Gene Siskel Film Center
Gene Siskel Film Center Events
no results
Gene Siskel Film Center Information
Info
Hours:
Showtimes: Mon.- Fri. 5pm- 10pm, Sat. 2pm- 10pm, Sun. 2pm- 7pm
When to Go:
Filmmakers Q & A Sessions
Age Restriction:
Kids under 6 not admitted
Nearest Transit:
Lake (Red Line) State/lake (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Important Information:
Screens hold between 100- 150 people.
Quick Facts
- The Gene Siskel Film Center is a popular Chicago movie theater specializing in new Independent movies and classic films not seen at other Chicago movie theaters.
- The Gene Siskel Theater regularly hosts special events, Chicago film festivals and the occasional Hollywood movie premiere.
- The Gene Siskel Film Center is named after the famous Chicago movie critic, and is associated with the Art Insitute of Chicago.
Address:
164 North State St
Chicago, IL 60601
View Map
User Average Review
Overall: Location: Information: Fun Factor:Based on 1 review
Rating Distribution
4.0 out of 5 Stars
100.0% recommended it
Gene Siskel Film Center Reviews
Gene Siskel Film Center Photos
Gene Siskel Film Center Hotel
Gene Siskel Film Center
Do you agree?
Top Chicago Movie Theater Downtown Gets Two Thumps Up
Located in
Central
The Loop
Ticket Pricing
Summary
Features: A must-see Chicago attraction for film enthusiasts visiting Chicago, the Gene Siskel Film Center is a popular Chicago movie theater that specializes in Independent films and classic cinema showings. Named after the late Chicago film critic Gene Siskel, this ecelectic theater in Chicago regularly hosts special Chicago events and Chicago film festivals.
Why We Go: Celebrating the memory and mission of Gene Siskel, the Gene Siskel Film Center is unlike any other movie theater in Chicago, and features critically-acclaimed Independent movies you won't find anywhere else in Downtown Chicago.
- Rare Films: Chicago films at the Gene Siskel Movie Theater are Independently produced, and usually have a week-long run at this popular movie theater Downtown Chicago.
- Movie Festivals: Chicago movie festivals at the Gene Siskel Theater include the annual Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video, and there is also an Asian American Showcase each April.
- Beer at the Snack Bar: The cash only snack bar at the Gene Siskel Theater serves beer, popcorn and other treats for your Chicago movie experience.
Inside Knowledge: Occasionally, the Gene Siskel Film Center will host filmmakers in a fascinating Q & A session with the audience. Check the Chicago events schedule to find out more about upcoming events at the Gene Siskel Theater in The Loop.
Do's and Don'ts:
- Do Bring Friends: If you or your friends are aspiring filmmakers visiting Chicago, the Gene Siskel Film Center is a must-see Chicago attraction Downtown.
- Do Check Out the Classics: See Hollywood classics on the big screen - the way they were meant to be presented - by checking out the Gene Siskel Film Center schedule ahead of time for classic movie showings.
- Don't Fuss Over Parking: Some street parking is available close to this theater in Chicago, however there are a number of L Train stations close by that allow you to avoid the chaos of Chicago parking.
- Don't Bring Kids Under 6: While the Gene Siskel Movie Theater occasionally shows children movies, they do not admit kids under 6 as a courtesy to other theater-goers.
Comments
Sort Reviews By: | | |
Tour Review : Gene Siskel Film Center
Jason Bushey
(Site Editor)
Nov 14, 2011
at 2:42 pm
Joined: April 2011
xxx.xxx.244.242
Overall:
Location:
Information:
Fun Factor:
Would recommend to a friend
Date of stay: 11/11
Went with:
The tour was:
Siskel Film Center - A unique Chicago theater for film buffs
As a film buff who watched Siskel and Ebert's "At the Movies" TV show as a kid, I was intrigued by the prospect of seeing a movie at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Downtown Chicago. (It's located in the Theater District across from more prominent theaters like the Cadillac.)
