A place like no other near Joliet in Illinois
History and Culture
The Rialto Square Theatre opened on May 24, 1926, as a grand movie palace and vaudeville house designed by the renowned architectural firm Rapp and Rapp. Built at a cost of nearly two million dollars, the theater was conceived as a showplace that would rival the finest performance venues in downtown Chicago. Its design draws heavily from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences, featuring a breathtaking rotunda modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The theater earned the nickname the Jewel of Joliet for its opulent interior, which includes imported marble, intricate plasterwork, and crystal chandeliers crafted by European artisans. Over its century-long history, the Rialto has hosted legendary performers ranging from Bing Crosby and Will Rogers to modern touring acts, cementing its status as the cultural heart of Will County. The theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, ensuring its architectural legacy would be preserved for generations to come.
What to Do
Purchase tickets for a live concert, Broadway touring production, or comedy show from the theater’s year-round performance calendar, which features acts spanning virtually every genre of entertainment. Arrive early to explore the grand lobby and rotunda, where volunteer docents sometimes offer informal talks about the building’s history and architectural highlights. Take a guided behind-the-scenes tour to learn about the vaudeville dressing rooms, the original projection booth, and the massive Barton Grande Theatre Pipe Organ, one of the few remaining instruments of its kind still in its original installation. During the holiday season, the theater presents festive film screenings of classic movies accompanied by the restored pipe organ, a tradition cherished by multigenerational families. Check the schedule for community events and fundraisers that turn an evening at the Rialto into a celebration of local arts and culture.
What to See
Marvel at the spectacular rotunda, where a dazzling array of mirrors, marble columns, and gold-leaf detailing creates an atmosphere of refined European elegance reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Look upward to admire the stained-glass dome crafted by the Giannini and Hilgart studio of Chicago, which bathes the lobby in a warm kaleidoscopic glow during daylight hours. Inside the auditorium, study the ornate proscenium arch and the hand-painted ceiling murals depicting classical mythological scenes, all meticulously restored during major renovation projects. The ladies’ lounge on the mezzanine level features original furnishings and decorative elements that evoke the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. Do not miss the Italian Renaissance-style facade along Chicago Street, with its terra cotta detailing and the iconic vertical blade sign that has illuminated downtown Joliet for nearly a century.
Attractions
The Barton Grande Theatre Pipe Organ ranks among the theater’s most treasured features, a magnificent instrument with hundreds of pipes hidden behind decorative grilles that still fills the auditorium with rich, resonant sound. The Circle of Stars embedded in the terrazzo floor of the lobby commemorates donors and performers who have contributed to the theater’s legacy, inviting visitors to discover familiar names underfoot. A collection of historic photographs and memorabilia displayed in cases throughout the lobby chronicles the Rialto’s evolution from silent film palace to modern performing arts center. The courtyard garden along the east side provides a tranquil outdoor space for pre-show gatherings and intermission strolls during warm months. The iconic Rialto marquee, with its cascading lights and bold lettering, remains one of the most photographed landmarks in Will County and a beloved symbol of downtown Joliet.
When to Visit
Autumn brings the theater’s most anticipated events, with touring Broadway productions and nationally recognized musical acts filling the schedule from September through November. December transforms the Rialto into a holiday wonderland complete with classic film screenings and festive decorations, along with performances by regional choirs and orchestras. Spring offers a diverse slate of comedy shows, dance company performances, and community theater productions, with mild weather making pre-show strolls through downtown pleasant. Summer hosts family-friendly matinees and outdoor events in the courtyard garden, though the performance calendar tends to be lighter as touring acts take seasonal breaks. Weekday performances typically begin at 7:30 PM, while weekend matinees offer afternoon options for those traveling from Chicago suburbs or preferring daytime entertainment.