Venues & Seating
Coat & Bag Check
Coat checks are located on the Main Floor, Lower Balcony, Terrace and fifth- and sixth-floor lobbies. To ensure a comfortable concert experience for all patrons, Symphony Center requires checking backpacks or larger items that do not easily fit below a seat. There is a $2 per item fee; payment is cash only.
Medical Assistance
House doctors are in attendance at most concerts. If medical care is needed, please inform an usher.
Lost & Found
To claim a lost item at a concert, speak with an usher or visit the lobby security desks for assistance. For additional inquiries, call 312-294-3000.
Accessibility Information
We want to make your experience as enjoyable as possible and invite you to learn more about accessibility at Symphony Center and contact Patron Services for further assistance.
Air Ventilation (HVAC), Venue Cleaning & Sanitization
Symphony Center meets all CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on fresh air intake and air circulation, with approximately 5-6 air changes per hour. Orchestra Hall's HVAC system uses a double-filter system: a MERV 8 pre-filter to remove large particles from the air, followed by a MERV 14a or 15 filter, the same used in hospitals, to remove finer particles.
High-touch areas, including countertops, door handles and elevators, are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout Symphony Center. Per CDC guidelines, people should wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Symphony Center is a mask-friendly environment where everyone is expected to adhere to current venue requirements and respect one another’s preferences.
All attendees are encouraged to self-screen for any illness symptoms before entering Symphony Center or attending a CSOA event. If you are not feeling well you should not attend and instead contact Patron Services for ticket options.
The Symphony Store
The Symphony Store is your one-stop shop for creative gifts for the musicians in your life. From iconic Chicago Symphony Orchestra recordings to fine jewelry and scarves from around the world, the Store is stocked with music-themed products for music lovers of all ages. The Store is open before all CSO and select Symphony Center Presents concerts. Regular store hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit symphonystore.com to shop online.
Preconcert Conversations
Conversations begin 75 minutes before all CSO Classical and other select concerts. Your concert ticket serves as admission. Space is limited and seating is first-come, first-seated.
Program Notes
Access CSO Program Books and Program Notes online.
For most performances, notes are offered in written, video and audio formats. CSO Digital Program Books are made possible with the generous support of The Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation.
Bring Your Group
Enjoy a customized group experience for any budget amount with a group of 10 or more. Learn more »
Upgrade to VIP Services
Donors of $4,500 or more receive access to a personal ticketing representative, exclusive seating options for sold-out performances, private dining opportunities at Symphony Center and invitations for special events. Call 312-294-3000 to learn more.
Your Online Account & eTickets
Visit your account section for a complete listing of your upcoming concerts and to use eTickets. Even if you have printed tickets, you can access eTickets in your account section the day of the performance.
Exchange or Donate Your Tickets
If you can no longer attend a performance, you may exchange or donate your tickets up to one hour before the concert using an online form or contacting Patron Services.
Exchange requests are subject to availability, and fees or upgrade costs may apply. For ticket donations, you will receive receive a receipt letter that can be used for tax purposes at the end of the calendar year.
Give the Gift of Music
Symphony Center gift certificates are a wonderful way to share the joy of music with your loved ones and to celebrate a holiday, birthday, anniversary, retirement or any occasion! Gift certificates may be used toward concert tickets or subscription packages.
Bringing Children to Symphony Center
Children eight years of age and older are welcome to attend concerts at Symphony Center. CSO for Kids and select holiday and film concerts are open to children three years of age and older. All children, regardless of age, must have their own tickets for all performances. CSO Family Matinee concerts are recommended for ages 5 and up; Once Upon a Symphony concerts are recommended for ages 3-5.
Late Seating
Late seating is at the discretion of house management and may not be available for certain programs and seating locations. For most concerts, late seating opportunities are between pieces or at intermission.
Box Level Seating
Box Level seats are unnumbered, and the tradition is to rotate seating either between works or at intermission.
Electronic Devices
Cell phones, pagers and all other mobile devices must be turned off or silenced before entering Orchestra Hall. The use of such devices during the performance is not permitted. Photography and video recording are prohibited during the performance.
Programs and artists subject to change. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) reserves the right to record performances, including the audience, for future broadcast or promotion. Your attendance at CSOA events shall be deemed consent and permission to use your image, as captured in photograph or on video, in connection with the promotion and marketing of the CSOA and its related events. Read the CSOA Ticket Holder Disclaimer for additional information.