Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago

With its original incarnation as a vaudeville house in 1926, this 2,300-seater dates back to an era when no expense was spared to create glitzy, glamorous theaters. But, like many other grand theater and movie houses of the time (and for that matter, the inner-city as a whole), the Palace fell into disrepair and was vacated a shell of its former glory. Unlike many of its now-razed counterparts, this theater was saved from the wrecking ball and in fact underwent a $20 million renovation. Now the Palace truly befits its name again, with its chandeliers and rose-colored walls and mirrors.

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