Welcome to Paradiso.
Our newly-renovated gathering and presentation space in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is perfect for your performance, gala, reception, lecture, art show, or conference!
Welcome to the Paradiso.
Our newly-renovated gathering and presentation space in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is perfect for your performance, gala, reception, lecture, art show, or conference!
A Flexible Event Space at the Athenaeum Center
Our new event space has been tastefully reimagined in this historic jewel in Lakeview. Have your guests enjoy a cocktail in our Marquee Lobby as the party flows effortlessly into a fully-seated catered sit-down dinner. With wooden parquet floors, and large glass windows overlooking the beautiful St. Alphonsus parish, from corporate events, receptions, banquets, and more your guests are sure to enjoy your event.
Lakeview’s Historic Venue
Sitting at the intersection of Southport, Wellington, and Lincoln, the Athenaeum Center has been the heartbeat of the community since 1911. When we took over the building, high on our priority list was creating a space for the community to gather and celebrate. The venue has a clean, minimalist feel that blends into the historic building, and provides a canvas for whatever you can imagine.
With 4,000 square feet of open space, seating up to 250, our on-site event/production managers will work with you to configure the room according to your event needs. Not just for dinners, our event space was designed with performances in mind, and we have in-house audio-visual providers and lighting designers who will help create the perfect ambience and technical setup for your event.
Lakeview’s Historic Theatre
Sitting at the intersection of Southport, Wellington, and Lincoln, the Athenaeum Center has been the heartbeat of the community since 1911. When we took over the building, high on our priority list was creating a space for the community to gather and celebrate. The venue has a clean, minimalist feel that blends into the historic building, and provides a canvas for whatever you can imagine.
With 4,000 square feet of open space, seating up to 250, our on-site event/production managers will work with you to configure the room according to your event needs. Not just for dinners, our event space was designed with performances in mind, and we have in-house audio-visual providers and lighting designers who will help create the perfect ambience and technical setup for your event.
Layouts for the Event Space
Pre- or Post-Show Reception or Cocktail Reception
Banquet or seated reception full capacity
Banquet or Seated Reception with Dance Floor
Lecture / Performance: 3 Layouts
Business meeting / Presentation
Art Opening / Visual art Gallery Space
Catering and Reception Details
As a full-service facility, we have an event staff to work with you to create the perfect experience for your guests or business partners. Our services include full event-staffing, a bar with local beers and hand-selected wine list, and we work with a list of vetted catering partners who can provide everything from passed appetizers to sit-down dinners that will be sure to delight and impress!
Would you like to learn more about hosting your event at the Athenaeum Center in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood?
Common Questions about Renting the Event Space
It varies depending on the configuration, but you can host up to 250 people in the space.
There are 2 parking lots, behind and to the left of the Athenaeum that are open for parking for your guests. Note: times must be confirmed that these spaces are available at the time of your event.
In general we require you to use one of our vetted catering partners. All our vendors are licensed and insured.
We can provide an on-site security service for your event. Please inquire for rates and details.
We require that all liquor consumed on the premises be sold by our bar staff.
