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

The Show Must Go On

Our Stage, Your Story

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 31, 2025

1. The Show Must Go On Marker

Inscription. The concept of dinner and dancing in The Empire Room continued until 1945, when Conrad N. Hilton purchased the Palmer House. Hilton loved the night life, and was considered a great dancer himself. He ordered a full stage built, and lighting and sound added to the room. He challenged Merriel Abbott, the brains behind The Empire Room dance troupe performances, to escalate the entertainment from just dancing to full cabaret reviews featuring one, two and three opening acts, prefacing well known stars from Hollywood, Broadway, radio and early television, followed by dancing. For the next 30 years, The Empire Room in Chicago became the number one venue for the world's most luminary entertainers. If a major star was appearing in Chicago, they appeared at The Empire Room, along with the greatest orchestras of the big band era.

Palmer House pays homage to these stars with their photos lined down the corridors of each guest room floor.

Erected 2021 by Palmer House Hilton.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.

Location. 41° 52.84′ N, 87° 37.609′ W.

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Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It is on East Monroe Street east of South State Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago IL 60603, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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: Palmer House Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Potter Palmer (within shouting distance of this marker); Carson Pirie Scott & Company Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Jewelers Row (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Jewelers Row (about 400 feet away); The Heyworth Building (about 500 feet away); Old Saint Mary's Cathedral (about 500 feet

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 31, 2025

2. The Show Must Go On Marker

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

Also see . . . History of the Palmer House. (Submitted on January 2, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Palmer House Hilton image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 31, 2025

3. Palmer House Hilton

The marker is to the left (east) of the Monroe Street entrance into the Palmer House Hilton.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 2, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.