“The skylight and atrium at Chicago’s historic Auditorium Theatre will undergo a significant restoration project that aims to return key design elements to how architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler intended.
“Leaders at the 135-year-old landmark theater located at 50 E. Ida B. Wells say they plan to update the building’s iconic 108-panel stained-glass skylight and the surrounding atrium, located directly above the main balcony.
“‘We know we’ve got our work cut out for us,’ said architect Matt McNicholas, who is also an Auditorium board member. ‘We’re very excited about the way this is going to shock people, because it hasn’t been seen in anyone’s lifetime.’
“The restoration, intended to wrap by fall 2027, will total nearly $3 million and be funded by donations from local organizations and a prestigious $625,000 federal grant from the National Park Service, known as the Saving America’s Treasures grant.
“The renovation project will allow for sunlight to shine through the stained-glass panels for the first time in the building’s history, according to McNicholas.
“The panels, designed by stained glass artists George Healy and Louis Millet in 1889, were crafted from jewels and feature organic shapes inspired by nature, intertwined with elaborate knot patterns. They became popular thanks to Sullivan’s signature neo-Celtic style that defined much of the Chicago architecture of that era.
“Healy and Millet’s panels were so impressive the pair exhibited them at the Paris World’s Fair of 1889 to showcase Chicago’s architectural innovation, and their work forever changed how the rest of the world sees stained glass.
“According to McNicholas, crews will also work to restore the signature Celtic stenciling found on the atrium’s walls, designed by Sullivan. His stencils decorate the walls and floors of the entire building, but for decades, eight layers of paint have covered the ones hidden along the atrium walls. Those originals likely have not been seen since the 1920s, McNicholas said. (Colón, Chicago Sun-Times, 11/10/25)
Read the full story at Chicago Sun-Times
- Auditorium Theatre to restore original Sullivan and Adler elements, including stained glass atrium; The renovation to the iconic skylight and atrium is expected to be completed by fall 2027. The theater will remain open throughout the project for shows and events, Ambar Colón, Chicago Sun-Times, 11/10/25
- Auditorium Theatre receives $625k grant for restoration, Steven Dahlman, Loop North News, 12/8/25
- Restoration at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre uncovers treasure trove of historical items, Noel Brennan, CBS Chicago, 8/6/25
- Support The Auditorium Restoration & Preservation Efforts
This Win Was Powered by Supporters Like You!
Spectacular wins like this are the result of years of dedicated advocacy. Your gift will fund the next one.
Preservation Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Get monthly updates on advocacy efforts in neighborhoods all across Chicago.
Preservation Chicago: From Impossible to Inevitable!