Music Box Theatre in Chicago, Illinois
The theater shows a mix of first-run indie, foreign and repertory films, classic double features, and specialty screenings throughout the year. It’s known for unique events like a 70 mm film festival, regular Rocky Horror Picture Show with shadow casts, and long-running classics.
A signature tradition at the Music Box is its house organist, who performs before weekend screenings. The theater houses a custom organ that honors its silent-film era roots.
Architecturally, the Music Box features a deep blue, cove-lit ceiling dotted with twinkling stars designed to mimic an Italian courtyard. This creates the feeling of watching a film under an open night sky.
Beyond the main screen, the venue includes a second smaller auditorium added in 1991 and a casual gathering space, the Music Box Theatre Lounge, used for discussions, drinks, and summer garden screenings.
