One of Chicago’s most beloved movie houses is getting a major upgrade.
The historic Music Box Theatre is expected to open its highly anticipated third screening room later this month, marking the theater’s first significant expansion in more than a decade. The new auditorium will add approximately 115 seats and increase programming flexibility at the nearly century-old Southport Corridor institution.
Construction on the project began after the theater secured funding through a City of Chicago community development grant. The expansion is designed to help the theater accommodate more independent, foreign, repertory and specialty film programming while preserving the character that has made the venue a destination for movie lovers since 1929.
Located at 3733 N. Southport Ave., the Music Box currently operates two screens, including its iconic 700-plus seat main auditorium known for its atmospheric ceiling, twinkling stars and vintage charm. The addition of a third screen will allow the theater to host more simultaneous screenings, film festivals and special events throughout the year.
The expansion comes as independent theaters nationwide continue adapting to changing moviegoing habits. For the Music Box, the added screen represents both an investment in the future and a commitment to expanding access to the unique programming that has made it one of the country’s premier arthouse cinemas.
An official opening date is expected to be announced soon.
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