Host your wedding or private event in one of the world's most beautiful buildings. Built in 1929 and fully restored in 1996, the historic Lyric Opera House is a hybrid of art nouveau and art deco designs. With breathtaking backdrops, intricate architectural details, premium acoustics, and rental options that span from 50 guests to more than 3,500, our theater is the perfect venue to host your event, big or small.
The theater, spacious back-of-house, lobby, and grand foyer are available to rent for weddings and receptions. Private dining rooms are also available for more intimate events, bridal showers, or to be used as suites for the wedding party.
The Lyric Opera House is a world class concert venue and has featured artists including David Byrne, Bryan Ferry, Seal, Andrew Bird, Wilco, John Legend, and Straight No Chaser.
The 3,276 -seat Ardis Krainik Theatre is the second-largest opera auditorium in North America and offers the largest stage in downtown Chicago. Excellent sightlines, premium acoustics, and intricate architectural detailing make for a fantastic and unique venue. The theatre, spacious back-of-house, lobby, grand foyer, and private dining rooms are available to rent for public ticketed and private events
Create a spectacular first impression for your guests as they walk into the shimmering Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer.
The beautiful three-level theatre foyer accommodates standing receptions for up to 700 (1,100 with both the foyer and mezzanine). The lobby features ceilings adorned with hand-detailed ornamentation, gilded balconies, and ornate fixtures, providing a canvas of décor and ambient lighting. It is an elegant, spacious, and versatile venue for any occasion, perfect for gala auctions, weddings, cocktails, meetings, or seated dinners for up to 200 guests.
Amenities include house bars, highboy tables, backstage tours, house lighting, sound equipment, and direct vendor access from Wacker Drive.
Banquet capacity: 200
Standing: 700
Standing using both main floor and mezzanine: 1,100
Theater-Style: 356
Experience the possibilities that exist behind the curtain!
The Ardis Krainik Theatre seats up to 3,276 and is available for concerts, graduations, presentations, conferences, productions, and more. The stage is also the perfect setting for private dinners, weddings, galas, and standing receptions.
Attendees will be amazed to see the backdrop raise to reveal your reception onstage and the spacious back-of-house area allows wait staff to provide world-class service from just behind the curtain. Let our professional staff will run the show, allowing you to focus on the success of your event, and showcase your creativity with state-of-the-art in-house lighting, sound, and scenery.
Amenities include open orchestra pit, wide wing space, house lighting and sound equipment, platforms, drops, cyclorama, back-of-house with private and group dressing rooms, production offices, and two docks with interior vehicle access.
Banquet: 350
Banquet with Scalable build-outs: 500 - 1,100
Standing: 500 on-stage
Total Theatre Seating: 3,563
Total Theatre Seating with pit build-out at house level: 3,703
The William B. and Catherine Graham Room is a hidden gem ideal for events with transitions, breakout rooms, expanding foyer event capacity, and hosting VIPs.
The Graham Room comprises five adjoining salons with richly appointed décor and is located on the second-floor mezzanine level. It can be accessed through either the opera house or office tower entrance. Amenities include elevator access, banquet tables, chairs, lounge furniture, full kitchen, private restrooms, and a coat room.
Banquet: 120
Standing: 238
Theatre-Style: 100
Fill out the form below to start planning your private event at the Lyric Opera House.
For additional information please email events@lyricopera.org.
Photos: Photos: Elena Bazini Photography, KingenSmith, Mark Ballogg