Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Open · verified by Lumina November 2026
The School of the Art Institute's two-screen cinematheque on State Street, showing international, independent and classic films and hosting festivals such as Black Harvest and the European Union Film Festival.
Quick facts
- Type
- Art house, Nonprofit, Museum / campus
- Address
- 164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601
- Area
- Chicago area
- Phone
- (312) 846-2085
- Screens
- 2
- Opened
- 1972
What to expect
On screen
- International film
- Documentaries
- Classics and revivals
- Film festivals
- Special events
The story
The film center began in 1972 as a monthly series run by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, first in the museum's Fullerton Hall. In 1976 it moved to a school facility on Columbus Drive. It took the name of the Chicago Tribune film critic Gene Siskel in 2000, and in 2001 settled at its present address at 164 N. State Street, across from the Chicago Theatre. The center has two screening rooms able to handle most formats and has averaged around 1,500 screenings a year. Although it belongs to the school, it is run by year-round professional staff rather than students. In-person screenings stopped in March 2020 because of the pandemic and returned in August 2021.
Good to know
- Which festivals take place at the Siskel?
- Its site lists Black Harvest, the Chicago European Union Film Festival, the Festival of Films from Iran, the Asian American Showcase and others.
- How many screens does it have?
- Two, according to Wikipedia.
- Where is Gene Siskel Film Center?
- Gene Siskel Film Center is at 164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601. Phone: (312) 846-2085.
- Is Gene Siskel Film Center open?
- Yes. Lumina verified Gene Siskel Film Center as open in November 2026. Check the theater's showtimes for today's schedule.
- How do I buy tickets for Gene Siskel Film Center?
- Buy tickets directly from the theater using the Showtimes & tickets button on this page. You can also call (312) 846-2085.
- What independent theaters are near Gene Siskel Film Center?
- Facets Cinematheque in Chicago (3.4 mi), Logan Theatre in Chicago (5.2 mi), and ACX Harper Theater - Hyde Park in Chicago (6.2 mi).
- Facets CinemathequeLogan TheatreACX Harper Theater - Hyde Park
Getting there
164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601 · Get directions · Map © OpenStreetMap contributors
Independent cinemas near Gene Siskel Film Center
Facets Cinematheque
Chicago, IL · 3.4 mi
A nonprofit film center in Lincoln Park, established in 1975, that mixes restorations, cult and international titles with short-film festivals and Family Sunday screenings. It also offers film camps and venue rentals.
Logan Theatre
Chicago, IL · 5.2 mi
A Logan Square neighborhood theater showing new releases alongside classics, late-night horror and a trivia night. Adult evening tickets were listed at $12, with $9 matinees.
ACX Harper Theater - Hyde Park
Chicago, IL · 6.2 mi
A neighborhood multiplex in Hyde Park showing current wide releases, run by a small Chicago-area chain. The location has an on-site pizza kitchen, a taphouse and an arcade.
Chicago Filmmakers
Chicago, IL · 7.2 mi
A Chicago film arts nonprofit that runs screenings and community events at its Firehouse Cinema in Edgewater, and presents the Onion City experimental film festival and the Reeling LGBTQ+ festival.
Classic Cinemas Lake Theatre XQ
Oak Park, IL · 8.9 mi
A restored historic theater on Lake Street in downtown Oak Park with seven screens, all with heated recliners, and one premium XQ room with laser projection.
Wilmette Theatre
Wilmette, IL · 14 mi
A nonprofit neighborhood theatre in downtown Wilmette that mixes current releases with live music, storytelling, comedy and film festivals. Wednesday evenings are band nights, and the building can be rented for private events.
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