everything Ive seen there (barring Doctor Atomic what a flop). Will be back again.Seats maybe could use an update. Just a bit worn.

Iconic Chicago building! Great plays.

Great art Deco building. The acoustics are wonderful. Shaped like an Old megaphone. The sound is best in the upper balcony. So if you are going for a concert sit in the cheap seats. But for Opera, lower balcony is the best combination of sound and view. Main floor is not a great value. I am a subscriber to the Opera and have sat in every section. Dress circle is the best.

A great Chicago cultural experience! Whether you are visiting or a native to Chicago, put it on your list. PS, an anonymous donation was made to replace all seats. That will start in June, as the Lyric season ends.

Its a great theatre all around. Ive attended it for Operas as well as for other types of performances. The architecture could be described as retro though its really more of the original architecture of decades past. But dont let the old look fool you, it really is a state of the art performance venue.

Beautiful building, however the seating layout is a bit inconvenient for seeing the stage well. Especially when a tall person sits in front of you.

This a wonderful old theater. The interior is classic opera house with wide aisles and red plush seats. The acoustics are perfect for opera since the voices are not amplified.

Legendary performances in a legendary performance venue.

Fascinating architecture! Stunning! A must see!

Great theatre for seeing any kind of performance! I would have given 5* but we had issues with accessibility with our son and his broken foot.

The latest version of Butterfly was the best ive ever seen and I have seen it a lot of places.Excellent voices from Chow-chow San (Sondra Radvanovsky), and Pinkerton, Brandon jovanovich.!Dont miss it. Bring a crying towel.

When you walk in, you feel like you are walking into musical history! A beautiful building, and even more beautiful music. Their musicians are some of the highest competent musicians I have heard at any classical venue in Chicago! And there is something for everyone! Drinks, snacks, great music; what more could you want?

Iconic building in downtown Chicago. Lot of good companies and shared spaces.

Very cool to visit during open house Chicago and to see all stage backdrops arranged like bookshelves in full light. Really shows the magic of the full production.

Madama butterfly was great. Too long to obtain a drink before show started.

Beautiful building. Great show. Loved it!

Pretty good. My company han an event there. TVs and speakers for broadcasting media. Free water. No free soda.

The New Years party The Roaring Twenties was very glamorous a blast from the past shiny bling bling beautiful

The place is awesome warm and cozy but the food was not good at all. We ordered the chicken parmigiana and did not eat it.

First class music venue - helpful friendly staff - wonderful acoustics.

Five star A+ building! I not only do I love the architecture and history of this building, I love how well maintained the place is. I work in one of the offices in the building and the views are spectacular!

Only bad was, we were all practically shoved out the door after the last show. The coat checkout was a mile long and the ushers wanted everyone out side in the sub-zero weather because they needed to get home!

I was a tech judge at the NASAiTech event held in the technology center here. Great event and some wonderful technologies were shown.

Acoustics are phenomenal for Opera, the seats are too close together in the balcony for 5 stars.

What an AMAZING show tonight!Beautiful venue.

A great place to listen to opera and have and Event

I always enjoy going to the opera never have issues here, if have the chance take the behind the scenes tour

Beautiful and elegant. Excellent acoustic...

Beautiful place, many memories from all the Operas, I have attended with my family.

Second visit to the Lyric Opera House and I loved it again. A beautiful and moving show, in a beautiful building, with a great staff, as always!

What a beautiful building. Its a shame that most people never see what the inside of the theatre looks like. Built to aid opera singers, who sing without any electronic aid, sound good. If you have a chance, dont miss the opportunity to see it.

I was accompaning my neighbor who is blind (yes the blind enjoy theater & I hope other theaters will realize this and act accordingly) to a special performance of West Side Story. We found everyone we encountered professional and attentive to our needs which made the performance wonderful.

Historic building. Most magical place to hold a wedding reception! Operas are 1st class too!️️️️️️

Classy venue for operas and other musicals brings world class productions to Chicago. Historic facility with many amenities and excellent service.

I love the opera and this building is very beautiful, worth seeing and taking a tour.

