Accessibility
Chicago Symphony strives to create a concert environment that is welcoming to all. If you are unable to find the information you need here, please contact us before your visit. You can reach us by calling 312-294-3000, emailing Patron Services or chatting with us online.
Please note that the information here is specific to Chicago Symphony Center. Please contact us for additional details regarding off-site events presented by Chicago Symphony.
Seating Options
There are various accessible seating options located throughout Orchestra Hall at Chicago Symphony Center including wheelchair seating, companion seating, seats with swing-arms and seats of varying widths. A limited number of extra seat cushions are also available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be requested by asking any usher for assistance.
Companions & Companion Seating
Companions without tickets will be allowed entry to assist a patron to and from their seat and may wait outside the hall during the performance. If a companion elects to attend the performance, ticketed companion seating for patrons using wheelchairs is also an option.
Parking
Parking for Chicago Symphony patrons, including plentiful reserved spaces for patrons with mobility considerations, is available at the Grant Park South Garage. There is also an elevator located adjacent to the Art Institute garden at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard. Patrons who use the elevator will need to cross Michigan Avenue to access Chicago Symphony Center.
Public Transportation
Nearby CTA train stations with elevators are the Washington/Wabash station (Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines), located three blocks north, and the Jackson station (Red and Blue lines), located about 2 blocks west of Chicago Symphony Center.
Paratransit
For patrons travelling via paratransit, we recommend requesting the 220 S. Michigan Ave. entrance as close as possible to the automated doors. The automated doors are the southernmost glass doors of the main entrance. If you prefer to use the 67 E. Adams St. entrance, the double set of glass doors are also automated. There are a couple of chairs and/or a cushioned bench, as well as security desks, within a few feet of both entrances. Please ask the driver to connect with our security team to assist in your pick-up.
Wayfinding Assistance
For information on approximate distances and terrain descriptions to access both seating and public areas of Chicago Symphony Center, please contact Patron Services at 312-294-3000, email Patron Services, chat online or connect in person at the Box Office, located in the front lobby off of the main entrance on Michigan Ave.
Automated Doors
Automated-entry doors are available at the 220 S. Michigan entrance. The automated doors are the southernmost glass doors of the main entrance. Elevators are available to the upper floors of the venue. If you prefer to use the 67 E. Adams St. entrance, the double set of glass doors are also automated. Please inquire with an usher upon arrival to determine the best way to access your ticketed floor.
Courtesy Wheelchairs
Chicago Symphony Center has a limited number of complimentary wheelchairs for transport between building entrances and relevant seating areas in the hall. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, located at the 67 E. Adams St. entrance security desk, as well as the inner lobby of the Main Floor. Patrons must either transport themselves or bring a companion for any hands-on assistance.
Restrooms
All public restrooms are accessible to patrons with mobility considerations. Additionally, an all-gender/single-occupancy restroom is located on the Gallery level, near the coatroom in the sixth floor lobby of Orchestra Hall. If you are attending a concert or event in Buntrock Hall, there is also an all-gender/single-occupancy restroom on the third floor of the Rotunda. Please see an usher to locate the nearest accessible restroom.
Changing Tables
A child-sized changing table is available in both the men’s and women’s restrooms on the first floor between the Adams St. entrance and the Rotunda.
Assisted Listening Devices
Williams Sound assisted-listening devices are available for performances in Orchestra Hall and select events in Grainger Ballroom. The devices are portable FM receivers that offer a standard audio port (3.5mm) for over-the-ear headset or earbuds. Patrons may connect their own headsets/earbuds to the receivers or use one of a limited number of headsets available on loan. Individual neckloop couplers also can be connected to the receivers for patrons with cochlear implants/telecoil-capable hearing aids. This equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis from the House Manager. The use of these devices is complimentary; a photo identification is requested to hold while the devices are on loan.
ASL Services
ASL services are available upon request. Advanced notice of at least two weeks is appreciated.
Large Print, Braille & Digital Programs
Large print programs are available for most Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago concerts. The nearest usher can assist in retrieving a large print program.
Braille programs are available upon request for most Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago concerts. Advanced notice of at least two weeks is appreciated.
Chicago Symphony program books are also available via eMagazines. This platform offers keyboard-accessible navigation, screen-reader compatibility and audio narration for program notes. Digital program books are typically available two days prior to the concert. Access digital program information »
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome to accompany patrons at Chicago Symphony Center. If questions arise regarding service animals at specific seat locations within the concert hall, please inquire at the time of order. Note, there is no designated animal relief area at the venue.
Sensory-Friendly Locations
There are several spaces located throughout Chicago Symphony Center that offer less active environments for patrons with sight and sound sensitivities. Grainger Ballroom, on the Box Level, is a large enclosed room with subdued lighting. A TV monitor and seating are typically available to allow patrons to view and hear the presentation on the stage. Additionally, the lower-level lobby, as well as the upper-level arcade spaces, offer quieter environments. Ushers can help direct you to these locations.
Ushering Services
At Chicago Symphony Center, our front of house team is always close by and happy to assist you with directions, seating and other requests.