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The Next
100 Years of
The Portage Theater
For more than a century, The Portage Theater has been part of Chicago's cultural landscape. Now, we're preparing it for its next hundred years. Our vision is not simply to reopen The Portage, but to thoughtfully restore, improve, and modernize the theater while preserving the historic character that makes it irreplaceable. Take a look at what your donation will help us accomplish:
We will blend its historic architecture with the flexibility expected from a modern entertainment venue. Traditional fixed seating will be replaced with a comfortable removable seating system, allowing the room to be configured for different types of events while better accommodating the needs of audiences, artists, and production teams. From seated performances and film presentations to concerts, special events, and other creative layouts, The Portage will be able to adapt rather than be limited by a single configuration.
We are working with architects, contractors, preservation specialists, production professionals, and experts across a variety of fields with one shared goal: to set The Portage Theater up for success for the next 100 years. Throughout the restoration, historic elements will be preserved, repaired, or recreated wherever possible. Modern systems and new technology will be introduced thoughtfully, allowing the theater to evolve without losing the character and details that have defined it since 1920.
And when the doors fully reopen,
The Portage will once again be a place where people come together.
Our in-house programming will include special movie events, markets, community gatherings, family programming, and unique experiences created specifically for The Portage. At the same time, the theater will welcome touring productions, concerts, special engagements, and top live entertainment acts back to its stage.
The Portage Theater has spent more than a century creating memories.
Now, we're excited to build the stage for another century to come.
The Auditorium
The Restoration
The Programming
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To complete the restoration necessary to open, our Phase 1 Goal is $3M.
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