How to Enhance Your Experience at Lyric During the 2018/19 Season

Lyric’s new season is fast approaching! Whether you’re excited to return or to make your debut appearance at the opera house, there are all sorts of new and continuing ways to enhance your experience. 

Getting Here
The Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr. at the corner of Madison St. in downtown Chicago, is easily accessible by car, taxi, ride-share service, Metra, and CTA buses and trains. Curbside valet parking is available (evenings only), and there are several parking lots nearby as well. A special traffic plan is used for evening performances. Detailed information can be found here.

Lyric Bus
The Lyric Bus runs from Northbrook Court to the Lyric Opera House for select weekday matinees throughout the season. Detailed information can be found here.

Special Entrance for Subscribers
One of the advantages of subscribing is a separate streamlined entrance for all performances. Another benefit is discounted parking at the Poetry Garage. More information about subscriber benefits can be found here.

Concierge Desk 
Have a question about the performance, need a recommendation on where to grab a bite to eat, or even directions to the restroom or coat check? Lyric's friendly concierge desk staffers are here to help at all of our performances, right in the lobby.

Fine Dining at the Opera House
Lyric partners with Jewell Events Catering for the casual-chic Florian Opera Bistro on the third floor and the elegant prix-fixe Sarah and Peer Pedersen Room at street level. Additionally, contributors of $7,500 and more may enjoy dining in the luxurious William B. and Catherine Graham Room on the mezzanine level. Information about reservations and menus may be found here.

New! Afternoon Tea at the Opera
Starting at 1pm for every Sunday matinee, with advance reservation, you can enjoy afternoon tea service for $40 (and add Champagne for $9/glass) at cozy tables on the mezzanine level of the opera house. Service will include signature pastries, scones, finger sandwiches, and the finest Kilogram teas. Call 312-827-5600 to reserve.

New! Celebration Package
Make a special occasion even more memorable by pre-ordering two glasses of bubbly plus a shareable piece of Opera Cake and two chocolate-covered strawberries ($30), to enjoy at a mezzanine highboy table during intermission. Call 312-827-5600 to reserve. 

Cheers! Champagne Bar 
Cheers! is open before every performance and during intermissions in the foyer between aisles 3 and 4 on the main floor. Enjoy an assortment of domestic and imported bubbles and a range of sparkling cocktails.

New! Pre-Order Beverages With the Lyric App
Skip the lines by pre-ordering your refreshments when you arrive, or by using our soon-to-launch new app. Watch this space for further information.

Bars on Every Level of the Opera House
A full range of refreshments and light snacks are available for purchase at lobby and foyer bars on every level of the opera house. You can purchase a Lyric cup to bring into the theater. You can also pre-purchase refreshments in person before performances for quick pickup at intermission.

Attending with a Group
Looking for a great destination for a family reunion, class reunion, company outting, professional association, convention, social club, residential community, or other group of 10 or more? Contact our group sales team to make arrangements and save money.

Before you get here...
Got an opera question? You can Ask Roger, Lyric’s dramaturg Roger Pines, just about anything opera related. For logistical information (curtain times, accessibility, services, etc.) go to Your Visit. Under Season & Tickets of the Lyric Website you’ll find Watch and Listen with video features, video trailers, commentaries about the season’s operas, and more.