Auditorium Theatre Celebrates Storied History With Tours
WDCB’s Gary Zidek tours the historic Auditorium Theatre.
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The Auditorium Theatre has seen a lot over the course of its 133 year history. The theater’s origins are tied to businessman and arts patron Ferdinand Peck, who had a vision to build a theater for the people. Designed by the acclaimed architecture firm of Adler and Sullivan, the theater opened to great fanfare on December 9 1889. It’s presented some of the world’s greatest performers, welcomed global dignitaries and survived two pandemics. You get a sense of that history the moment you walk in the Richardson Romanesque structure that sits at 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive.
Auditorium Theatre tour guide John Popik
Of course it helps to have a tour guide. John Popik has been giving tours of the historic landmark for the past five years. Though, his connection to the Auditorium Theater goes back much further. He donated money to a theater restoration effort in the late 60s, and was invited to it’s grand re-opening night on October 31, 1967 (Popik still has his ticket).
View from the very last row of seats up top at the Auditorium Theatre.
The Auditorium Theatre offers tours throughout the week. You can find more info at auditoriumtheatre.org/national-landmark-backstage-tours
Outside the historic theatre.
