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Today in History: Chicago Theatre opens as oldest grand movie palace

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On October 26, 1921, the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre opened its doors, becoming the oldest surviving grand movie palace. Designed as a 3,600-seat flagship, it showcased the opulent style that defined 1920s movie palaces, later transitioning to a performing-arts venue after the decline of single-screen cinemas.

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Story summary

On October 26, 1921, the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre opened its doors, becoming the oldest surviving grand movie palace. Designed as a 3,600-seat flagship, it showcased the opulent style that defined 1920s movie palaces, later transitioning to a performing-arts venue after the decline of single-screen cinemas.