Crowd exiting Regal movie theater in Southside Chicago

The Regal Theater

Regal Theater Chicago: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Regal Theater in Chicago stands as a monumental symbol of African-American cultural heritage, architectural grandeur, and artistic achievement. Though the original building was demolished in 1973, its legacy continues to shape Chicago’s cultural scene through successor venues, commemorative sites, and ongoing community engagement. This in-depth guide explores the Regal Theater’s storied past, its enduring impact on Chicago’s African-American community, and offers practical information for visitors looking to experience this cultural legacy through current venues, tours, and related attractions (City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports; Cinema Treasures; Encyclopedia of Chicago).

Historic Regal Theatre building in South Center Development at 47th Street and South Parkway

Page 26 of the 1949 edition of The Negro Motorist Green Book featuring listings of Seattle hotels, restaurants, and businesses

Origins and Early Development
Architectural Significance
Cultural Impact and Community Role
Ownership and Management Transitions
The Avalon Theater and the New Regal
Reopening and Continuing Legacy
Visitor Information
The Regal’s Role in Chicago’s African-American Cultural Landscape
FAQs
Summary & Further Exploration
References

Origins and Early Development

The Regal Theater was constructed at 4719–27 South Parkway (now Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) and opened its doors on February 4, 1928. Built by the National Theater Corporation at a cost of $1.5 million, it was one of the first U.S. theaters purpose-built for the African-American community, reflecting a period of significant demographic and cultural transformation on Chicago’s South Side (City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports, p. 6).

Architectural Significance

Designed by John Eberson—renowned for his “atmospheric” theater concepts—the Regal was a showpiece of Spanish Baroque Revival architecture. Its lavish interiors included Moorish and Spanish ornamentation, a ceiling painted to resemble the night sky, and luxurious seating for nearly 3,000 patrons. Notable features included a Barton house organ and a resident jazz band, delivering an immersive entertainment experience (City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports, p. 6).

Cultural Impact and Community Role

From its inception, the Regal Theater was much more than a movie palace. It became a vital hub for Black culture, music, and social life, predating New York’s Apollo Theater and outpacing it in capacity and ambition. The Regal hosted legendary performers, including Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Moms Mabley, and was a space where Black Chicagoans could gather in celebration and solidarity (City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports, p. 8). The theater’s stage was the site of iconic recordings and groundbreaking performances, cementing its status as a cornerstone of Black artistic achievement.

Ownership and Management Transitions

Ownership of the Regal changed several times. In 1931, it was sold to Balaban & Katz. Ken Blewett became the first Black manager of a Balaban & Katz theater in 1939, reflecting shifting social dynamics (City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports, p. 6). S.B. Fuller acquired the theater in 1961, but financial difficulties led to its closure in 1968 and eventual demolition in 1973 (City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports, p. 8).

The Avalon Theater and the New Regal

In 1985, Edward and Bettiann Gardner led a group to purchase the Avalon Theater at 1641–59 East 79th Street. Built in 1927 and also designed by Eberson, the Avalon was transformed and renamed the New Regal Theater, honoring the legacy of the original Regal. After a $9.6 million restoration, the new venue reopened in 1987 as a platform for African-American performers and community events (Chicago Landmarks: New Regal Theater).

Reopening and Continuing Legacy

The New Regal Theater, now a designated Chicago Landmark, continues to serve as a performing arts and community center. Its atmospheric design and commitment to Black cultural programming sustain the spirit of the original theater and reinforce its status as a cultural beacon (City of Chicago Landmark Designation Reports, p. 8).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

New Regal Theater (Avalon Regal Theater): Generally open during scheduled events and performances. Box office hours are typically Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, but may vary (Avalon Regal Theater Facebook).
Harold Washington Cultural Center: Located at the original Regal site (4701 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.), open during listed events. Visit their official website for event schedules.

Tickets & How to Purchase

Tickets for the New Regal Theater can be purchased online, by phone, or at the box office. Prices range from $15 to $50, depending on the event.
Harold Washington Cultural Center ticketing varies by performance; purchase through their official site.

Accessibility

Both venues offer wheelchair access and accessible restrooms. It is recommended to contact the venue in advance for specific needs.

Guided Tours & Special Events

Guided Tours: Occasionally available at the New Regal Theater by appointment or during special events. Bronzeville historical walking tours often include the original Regal site.
Special Events: Both venues host concerts, film screenings, and community gatherings focused on African-American heritage.

Travel Tips & Nearby Attractions

Getting There: South Side venues are accessible via CTA Green Line, Metra, and bus routes.
Parking: Street parking is available, with limited spaces during events.
Nearby Attractions: DuSable Museum of African American History, South Shore Cultural Center, local dining and jazz clubs.

The Regal’s Role in Chicago’s African-American Cultural Landscape

A Beacon of Black Excellence

The Regal Theater was central to Bronzeville’s identity as the “Harlem of Chicago,” serving as both a showcase for Black talent and a point of community pride (Cinema Treasures).

Architectural Grandeur as Cultural Statement

Its design—featuring Moorish, Spanish Baroque, and Oriental influences—signified the dignity and sophistication of Black audiences and artists (Architecture.org).

Platform for Legendary Performers

Icons like Nat King Cole, Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, and James Brown graced the stage, making the Regal a launchpad for Black entertainers (Cinema Treasures).

The theater fostered solidarity and collective action, especially during economic hardships and the era’s civil rights struggles.

Legacy & Influence

Though demolished, the Regal’s spirit endures in the New Regal Theater, the Harold Washington Cultural Center, and the memories of generations of Chicagoans (Architecture.org).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the original Regal Theater still standing?
A: No, it was demolished in 1973. The site now hosts the Harold Washington Cultural Center.

Q: How can I visit or experience the Regal legacy?
A: Attend events at the New Regal Theater or the Harold Washington Cultural Center, or join a Bronzeville history tour.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, both venues and local organizations offer tours by appointment or during special events.

Q: Are these venues accessible?
A: Yes, both provide wheelchair access and accessible facilities.

Q: Where can I find artifacts or exhibitions about the Regal?
A: Visit museums like the DuSable Black History Museum and the Bronzeville Visitor Center.

Summary & Further Exploration

The Regal Theater’s legacy is one of artistic innovation, cultural resilience, and community empowerment. While its original structure is gone, its impact is felt in Chicago’s ongoing celebration of African-American culture. Today, successor venues and commemorative programs ensure that the Regal’s story continues to inspire. For visitors, engaging with the Regal’s history—whether through live performances, historical tours, or museum exhibits—offers a meaningful connection to Chicago’s vibrant cultural tapestry.

Stay connected by following the New Regal Theater and Harold Washington Cultural Center, downloading the Audiala app for event notifications, and exploring the city’s many historical sites.