Accessibility at Lyric

Lyric strives to make the opera experience accessible for all patrons by providing services for those who may need assistance.

Services include accessible seating for those in wheelchairs, SoundShirt vibration technology for individuals with hearing impairments, FM assistive listening devices, touch tours, audio-described performances, braille and large-print programs, high-powered opera glasses, accessible restrooms, and automatic exterior doors.

For more information on the services we offer at the Lyric Opera House, click on the links below to be taken to that section:

Services for patrons who have mobility disabilities

Services for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing

Services for patrons who are blind or have low vision

Additional services

Purchasing tickets and requesting services

Please contact Lyric's Audience Services department by phone at 312.827.5600 or email at [email protected] if you have any specific questions, requests, or would like to purchase tickets over the phone. All of our representatives can assist you in finding a seat location and services to fit your needs.

Automatic exterior doors are available at the main entrance to the Opera House.

Elevators are available to all above-ground floors of the Opera House. 

Accessible restroom facilities are located on all above-ground floors of the Opera House except the 6th floor men’s restroom, however, elevators are conveniently located to access alternate facilities on lower floors. All other restrooms are fully accessible to patrons in wheelchairs. Restrooms under the Grand Staircase and in the Hospitality Corridor (just north of the elevators) offer a private restroom for patrons who require assistance.

Removable aisle-side armrests are available for patrons who are able to transfer on their own from their wheelchairs and are available throughout the Opera House area with adjacent seating for companions. Please call Audience Services at 312.827.5600 with your request at least one day prior to your performance to ensure your seat is properly adjusted upon your arrival. 

Wheelchair platforms are available for patrons wishing or needing to remain in their wheelchairs during a performance and are available throughout the Opera House. Wheelchair platforms are possible at every price range, including balcony locations, until the platforms are sold out. To ensure we have a platform available, please purchase a platform ticket on our website or contact Audience Services at 312.827.5600 for assistance.

Companion seating is provided adjacent to each platform location. 

Assistance with removal of wheelchairs and scooters is provided by our staff. Devices are then returned for use during intermission and at the conclusion of the performance. If assistance with the removal of the wheelchair is desired, please contact an usher who will be happy to help you.

*Lyric staff are not able to assist patrons in transferring to or from a wheelchair, theater seat or vehicle; operate motorized mobility aids such as scooters; or to provide personal attendant services such as assisting patrons in the restroom, or with similar activities. We suggest that persons with wheelchairs who need further assistance should attend with a companion to assist them on entering the building, moving through the facility, and helping them to their seat. 

English translations are projected above the stage for all mainstage opera performances.

FM assistive listening devices for persons desiring amplification are available on the main floor at coat check. Assistive listening devices are offered free of charge, but a driver's license, valid ID, or credit card is required as security.

Large-print programs are available for all performances on the main floor at coat check.

Braille programs may be borrowed from coat check on the main floor for any mainstage production.

High-powered opera glasses for the visually impaired are available at no cost on the main floor at coat check. A valid driver's license, state identification, or major credit card is required as a security deposit.

Service animals, such as guide dogs, are welcome — simply let us know when booking your tickets. 

For use of oxygen tanks and other equipment, please contact us when placing your ticket order so we can better address your needs.

For information on other accessible performances in Chicago, see the Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium's Access Calendar.

Please call Lyric's Audience Services department at 312.827.5600 if you have questions, require assistance with seat selection and services, or would like to purchase tickets over the phone. All of our Audience Services Representatives can assist you with services to fit your needs.

Phone: 312.827.5600

Current phone hours:
Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

In Person: The Audience Services department is located at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 840, Chicago, IL 60606.*

*Please note: Due to current public health guidelines, our administrative and audience services offices located on the 8th floor of the Civic Opera Building are currently closed. We are fully accessible by phone and online.

Photos: Robert Kusel