Facilities & services
Curtain time
Opera has a tradition of starting promptly and, unlike theatre or movies, the doors to the house are closed promptly at curtain time. We realize situations arise that can delay your arrival and we will try to accommodate latecomers in an available section of the house or at a pre-determined break, which may be intermission. Video screens are available in the lobby so you won't miss a moment of the performance.
Please be aware that patrons who must leave their seats during a performance will not be readmitted into the house until intermission or a suitable break.
For a complete listing of the curtain and running times to help you plan your travel and arrival time visit our performance running times page.
For parking and public transportation information, visit our directions and parking page.
Accessibility
The Lyric Opera House is accessible to persons with physical disabilities, with elevator service to all floors except the Opera Club. The Ardis Krainik Theatre contains seating that is accessible to persons in wheelchairs, as well as seats with removable armrests. The Lyric Opera House has automatic door-openers on exterior doors, and accessible drinking fountains and public telephones. A TTY phone is available in the Box Office for outgoing calls only. Restroom facilities for female patrons with disabilities are located on all levels except the Opera Club. For male patrons, these facilities are located on all levels except the Opera Club and the sixth floor. Assistive listening devices for persons desiring amplification are available at no cost at the Main Floor coat check. A valid driver’s license or state identification is required as a security deposit. Large print and Braille programs may be available at the Main Floor coat check. Audio description, touch tours, and American Sign Language interpretation is available for select performances. Visit our accessibility page for services offered at the Lyric Opera House.
Please call Audience Services by phone at 312.827.5600 or email at audienceservices@lyricopera.org if you have questions or would like to purchase tickets over the phone. All of our representatives can assist you in finding a seat location and services to fit your needs.
Personalized service
Have a question about the performance, need a recommendation on where to grab a bite to eat, or even directions to the restroom or coat check? Lyric's friendly concierge desk staffers are here to help before the performance or at first intermission right in the lobby.
Security
Lyric's highest priority is to ensure the safety, security, and enjoyment of its guests. In addition to Lyric's experienced ushers and senior house staff, Lyric employs highly trained security personnel for all performances and special events. We are dedicated to constant observation, taking appropriate actions where necessary, and ongoing monitoring of all audiences to ensure safety and comfort for all. Lyric has also engaged the specialized services of a security consultant to continually assess and recommend changes to Lyric's security procedures for the future.
For the safety and security of our patrons, artists, and employees, all persons entering the theater will be subject to a safety and security search and prohibited items may be confiscated.
- Prohibited items include:
- weapons of any kind
- laser pointers, or any item that may be considered to be disruptive to the performers or other audience members
- outside food or beverages, with the exception of unopened bottles of water
Large bags, backpacks, briefcases, and luggage are also prohibited in the auditorium; patrons will be asked to check their large bags at one of our coat check locations for a fee.
Ticket information
If a date conflict arises you may exchange your tickets for another performance of the same opera online, by phone or by mail/fax (fees apply).
Lyric accepts ticket donations if you do not plan on using your seats for a performance and will issue a tax-deductible receipt for your records Although we would appreciate your ticket donation as soon as possible, we can accept calls as late as five minutes prior to curtain at 312.827.5600. A personalized statement of all ticket donations will be e-mailed to you in January for the previous calendar year.
Visit our audience services page for more details and Box Office and Audience Services hours.
The use of a ticket acknowledges a willingness to appear in photographs or video taken for print, television, or film in the public areas of the theater and releases Lyric Opera of Chicago from liability resulting from the use of such photographs.
Coat check, bags & luggage
For your convenience, coat checks are available on floors 1 and 3. For the safety and comfort of our audience, we request that that any bag that will not fit on your lap be checked during the performance. There is a $2 charge for all checked items including coats, bags, and luggage. Lyric reserves the right to search bags for security reasons.
Cameras & recording
Photography and/or audio and video recording of any kind are prohibited during the performance. You are encouraged to take photographs and share your experience on social media from the lobby and other parts of the public, non-performance spaces in the house, as well as the house itself, but not during the performance.
Mobile phones & electronic devices
We request that patrons turn off or silence all electronic and personal devices and refrain from using any device with a glowing screen at any time during the performance.
We know you want to share your experience and encourage it, however, please wait until intermission or the end of the performance to tweet, text, or update your Facebook status.
Refreshments
Lyric Opera of Chicago offers refreshments for purchase before performances and during intermissions in our restaurants and throughout the Lyric Opera House. Specialty cocktails are offered throughout the season — stop by one of our bars to see the current cocktail offerings!
Please note that Lyric’s bars are now entirely cashless. We accept all major credit cards and Apple Pay.
Outside food and beverages may not be brought into the Lyric Opera House (bottled water is permitted), but no food or drink may be brought into the theater this season due to public health and facial mask requirements.
For more information, visit our restaurants and dining page.
First Aid
The Lyric Opera House has an EMT on site for all opera performances. In case of illness or injury, please inform an usher.
Lost & found
If something was left behind at the Lyric Opera House, please email lostandfound@lyricopera.org and give us a detailed description of your item. If it was turned into Lost and Found we will contact you. We make every attempt to hold items for the entire opera season.
Courtesy phones
As a courtesy to our patrons, complimentary phone service is available in the Vaughan Family Hospitality Foyer and on the second and fourth floors.
Gift shop
A wide selection of Lyric-themed items, merchandise, and souvenirs are available for puchase online at our Opera Shop or in person at the merchandise table located in the lobby for majority of our opera and musical performances. (Merchandise table will not be open during opening night.)
Additional reminders
Please remain silent during the performance.
As a gesture of respect for other audience members and the performing artists, please remain seated until intermission or the end of the show. If you need to leave the auditorium, you may not be readmitted while the performance is in progress.
The Overture is part of the performance. As a courtesy to the orchestra and fellow patrons please refrain from talking at this point.
Please use moderation when applying perfumes, hairsprays, colognes, lotions, and other scented toiletries when attending the opera, as allergies are commonplace.
Please turn off or silence all electronic and personal devices and refrain from using any device with a glowing screen at any time during the performance.
Many operas contain adult themes. It is best to make sure that the material is appropriate for their age or maturity level before bringing children to a performance.
In accordance with the City of Chicago's Clean Indoor Air Act, Lyric Opera of Chicago has adopted a no-smoking policy throughout the Opera House at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.
Program and artists are subject to change without notice.
Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Please let a member of Lyric’s house staff know if you have any questions.
Please note: The management of Lyric Opera House reserves the right to refuse admittance or remove any person who may create a disturbance.
Photos: Kyle Flubacker, Dan Rest, Jaclyn Simpson