Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Majestic Building and Theatre

Edmund R. Krause, architect; 1906

— Chicago Landmark —

Majestic Building and Theatre Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn

1. Majestic Building and Theatre Marker

Inscription. This lavishly-detailed early skyscraper houses one of Chicago's oldest legitimate theatres, having featured vaudeville, drama and musicals in its long history. Designed in the French Renaissance style with tripartite Chicago-style windows, it has a richly-detailed terra-cotta facade. After World War II, the theatre was renamed for the Shubert family, which operated America's largest theatrical production and theatre-owning organization. Acts performing here included Sarah Bernhardt, the Marx Brothers, magician Harry Houdini, and the musicals "Carousel" and "Hair."

Designated on May 11, 2005
Richard M. Daley, Mayor

Erected 2005 by Commission on Chicago Landmarks; City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. 41° 52.848′ N, 87° 37.723′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Loop District. It is on Monroe Street east of Dearborn Street, on the left when traveling

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east. The marker is to the left of the entrance to the Hampton Inn and Suites, which shares the building with what is known (as of February 2024) as CIBC Theatre. The marker was partially obscured by a small shrub in a planter. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 18 West Monroe Street, Chicago IL 60603, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Inland Steel Building (a few steps from this marker); Inland Steel Company Building (a few steps from this marker); Potter Palmer (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chicago Building (about 400 feet away); Jones Hall (about 400 feet away); Marquette Building (about 400 feet away); Palmer House Hotel (about 500 feet away); The Show Must Go On

Photographed by Sean Flynn, February 14, 2024

2. Majestic Building and Theatre Marker

The marker is to the left of the door, behind the planter and partially obscured by the small shrub.

(about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Regarding Majestic Building and Theatre. The theater was renamed the Sam Shubert Theatre in 1945, after the Shubert Organization acquired the building, which had been closed since the Great Depression. In 2006, the building was renovated, with the adjoining office building becoming a Hampton Inn hotel, and it was renamed the LaSalle Bank Theatre. It was renamed in 2008 when Bank of America acquired LaSalle Bank, and then again in 2015 when Private Bank acquired the naming rights. It received its current (as of February 2024) name in 2017 when the Canadian bank CIBC acquired Private Bank. Since the building's renovation in 2006, the building has hosted musicals including "Jersey Boys," "Kinky Boots," "The Book of Mormon," "Cabaret" and, for 3½ years, "Hamilton."

Also see . . .
1. Historic Theatre Photos: CIBC Chicago.

Excerpt: "As dictated by Illinois state law at the time, the theatre was designed with racial segregation in mind, and as such patrons seated on differing levels used different entrances. Sightlines within the auditorium also minimized
Photographed by Sean Flynn, February 14, 2024

3. CIBC Theatre
the view of lower-price ticketholders from the higher-price ticketholders."

(Submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Chicago Landmarks: Majestic Building and Theater. (Submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Majestic Building, Chicago image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Chuckman Archive, 1913

4. Majestic Building, Chicago

Schubert Theatre Stagebill, week of September 6, 1956 image. Click for full size.

Kaye/Fine Collection, Library of Congress, 1956

5. Schubert Theatre Stagebill, week of September 6, 1956

This Stagebill was produced for a show by Danny Kaye, the singer, dancer and comedian.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 715 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 4. submitted on May 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 5. submitted on February 14, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.