Bridgeport / Chinatown

Ramova Theatre

3520 S. Halsted St.

Fine arts

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Saturday

10 AM - 5 PM

Sunday

10 AM - 5 PM

Accessibility & Amenities

  • Family Friendly
  • Photography Allowed
  • Restrooms Available
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Refreshments For Purchase

Architect

Myer O. Nathan; O'Riley Office (renovation)

Year Completed

1929, renovated in 2023

OHC Appearances

2024, 2025

DETAILS:

Bridgeport's Ramova Theatre reopened in 2023 as a live music venue, craft brewery, beer garden and restaurant. The project is the culmination of years-long rehabilitation efforts alongside multi-million dollar public and private investments into the community. Since opening in 1929, Ramova served as the neighborhood’s primary movie theater until shuttering its doors 1985. In 2017, developers Emily and Tyler Nevius became the new owners, spearheading the redevelopment. Working with architect Dan O’Riley, the "atmospheric style" theatre with Neoclassical and Spanish Revival architectural elements has been re-envisioned as a 1,800 person mixed-use music venue. The theatre brings top touring acts to Bridgeport, while also offering educational programs, markets, and community-centered events. The adjoining Ramova Loft offers a 300-person performance and private event space in a repurposed boxing gym. Downstairs, the taproom offers upscale American food and beer brewed onsite with partners Other Half Brewing. The theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE:

Enjoy self-guided tours all day or join a scheduled tour with Founder Emily Nevius at 12pm and 2pm each day, or Architect Dan O’Riley at 10am each day. Stop by the taproom to purchase house-brewed pints, craft cocktails, and elevated diner classics, and stay for a while in the beer garden to take in some live music. Family-friendly interactive activities will be available throughout the day. The Ramova Theater is one of four OHC Neighborhood Headquarters, serving as a gathering place and information hub for festival attendees, site partners, and volunteers on the South Side of Chicago.

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Bridgeport / Chinatown