Performance & Event space in the Historic Athenaeum Theatre
Rent space for performances, events, rehearsals, dance, and more in Chicago’s Belmont Theater District.
Our unique and historic theater complex serves as a perfect home for the Chicago performing arts and non-profit community.
We rent out performance, event, and office spaces year-round at affordable rates in order to support the production of great art in Chicago.
All rentals are curated by the Athenaeum Center. Explore our venues below for more information and to inquire about bookings.
Historic Main Stage
The Historic Main Stage is a 985 seat, proscenium style theater with seating on the main floor, lower balcony, and upper balcony. Thanks to a unique balcony design, the Main Stage offers an intimate setting that belies the grandeur of the theatre. With no barriers, columns, or pillars to obstruct the view of the stage, patrons in the Main Stage enjoy not only magnificent acoustics, but also clear sight lines from every seat.
Black Box Studios
Multiple Black Box Studio Theatre spaces are available at the Athenaeum Center. The spaces are highly flexible, fully equipped with state-of-the-art technical amenities, and perfect for intimate performances. Studio A can seat 87. Studio B can seat 81 patrons.
Event Space
We are excited to offer a new state-of-the-art event space in the heart of Chicago for conferences, lectures, and other gatherings. The event space, designed by John Ronan Architects, will be under construction soon and is expected to be completed by early 2022. The gorgeous, hardwood space will hold up to 167 guests and will include a bar and catering kitchen.
Click here for details about the space, see event layouts, and see progress pictures from the renovations, which are nearing completion!
Office Space
Looking for a home for your arts non-profit? Need a short-term office space for use during production?
The Athenaeum Theatre is home to over 15 not-for-profit performing arts companies. We offer competitive below market rates for groups seeking everything from a full office to a desk and phone in a shared space. Companies who have booked the theater space are welcome to inquire about renting production office space as well.
For information about office rental for your arts organization or production company, please use the links below.
Rehearsal Space
There are a number of rehearsal spaces available for dance, theatre, music, performances. Rooms vary in size and amenities.
All of our rental spaces benefit
from the perks of our location in
Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood:
Great restaurants with theatre discounts
Convenient public transportation
Two parking lots — at Oakdale and Southport and on Oakdale behind the theater building.
Lots of street parking available