One year I was a chandelier for Halloween! The opera house is GORGEOUS! you are taken back to when Chicago was a gilded city

Magnificent! With one of the best opera companies in the world performing in it!!

It is always a joy to visit the Lyric Opera House in Chicago. We had the good fortune to see for the second time, the very entertaining Straight No Chaser, A cappella group. They change their music enough each time, it never gets dull. You must see this group as they are great singers and very humorous.Just to see the opera house is worth the time.Click “like” if this was helpful!

This was my first visit to the Civic Opera building / Lyric Opera. Amazing show in a wonderful/historic theater!

Gorgeous building! The wonderful operas are a plus, too.

Great views excellent talent easy to hearProduction and they manage big crowdVery well

One of the things that make Chicago a great city.

Totally love this place. Sound is good no matter where you sit. Super titles can be ignored or read. Elevators whisk you to upper floors. Audience members are almost always sociable without being intrusive. Scrnery, singing, orchestra are always of highest quality. Who needs the Met? Chicago has Lyric Opera!

Very nice theater. Good place to see a show. We were in the balcony. But still had a very good view of the stage.

Ive seen a couple of productions at the Civic Opera building the last one being West Side Story. We had box seats which were at the back of the main floor. I was disappointed with the seats because it made it difficult for the people at the back of the box to see past the shoulders of the people with the seats in the front of the box. The floor in the box seat was not elevated for each row so you really were looking through the people seated in front of you. If youre seated toward the back of the main floor or in a box seat or balcony, bring your opera glasses! The venue is huge and its difficult to see the expression on the actors faces from that far back. I saw Jesus Christ Superstar last year and sat toward the front of the main floor and it was spectacular!

Very nice building. Hosts a cafeteria, barber, gym, rooftop, and yoga studio. Great views!

Always love the Lyrics but prefer the grandeur of the Colon in Buenos Aires.

Holy COW, Lyric. You set the bar VERY high with this one. My only negative that sometimes my ears were being blasted off and the balance was a little funk. But I know its not centered for the front so its all good. But WOW. WOW WOW WOW. Run, do not walk to see this show.

One of the great concert venues and Opera houses in the world. No lie. A Beaux Arts architectural masterpiece. Theyre struggling with modern concert goers but I still go for the opera.

Beautiful venue, plenty of bathrooms, stations to buy snacks, and comfy, cushioned seats.

Great views and sounds. First time visiting and will be back for another show.

MOM/COLOR/THE SHOW WAS SO AWESOME & BEAUTIFUL

Ahh yes... the civic opera house! The amount of demolition Ive done on this place is incredible! this place is about 95%office space and 5%opera space.Its defenetly haunted, ask any guard or person that works there about the tower club Myself and a few guys didnt he demolition of that floor/club every night for a month we were there and we had encounters EVERY SINGLE damn night. Most of the guys that were with me wont talk about it, because it was truly scary.

Ira is a licensed chauffeur. I take a lot of people to the Civic Opera House short trips. Great plays. They have me to come back and pick them up.

Saw Light of the Piazza. Enjoyed play and venue.

The Civic Opera Building houses Lyric Opera of Chicago, a must-see company with a full season of outstanding productions. This historic building from the 1920s is home to the world-class Lyric Opera of Chicago, one if the outstanding opera companies in the world. Lyric Opera of Chicagos annual season brings international stars and international audiences to this house to perform some of the greatest operas in the repertoire. More, Lyric has commissioned New works over the years, and this leaves its stamp on the repertoire. New productions of familiar works are accessible here.Tours are available at various ti.e. but it is easy to glimpse the opulence of this house by attending performances. Dont miss the main floor lobby and the grand staircases to the upper floors. The lower level has ongoing exhibits of note, and they can be viewed before and after performances or during intermission (there is a beverage concession on the lower level at opera performances). This seasons program has much to offer, and it is the perfect reason to visit the Civic Opera House and see it in action. Dont miss the ornate scroll work in the hall, the elegant canisters, and other details that frame the stage of Lyric Opera of Chicago.

I was there for the Anna Netrebko. Staff is polite and helpful. Building is beautiful with Art Deco architecture.

