Contact Us

How can we help you? Send us a message below and one of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible.​

Box Office Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 12-6pm

Office: (312) 820-6250

Please review our COVID-19 Health & Safety page for information and updates on all COVID-19 related policies and questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

TICKETING:

What are your box office hours?

  • Our Box Office is open 12:00-6:00pm Tuesday-Saturday and one hour before all ticketed events.
  • Phone: 312-820-6250 
  • Email: info@athenaeumcenter.org 

Do you offer a student discount?

    • Discounts differ based on performance. If a performance offers a student discount, please bring your ID with you.

What accessibility offerings are available?

    • We have 8 ADA accessible seats in the main floor section of the Historic Main Stage Theater. More can be made available in the balcony if needed. Companion seating is also available. 
    • Our Black Box spaces also have ADA accessible seating but specific seats do not need to be purchased as all black box performances are general admission. 

Are ticket fees the same online and in-person?

    • Yes, ticket fees are the same for all performances whether bought in-person or online. There is an additional $1.00 fee for each ticket purchased over the phone. 

Do you offer refunds or exchanges on ticket purchases?

    • No, we do not offer exchanges or refunds. All ticket sales are final. If an event is canceled, ticket vouchers are available for the face value of your ticket purchase, to be applied to a future event at the Athenaeum Center. If an event is rescheduled, your ticket will be good for the new date, otherwise a ticket voucher is available as a form of refund. 

Do I need to print my e-tickets before a show? 

  • No. As long as you can present your ticket QR code on your smartphone, our Front of House will be able to scan your tickets. There is one QR code per ticket, not per order.

DAY OF PERFORMANCE:

Is there parking near the venue? 

  • Yes, free parking is located in the lot behind the building on Oakdale and in the lot south of the building on Southport.

What are your COVID-19 Restrictions?

  • Unless otherwise stated, masks and vaccinations are not required for any performance. Please refer to the local government agencies for the most up-to-date information.

Do you offer food and drink? 

  • Concessions and drinks are available at all Main Stage events. Our newly renovated bar in the Paradiso is open before the show and at intermission.  For all black box shows and other events, please refer to the event page.

When should I arrive for the show? 

  • Check the event details for your performance on our website to see when the doors will open. We suggest arriving at the theater between 45 and 20 minutes before the show begins. Allow additional time for parking if you are driving to the venue. 

Can I take photos or videos during the performance? 

  • Video and photo permission is dependent on performance. 

I lost an item at a show, who can I call? 

  • If you’ve lost an item during a show, please contact our box office: 312-820-6250

Is late seating available? 

  • Late seating availability is dependent on performance. 

Does my child need a ticket if they are going to sit on my lap? 

  • Yes. All patrons entering the theater must be ticketed, regardless of age. This includes children who are likely to share a seat with their adult guardians. 

What should I wear to a show?

  • The theatre, the theatre, dress up for the theatre… We encourage you to put on your Sunday best when visiting the Athenaeum.

What public transportation is closest to the venue? 

  • The theater is located about a 13 minute walk from the Wellington Brown Line Station, 7 minutes from the Belmont & Southport 77 bus stop, and a 7 minute walk from the Ashland & Wellington 9 bus stop. For more CTA information go to www.transitchicago.com

Where can I eat before a show at the Athenaeum Center?

Can I get something to drink/eat at an Athenaeum Center show?

  • Yes. We have Concessions on each floor on the inner lobby with a variety of cold drinks and snacks. In addition, the Bar at the Paradiso serves a curated selection of wines, beers, and specialty cocktails.

RENTALS:

Do you rent out your spaces? 

  • Yes, we are primarily a rental venue. If you are interested in any of our rehearsal, performance or event spaces, please click here to learn more about our Historic Main Stage (950 seats), our Black Box Studios (80–87 seats), the Paradiso (our flex performance and event space with catering and full bar, seating up to 300), Rehearsal Space, or Office Space rentals at competitive rates for nonprofits in Chicago

Who can I contact about specific rental questions? 

OTHER QUESTIONS?

Our Box Office staff will be happy to help you with further questions if you didn’t find the answer to what you were looking for on this page. Contact them at (312)820-6250 or info@athenaeumcenter.org.

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Theatre

2936 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture is registered 501(c)3 non-profit.

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