Movies Hall of Fame

Chicago’s Orchestra Hall-Illinois was constructed in 1904 and took a year to complete. Designer D.H. Burnham & Company brought the eight story building to life and construction was completed at just under $1 million dollars. Renovations to the Orchestra Hall would take place in 1966, 1981, 1993 to 1997 and 1998. The first performance by The Chicago Symphony Orchestra was on December 14, 1094. Exactly 100 years later, on December 14, 2004, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra celebrated by performing the music that had been played on opening night, which was a program that included Beethoven, Handel and others. For many, it was a most memorable night.

Since its opening, Orchestra Hall-Illinois has hosted many celebrities including Judy Garland and Beverly Sills. It has also been the location where many powerful speakers have orated great messages to attendees. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Amelia Earhart. Designated a national historic landmark in 1994, Orchestra Hall was originally used as a movie theater in the early 1900’s to help support the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Recognized as the best destination for to enjoy touring plays, top billed concerts and visiting orchestras and home to the Joffrey Ballet and Chicago Sinfonietta.

The renovations in 1993 were an approved project that came to $110 million dollars. Now formally recognized as the Symphony Center, there are many ornate spaces that are available to host your special event. Whether you want to plan a posh breakfast or a luxuriously grand wedding, you can create the perfect atmosphere with catering options and floor plans to suit virtually any budget and taste. Space choices include Armour Stage, Grainger Ballroom, Buntrock Hall, Rotunda, The Club, Green Room, Gallery Lobby and the Conductor’s Room. From chamber performances to seated dinners and receptions, the possibilities are almost endless.

Park West welcomes big names like Dennis Miller, Mike Gordon and big events like the Chicago Cabaret Professionals Annual Gala. Up to 900 people can comfortably enjoy live entertainment by some of the top billed celebrities. Park West is also the perfect destination for corporate meetings, seated dinners, dancing, birthday parties and other events. Located in famously scenic Lincoln Park, Park West is a few blocks from Lake Michigan and just a few minutes from the bustling downtown Chicago area. Those who want to make a day of a visit to the area can also enjoy Michigan Avenue shopping and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

The main entrance opens into the lobby and welcomes every visitor to a remarkable experience inside the auditorium. Balcony and full floor seating options maximize patron comfort and offer excellent sites from every seat in the house. Events where cutting the rug is on the agenda are accommodated where seats and tables are removed to allow for a spacious dance floor. Five fire exits and ample restrooms are featured at Park West as well. A fantastic house P.A. system, stage monitor system, and house lighting system are all available at Park West. In all, there are five tiered levels, spaciously large balconies, seven bars and many intimately comfortable booths available.

Park West first opened in the early 1900’s as a movie theater and served the community well until around 1977 when it underwent a transformation and emerged as the existing facility stands today. If you are looking for a location with distinction, Park West is the place to go. Technical staff is available to provide expertise in many different types of events and performances. Decadent d?r and event coordinator service to help make your event a raving success are all a part of what Park West is about for every event held there.