Newspaper advertisement for the children's play The Woggle-Bug or the Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum at Garrick Theatre Chicago July 1905

Garrick Theater

Garrick Theater Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: History and Significance

Located in Chicago’s Loop, the Garrick Theater (originally the Schiller Theater Building) was an architectural and cultural milestone, reflecting both the innovative spirit of the city and the vibrancy of its German-American community. Designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, the structure opened in 1891 and quickly became a renowned example of Chicago School architecture, featuring pioneering steel-frame construction and elaborate terra cotta ornamentation. Although demolished in 1961, the Garrick’s legacy endures through salvaged artifacts, exhibitions, and its pivotal role in launching Chicago’s historic preservation movement (Wikipedia; Chicago YIMBY; Choose Chicago).

This detailed guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Garrick Theater’s history, architectural innovation, cultural impact, and practical information for heritage tourists seeking to explore its legacy in present-day Chicago.

1914 postcard advertising Pretty Mrs. Smith musical comedy at Garrick Theatre Chicago

1922 postcard of the corner of Randolph Street and Dearborn Street in Chicago featuring Woods Theatre and Garrick Theatre

Schiller Building located at 64 West Randolph Street in Chicago

Schiller Building at 64 West Randolph Street in Chicago

Historic Schiller Building facade at 64 West Randolph Street, Chicago

Historic Schiller Building at 64 West Randolph Street in Chicago

Schiller Building at 64 West Randolph Street Chicago Illinois historic photo

Schiller Building architectural drawing at 64 West Randolph Street in Chicago

Historic architectural drawing of the Schiller Building at 64 West Randolph Street, Chicago

Schiller Building at 64 West Randolph Street in Chicago, detailed architectural drawing

Schiller Building at 64 West Randolph Street Chicago architectural drawing

Schiller Building at 64 West Randolph Street Chicago

Schiller Theater building, historic architecture in Chicago

Historic German Opera House in Chicago in 1891

Debate on socialism at Garrick Theatre Chicago 1919 featuring Professor John C. Kennedy and Mr. Clarence Darrow

Article Contents

Origins and Architectural Vision
Early Years as a German Cultural Landmark
Evolution and Name Changes
Architectural and Technological Innovations
Later Years: Adaptation and Decline
Demolition and Preservation Movement
Experiencing the Garrick Legacy Today (Exhibitions, Tours, and Visitor Info)
Accessibility, Travel Tips, and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Architectural Features and Enduring Impact
Salvaged Fragments: Locations and Self-Guided Tours
Summary of Key Visitor Information
Sources

Origins and Architectural Vision

Commissioned by Chicago’s German Opera Company, the Garrick Theater was an ambitious project realized by Adler & Sullivan. At 240 feet tall, it became one of Chicago’s earliest skyscrapers, employing steel-frame construction and showcasing Sullivan’s maxim, “form follows function.” The exterior was richly decorated with terra cotta busts of German poets and composers, emphasizing its cultural roots (Wikipedia; Choose Chicago).

Early Years as a German Cultural Landmark

Financed by Anton C. Hesing and other German-American investors, the theater was initially dedicated to German-language opera and cultural programming, serving as a vital hub for Chicago’s German community. Architectural details, such as the famous terra cotta busts and Germanic motifs, reflected this heritage (Chicago YIMBY).

Evolution and Name Changes

Shifting demographics in the late 1890s led the theater to expand its programming beyond German-language performances. Renamed the Dearborn Theater in 1898 and then the Garrick Theater in 1903, it became a stage for diverse luminaries, including Jane Addams, Eugene V. Debs, Mae West, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington (Choose Chicago).

Architectural and Technological Innovations

The Garrick’s steel-frame allowed for unprecedented height and open interiors. Its lavish proscenium arch, adorned with Sullivan’s signature ornamentation, and the overall blend of ironwork and terra cotta, set new standards in theater architecture (ArchDaily).

Later Years: Adaptation and Decline

By the 1930s, the Garrick was repurposed as a movie theater and later briefly as a television studio. Despite attempts to revive its fortunes, changing entertainment trends and economic challenges led to its closure and eventual demolition in 1961 (Chicago YIMBY).

Demolition and the Birth of Preservation

The loss of the Garrick sparked public outcry and galvanized local preservationists, most notably Richard Nickel, who painstakingly documented and salvaged hundreds of artifacts. The demolition led directly to the creation of preservation laws in Chicago and influenced national efforts, including the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Chicago Reader; Choose Chicago).

Experiencing the Garrick Legacy Today

1. Wrightwood 659 Exhibitions

What to See: Digital reconstructions, salvaged ornamentation, archival photos.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM.
Tickets: Available online or at the door; guided tours on weekends.
Info: Wrightwood 659 website

2. The Second City Theater (1616 N. Wells St.)

What to See: Terra cotta busts and façade fragments from the Garrick.
Hours: During regular theater operations.

3. Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.)

What to See: Original terra cotta heads on display in the West corridor.

4. Richard Nickel Archive

Access: By appointment; features photos and salvaged artifacts.

5. Virtual Tours

Where: Chicago History Museum and online platforms.

6. Other Fragments

Locations: Lincoln Park apartment (1945 N. Lincoln Ave.), Urban Remains (1850 W. Grand Ave.), and Springold Theater Arts Center at Brandeis University (Urban Remains).

Accessibility, Travel Tips, and Nearby Attractions

Accessibility: All major sites, including Wrightwood 659 and The Second City, are wheelchair accessible.
Transit: Serviced by CTA trains and buses; parking available at the former Garrick site (now a garage at 64 W. Randolph St.).
Nearby Attractions: Chicago Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds; spring and fall for favorable weather.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Garrick Theater still standing?
A: No, it was demolished in 1961. The original location is now a parking garage.

Q: Where can I see artifacts from the Garrick?
A: At The Second City theater, Chicago Cultural Center, and in various exhibitions and archives.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Wrightwood 659 and the Chicago Architecture Center offer tours featuring the Garrick’s history.

Q: Do I need tickets?
A: No tickets are needed for the site itself, but exhibitions and theater performances require admission.

Q: Is there interpretive signage at the site?
A: No, there is currently no signage at the parking garage marking the Garrick’s former presence.

Architectural Features and Enduring Impact

Height & Structure: Among the tallest in its era, illustrating early skyscraper technology.
Façade: Intricate terra cotta busts, Germanic motifs, and innovative ornamentation.
Auditorium: Sweeping balconies, arches, and advanced acoustics.
Lighting: Designed for dramatic visual and acoustic experiences.
Legacy: Directly inspired landmark preservation laws in Chicago and beyond (stirworld.com).

Salvaged Fragments: Locations and Self-Guided Tour

Start: 64 W. Randolph St. (original site; now a parking garage)
Next: Chicago Cultural Center (terra cotta heads)
Continue: The Second City (façade fragments and busts)
Further: Lincoln Park apartment (additional heads), Urban Remains (artifact displays or sales)
National: Springold Theater Arts Center, Brandeis University (cornice fragment)