Beautiful building with an enormous stage, allowing truly grand-scale productions of operas and other shows. Legroom isnt excessive, but its adequate for me (Im 6 tall) and the seats are fairly well padded. Besides, if you are there for an opera the beautiful music will soon make you forget about your seating. Behind-the-scenes tours are offered by Lyric Opera every so often.

The theater is pretty fantastic, especially if youve come to terms with the fact that its an old building. I have very little experience with such theaters, but it seems like you should have a decent view from anywhere (unless sitting behind a tall person or youre particularly short). However, the stage seems a bit small, but maybe thats because I was in a balcony, which is quite far from the stage.

It is a historic landmark, but know that it is an office tower. The Lyric Opera runs the auditorium portion of the building.

I am loving my new found interest in the Opera and appreciate that I am able to access the Lyric Opera. We saw LaTraviata and loved it. The only problem I have is that seating is too tight.

The Graham Room is wonderful. It has great food and the drinks are out of this world. Definitely worth the money!

Amazing play!

Suzanne J was very knowledgeable about the Opera House and shared many details that included Chicagos history facts.

When to see Straight Up No Chaser for the ride time, They are Fantastic. If you have the opportunity to see their show, do it.

This classic Opera House is such a pleasure to visit. And the productions are always second to none. The scenery is gorgeous, the costumes are amazing, the talent is so awesome...they give me goose bumps! Also, if you want to treat yourself, order a drink before the show to be waiting for you at the intermission. Alex, on the first floor, towards the front door, is friendly, has great advice and is very consistent! Order your drinks from him for service with a smile!!!

Nice place to see opera, although I saw a musical - West Side Story.

Seating is to cramped , but the play was Fantastic and the employee are excellent at their job. So yes I will go back again.

The view from the bridge is amazing !!!

We are season ticket holders and drive down from Madison, WI 4 times per season to enjoy the excellent performances. Beautiful facility, very clean and cared for. World-class talent with a varied selection every season to appeal to all audiences. Love the pleasant and efficient staff. Parking in the Poetry Garage is economic and convenient. They offer special rates for opera goers. Several dining options within the opera house and surrounding area, depending on the day. Plan to be lifelong attendees.

Amazing space to see La Traviata operaSome gowns were on display.Its nice to see them up close.

Beautiful facilities, clean and well staffed. They have elevator attendants, ushers, and friendly staff in general to help your experience to be the best it can be!

Historic old building. Wonderful setting for the Lyric.

It was amzing from their singing to their movements i loved almost everything about the opera house wish I got a seat closer though.

So how to separate the building and the performances you see inside of it? Is it possible? Probably not. Thank goodness we still have so many options to see great art performed in this area. There is nothing like being moved by a live performance and this is a hall dedicated to that. That staff is so efficient and the seating is really great! Try several out until you can both see and hear the perfect spot.

This building is an art deco gem. Walking through the door and glancing up at the chandelier takes you back to a bygone era. The productions are spectacular and there really isnt a bad seat in the house. If you come for a performance, dont wear jeans.

Absolutely stunning venue for any type of entertainment galaExcellent services from staff and enough seating for everyone to enjoy the festivities

Had a wonderful time watching the play Westside Story. It was worth the trip.

What an amazing building. So well maintained. The Opera is so special to watch.

My family and I visited this place to see the fine visual arts - Shen yun perform here in December! It was an absolute treat for the senses! Highly recommended 5/5

James beard awards at the lyric opera Chicago the greatest event of the year

Opera is no longer expensive, and you definitely dont need a tuxedo to see one in Chicago. (Most people do dress up still, though.) At this point, The Lyric Opera is about preserving the former glory of the old art form. It is a registered non-profit, and volunteers are a big part of the equation at this point. Everyone should grab a date and go see an opera here. If you dont, this amazing spectacle may not survive in The Windy City much longer. Seriously, youll wonder why you waited so long to discover opera.

Great place. Get there early.

A beautiful building and theatre, housing the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The bathrooms and lobbies are spacious, with bars on every floor for refreshments during intermissions. Additionally, there is a restaurant and cafe inside for nicer meals during a fine night out. One of my favorite arts venues in the city.