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The vintage facade of the Music Box makes it one of the best movie theaters in Chicago.
Photograph: Max Herman

A Chicago institution was named one of the world's most beautiful movie theaters

You don't have to go far to see a film at a world-class cinema.

Zach Long
Written by
Zach Long
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While theaters in Chicago have been able to open at limited capacity, many beloved movie houses around the globe are still closed to general public. That's why Time Out editors banded together to create a list of the 50 most beautiful cinemas on the planet, celebrating all the places where we love to sit in a dark room with strangers and watch a movie—including a spot in Chicago.

That's right, beloved Southport Corridor mainstay the Music Box Theatre came in at number 28 on the list, ahead of revered international cinemas such as Kino International in Berlin and The Projector in Singapore. And while we'd argue that spots like the Gene Siskel Film Center and the Davis Theatre also deserve to be on the list, it's great to see at least one Chicago institution recognized among this global collection.

If you want to experience the Music Box's great programming, beautiful architecture and delicious popcorn for yourself, you're in luck: the theater recently resumed hosting in-person screenings, allowing 50 people to see films in its 750-seat main auditorium. Of course, some folks aren't comfortable venturing out in public yet, but you can also support this Lakeview institution from home by renting new releases via the Music Box Direct streaming platform.

As we look forward to the day that packed opening-night screenings can safely be held, check out the complete list of beautiful movie theaters throughout the world.

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