All seats were repainted, refinished and reupholstered. Artisans cleaned and completely repainted the auditorium (including elaborate stenciling) for the first time since 1929. All backstage areas were renovated and expanded. In 1993, a massive $100-million renovation began through 1996.The adjoining Civic Theatre, at the north end of the block-long building, was used to present plays, dance performances, and films for a considerable time it also served as a television studio.

Shaped like a gigantic throne facing the Chicago River between Washington and Madison streets. The Civic Opera Building is a 45-story office tower with two 22-story wings.4, 1929 was completed after just 22 months of planning and construction. The new building designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White opened on Nov.Insull, the president of the Chicago Civic Opera Association, wanted to erect a new opera house to replace Louis B. The Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to enhancing our diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.The opera house was the vision of utility magnate Samuel Insull (1859-1938), a billionaire known as “the Prince of Electricity.”.

Chicago lyric opera