The six story high sign and glowing marquee is a favorite photo spot for tourists, but the theatre was actually added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Later in 1983, it was listed as a Chicago landmark. The Chicago Theatre opened in 1921 as a dazzling movie palace that was part of the Balaban & Katz theater empire. Live orchestras would perform while silent films were being shown. A true gem of this city!