Open House Chicago
Overview
The city’s annual celebration of its architectural heritage comes to Chicago Symphony Center as part of Open House Chicago, presented by the Chicago Architecture Center. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 17, visitors can explore Orchestra Hall, designed by pioneering architect Daniel Burnham, and other spaces throughout the historic 1904 building on Michigan Avenue — including the 1997 Chicago Symphony Center enhancements and addition created by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
Enjoy a self-guided, station-by-station tour with information provided by volunteer tour guides. Open House Chicago visitors have access to:
- Michigan Avenue lobby and Adams Street passage
- Orchestra Hall
- Grainger Ballroom
- The Ling Z. and Michael C. Markovitz Arcade
- Buntrock Hall
- Rotunda
- Richard and Helen Thomas Club
- A resource fair hosted by Chicago Symphony affinity groups, including African American Network, Family Ambassadors, Latino Alliance, League, Overture Council and Student Ambassadors
- A blood drive in the Forte event space
This event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. We hope to see you there!
All-day events
- Explore the historic building on a self-guided tour of Chicago Symphony Center.
- Take a selfie at the conductor’s podium in Orchestra Hall.
- Connect with Chicago Symphony community members at the resource fair and enter to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming concert.
- Venture upstairs to the ninth floor, and enjoy sweeping views of Lake Michigan from the Thomas Club.
- Learn and play in the kids’ space in Buntrock Hall, featuring coloring stations and scavenger hunt worksheets. Enjoy special activities and videos. Recommended for ages 3-12.
- Visit the Box Office for exclusive ticket offers.
- Commemorate your experience with Chicago Symphony-branded merchandise and apparel from the Symphony Store.
Performance and events schedule
Enjoy live music presented by the Chicago Symphony Negaunee Music Institute and behind-the-scenes fireside chats in Grainger Ballroom.
| 11:00 | Fireside Chat with Maestro Giancarlo Guerrero Moderated by Dr. Jesús Del Toro, Co-Chair, Chicago Symphony Latino Alliance |
| 12:00 | Piano Recital by Reginald Robinson Presented by Bronzeville Forum |
| 1:00 | Fireside Chat with Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra |
| 2:00 | Violin Recital by Cecilia O’Malley 2026 Young Artist Competition Winner |
| 3:00 | First-Time Audience Fireside Chat Featuring Jenise Sheppard, House Manager, and Tommy Bravos, Patron Services |
Shopping
Visit the Symphony Store for outstanding gifts for the music lovers in your life. From acclaimed recordings of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Symphony-themed apparel to classical music merchandise sourced from around the world, including books, accessories and stationery, you will find gifts for everyone on your list. Open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Symphony of Giving
Give Blood. Experience Music. Help Save Lives.
Participate in a blood drive at Chicago Symphony Center during Open House Chicago featuring Abbott’s mixed reality experience with original music performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
You are invited to explore the home of one of the world’s great orchestras, then give blood in a setting like no other — featuring Abbott’s innovative mixed reality donation experience, set to an original score recorded by CSO musicians. Donors who give blood on October 17 will receive a voucher for a complimentary pair of tickets to an upcoming concert, available only to participants at the event. Together, we're creating harmony through giving.
Make an appointment for a specific time to donate blood on October 17. Walk-ins are welcome.
Learn more: CSO records a new score for a video game designed to foster blood donation
Sponsors & Partners
