Known as the second largest opera house in the country, Lyric Opera of Chicago started in 1974. The theatre is housed in a 1929 structure also known as the Civic Opera House. This opera house has a rich French Art Deco interior, and is a good spot to fulfill your opera fantasies.

Apart from showcasing the standard operatic repertoire, the Lyric also presents modern works in Opera, such as Weill's Street Scene, and Floyd's Susannah and Sondheim's Sweeney Todd.

The opera company also grooms new talent and welcomes students to take classes with the opera's most famous stars. You can attend acting classes and voice lessons, if you want. You can also take a back stage tour and learn more about opera performances. After the tour get the honor to dine with one of Lyric Opera stars and get your picture taken on the main stage.

Famous attractions nearby include Sears Tower, Union Station, Cadillac Palace and Merchandise Mart.

When you get hungry, there is the popular Lou Mitchells (312-939-3111), nearby that has been around since 1923, that serves up an all American brunch. The place is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch and closes at 3pm.

In the evening, you may want to stop by, and try some Ghostini cocktails at the voguish Ghost Bar. The crowd is really lush here and the place can get really packed sometimes, so be wise and get there ahead of time.

At the Hotel Monaco Chicago, you can have a goldfish companion in your room. This 4 star hotel offers great views; close proximity to fine shopping, theatre district and top attractions.

Click here for a full list of hotels near Civic Opera House.

Hours:
Box Office Mon-Sat noon-6pm;

Admission:
$30-$175

Payment Methods:
Visa, Master Card, American Express

Address:
20 N Wacker Dr, Civic Opera House,
Chicago, IL 60606
Tel: (312) 332-2244

Web address: http://lyricopera.org