I walked into the lobby around 2pm on a weekday, only to find the doors locked. However, by blind luck, the head of the theater (a delightful woman named Meg) saw me peaking in and asked if I needed help. After explaining that I was interested in checking out the theater, she gave me a rundown of the week's movie schedule, explaining special events and offering up her own personal suggestions. Her passion and kindness really got me excited to check out a film, and I followed her advice and made the trip back into town for the 8pm showing of a documentary on an African-American Chicago comedy club. (FYI: The movie was called "Phunny Business".)
The movie was good (as someone who grew up with Dave Chapelle, Bill Bellamy and Chris Rock stand-up - all of whom made brief appearances in the film - this movie was right up my alley), but what really made the night unique was a Q and A with the film's producer and star after the credits rolled. The theater was only about half full, but it was clear that the audience was passionate about the subject and really supported local art. This was definitely a plus.
One unique wrinkle to the Gene Siskel Film Center is that they have a cash only bar in the lobby, and you can bring your drink right into the theater with you. Once inside, the seats were incredibly comfortable and offered up plenty of leg room, and the screen size was about as big as your average movie theatre. (Maybe a little smaller, but it wasn't noticeable.)
It's clear that this Chicago theater is motivated to carry on the legacy of its famous namesake, one of the all-time most prominent movie critics. I thought the staff was phenomenal, and the entire experience was a nice way to spend a quiet Chicago evening without feeling like you're doing something "typical." Check the schedule ahead of time, and begin an evening Downtown at the Siskel Film Center.
This review was made by the www.chicagotraveler.com site editor based on personal experience. Chicago Traveler was not paid for this review, but we may receive compensation for placement of this travel provider advertisements on our site.
Sort Reviews By: | | |
Tour Review : Gene Siskel Film Center
Jason Bushey
(Site Editor)
Nov 14, 2011
at 2:42 pm
Joined: April 2011
xxx.xxx.244.242
Would recommend to a friend
Date of stay: 11/11
Went with:
The tour was:
Siskel Film Center - A unique Chicago theater for film buffs
As a film buff who watched Siskel and Ebert's "At the Movies" TV show as a kid, I was intrigued by the prospect of seeing a movie at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Downtown Chicago. (It's located in the Theater District across from more prominent theaters like the Cadillac.)
I walked into the lobby around 2pm on a weekday, only to find the doors locked. However, by blind luck, the head of the theater (a delightful woman named Meg) saw me peaking in and asked if I needed help. After explaining that I was interested in checking out the theater, she gave me a rundown of the week's movie schedule, explaining special events and offering up her own personal suggestions. Her passion and kindness really got me excited to check out a film, and I followed her advice and made the trip back into town for the 8pm showing of a documentary on an African-American Chicago comedy club. (FYI: The movie was called "Phunny Business".)
The movie was good (as someone who grew up with Dave Chapelle, Bill Bellamy and Chris Rock stand-up - all of whom made brief appearances in the film - this movie was right up my alley), but what really made the night unique was a Q and A with the film's producer and star after the credits rolled. The theater was only about half full, but it was clear that the audience was passionate about the subject and really supported local art. This was definitely a plus.
One unique wrinkle to the Gene Siskel Film Center is that they have a cash only bar in the lobby, and you can bring your drink right into the theater with you. Once inside, the seats were incredibly comfortable and offered up plenty of leg room, and the screen size was about as big as your average movie theatre. (Maybe a little smaller, but it wasn't noticeable.)
It's clear that this Chicago theater is motivated to carry on the legacy of its famous namesake, one of the all-time most prominent movie critics. I thought the staff was phenomenal, and the entire experience was a nice way to spend a quiet Chicago evening without feeling like you're doing something "typical." Check the schedule ahead of time, and begin an evening Downtown at the Siskel Film Center.
This review was made by the www.chicagotraveler.com site editor based on personal experience. Chicago Traveler was not paid for this review, but we may receive compensation for placement of this travel provider advertisements on our site.