Opera House
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Chicago, IL, United States·Est. 1954·3,563 seats
operamusical
20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
The Lyric Opera of Chicago, housed in the landmark Civic Opera House on North Wacker Drive, stands as one of America's most prestigious opera companies and a cultural institution of international renown. Founded in 1954, the company has established itself through decades of artistic excellence, presenting a carefully curated season of classical masterworks and contemporary works that attract world-class singers and conductors. The venue remains a cornerstone of Chicago's performing arts landscape, celebrated for its commitment to compelling storytelling and engagement with diverse audiences.
The Experience
Acoustics, seating, and what to expect
Acoustics
4.5/ 5
The Civic Opera House is widely praised for premium acoustics that allow full appreciation of singers' voices and orchestral performance. A new acoustical shell installed in 2014 further enhanced sound quality for concert performances.
Best Seats
Orchestra section center rows A through F offer commanding views and superior acoustics, though at premium prices. For better value, mid-level balcony seats in rows D through H provide excellent acoustics and panoramic stage views. Avoid the back of the main floor where overhead balconies can obstruct sightlines.
Dress Code
Varies by Event
Visitor Guide
Tickets, pricing, and getting there
Ticket Prices
$47—$930
Typical range · USD
Rush & Day-of Tickets
Rush tickets available at 50% off for performances where inventory allows. Online purchases available three hours before curtain (may require promo code); in-person purchases at box office two hours before curtain. Maximum 4 rush tickets per person. Subject to availability and not offered for near-capacity shows.
Student Discounts
Full-time degree-seeking college and graduate students can access $20 discount tickets through the free NEXT program by registering online with student ID. NEXT Now subscriptions offer $20 tickets for three or more shows with advance seat selection. Exclusive college night events with receptions and speakers also available.
Getting There
Civic Center (CTA Red, Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple lines); Washington (CTA Blue line); Randolph/Wabash (CTA Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple lines)
Around the Venue
Plan your visit — dining, transit, and performer resources nearby
Plan Your Visit
Chicago
Pre-show dining, bars & more for Lyric Opera of Chicago visitors.
Green Room — Chicago
Performer City Guide
5 practice spaces, 2 music stores, 2 vocal coaches
- The Fine Arts Building Studios
Check the building directory for available practice rooms and current voice teachers. Rates vary by studio. The building is a one-stop resource for vocal coaching, piano practice, and instrument lessons.
- Chicago Music MartWebsite
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Ask for the repair technician recommendations; Chicago's orchestral musicians trust the same luthiers and technicians year after year.
Generally 10 AM–6 PM, but hours vary by tenant
- Chicago Vocal Arts Center
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Book a 30-minute audition coaching session before submitting to major companies; coaches have direct connections to casting directors.
By appointment; flexible evening and weekend hours
- Dancer's Edge Studio – Loop Location
Professional-grade facilities, hourly rentals, technique classes, show choreography workspace
Monthly studio memberships offer significant discounts; many ballet companies pre-block time during development season.
6 AM–10 PM daily; advance booking required
Open city guidePatron
Venue Details
Architecture
Beaux-Arts
Heritage
Chicago Landmark; listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Resident Company
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Current Season
View Lyric Opera of Chicago Season ScheduleComing Soon
Upcoming performances
Opera
OmarOct 23, 2026 – Oct 23, 2026
Dir Kaneza SchaalCond Kazem Abdullah
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
OmarOct 25, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026
Dir Kaneza SchaalCond Kazem Abdullah
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
OmarOct 28, 2026 – Oct 28, 2026
Dir Kaneza SchaalCond Kazem Abdullah
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Don PasqualeNov 12, 2026 – Nov 12, 2026· 2h 50m
Dir Mariame ClémentCond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Don PasqualeNov 15, 2026 – Nov 15, 2026· 2h 50m
Dir Mariame ClémentCond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Don PasqualeNov 18, 2026 – Nov 18, 2026· 2h 50m
Dir Mariame ClémentCond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Don PasqualeNov 21, 2026 – Nov 21, 2026· 2h 50m
Dir Mariame ClémentCond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Don PasqualeNov 24, 2026 – Nov 24, 2026· 2h 50m
Dir Mariame ClémentCond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Don PasqualeNov 27, 2026 – Nov 27, 2026· 2h 50m
Dir Mariame ClémentCond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Hérodiade: an Opera in ConcertFeb 23, 2027 – Feb 23, 2027
Cond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Hérodiade: an Opera in ConcertFeb 25, 2027 – Feb 25, 2027
Cond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Hérodiade: an Opera in ConcertFeb 28, 2027 – Feb 28, 2027
Cond Enrique Mazzola
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Ariadne Auf NaxosMar 11, 2027 – Mar 11, 2027· 2h 30m
Cond Oksana Lyniv
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Ariadne Auf NaxosMar 14, 2027 – Mar 14, 2027· 2h 30m
Cond Oksana Lyniv
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Ariadne Auf NaxosMar 17, 2027 – Mar 17, 2027· 2h 30m
Cond Oksana Lyniv
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Ariadne Auf NaxosMar 20, 2027 – Mar 20, 2027· 2h 30m
Cond Oksana Lyniv
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Ariadne Auf NaxosMar 23, 2027 – Mar 23, 2027· 2h 30m
Cond Oksana Lyniv
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Ariadne Auf NaxosMar 26, 2027 – Mar 26, 2027· 2h 30m
Cond Oksana Lyniv
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
SusannahApr 11, 2027 – Apr 11, 2027
Dir Patricia RacetteCond Daniela CandillariChor Noelle Kayser
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
SusannahApr 14, 2027 – Apr 14, 2027
Dir Patricia RacetteCond Daniela CandillariChor Noelle Kayser
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
SusannahApr 17, 2027 – Apr 17, 2027
Dir Patricia RacetteCond Daniela CandillariChor Noelle Kayser
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
SusannahApr 20, 2027 – Apr 20, 2027
Dir Patricia RacetteCond Daniela CandillariChor Noelle Kayser
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
SusannahApr 23, 2027 – Apr 23, 2027
Dir Patricia RacetteCond Daniela CandillariChor Noelle Kayser
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Sondra Radvanovsky & Seokjong Baek in ConcertApr 30, 2027 – Apr 30, 2027
Cond Riccardo Frizza
Full cast visible to Patron members
Opera
Sondra Radvanovsky & Seokjong Baek in ConcertMay 2, 2027 – May 2, 2027
Cond Riccardo Frizza
Full cast visible to Patron members
Insider Access
Rush, lottery, promo codes, and discount programs for shows at this theatre
No rush, lottery, or discount programs tracked for current shows
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