Overview
The city’s annual celebration of its architectural heritage comes to Symphony Center as part of Open House Chicago, presented by the Chicago Architecture Center. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 14, visitors can explore Orchestra Hall, designed by pioneering architect Daniel Burnham and other spaces throughout the historic 1904 building on Michigan Avenue and the 1997 Symphony Center enhancements and addition created by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
Enjoy a self-guided, station-by-station tour with information provided by volunteer tour guides. Open House Chicago visitors will have access to:
- The Michigan Avenue and Adams Street lobbies
- Orchestra Hall
- Grainger Ballroom
- Symphony Center Arcade
- Buntrock Hall and Rotunda spaces
A Resource Fair will take place in Grainger Ballroom, hosted by CSO affinity groups, including the Overture Council, Student Ambassadors, CSO for Kids Ambassadors, the League of the CSOA, the Women’s Board, the Latino Alliance and the African American Network.
This event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. We hope to see you there!
All-day events
- Explore the historic building on a self-guided tour of Symphony Center
- Take a selfie at the conductor’s mark in Orchestra Hall (available until 4pm)
- Connect with CSOA community members at the Resource Fair in Grainger Ballroom (plus, enter to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming concert!)
- Venture upstairs to the ninth floor Thomas Club to enjoy sweeping views of Lake Michigan (available until 3pm)
- Refreshments will be available at concession stands on the Main Level and at the Rotunda's Bass Bar
- Visit the Box Office to learn about exclusive ticket offers
- Visit the Symphony Store to purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs for music lovers of all ages
Performance schedule
Live music and activities presented by the Negaunee Music Institute will take place in Buntrock Hall.
- 10:00am Kids' Activity Fair (instrument petting zoo – a hands-on opportunity for kids to hear and see instruments), coloring station, percussion station) *Recommended for ages 5-12.
- 12:00pm Break and stage turnover
- 1:00pm Students from the CSO Percussion Scholarship Program
- 2:00pm Soto Quartet
- 3:00pm Soloists from the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative
- 4:00pm Tertulia – Civic Fellows Chamber Music Project