Chicago Theatre Sign

The Chicago Theatre, formerly known as the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, is a classic theater on North State Street in Chicago's Loop neighborhood. The Chicago Theatre, first opened in 1921, is now a performing arts venue for stage plays, magic shows, comedy, lectures, athletic events, and popular music concerts. On January 28, 1983, the building was designated as a Chicago Landmark. The iconic Chicago Theatre marquee, dubbed "the city's unofficial emblem," appears regularly in film, television, artwork, and photography.

The Chicago Theatre sign has been in place since the venue's construction in 1921. The sign, which is a Chicago landmark, has become well-known due to its numerous appearances in films and television shows set in the city. It's 18 meters tall and visible from miles, and it's the place to be for the best live entertainment in Chicago. The vertical sign, with lit channel letters writing "CHICAGO," is a State Street icon and a symbol of Chicago.

It is one of only a handful of original exposed lamp electric signs that are still in operation in the United States. The sign was made primarily of materials common at the time. The letters "CHICAGO" were changed with porcelain enamel-coated sheet metal early in the sign's life, an early application of this material. The lighting on the sign used to have a four-trough border of chaser lights that cascaded in a swirl pattern. During its 75-year lifetime, the chaser lighting was abandoned during World War II, and the color scheme was changed after the war. The top of the sign had illuminated or painted letters with the names of the theater owners, which read Balaban & Katz, ABC-Great States, and Plitt in that order.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Opened: October 26, 1921

Owner: Madison Square Garden Entertainment