Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Phillip Huscher's new book Passing the Baton tells the story from the orchestra's founding 135 years ago to the appointment of its youngest music director ever, who officially takes over in 2027.

The Moorish Revival building in River North was initially built for the Shriners, but has seen a circus, demolition threats, the Dalai Lama, an early MLK Day celebration, a Bloomingdale's, and more over its more than century of existence. 

Take a look at Orchestra Hall's more than 100-year history and the prominent Chicago architects who have shaped and renovated the home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, at a time when the New York Philharmonic's newly redesigned hall is receiving all the attention.