“There is no God but Allah” This Arabic inscription greets you at the entrance of the Former Medinah Temple. It’s a powerful statement echoing through time. This isn’t a mosque though. This magnificent Moorish Revival building is one of the finest examples of its style in the nation. Built in 1912 by architects Huehl & Schmid for the Medinah Shriners it originally housed a stunning auditorium.
Imagine 4200 people filling the space. The stage extended far into the U-shaped seating arrangement. A massive Austin Organ Company pipe organ filled the air with music. The acoustics were legendary. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra recorded many famous albums here. Even the music for Fantasia 2000 was recorded within these walls from 1994 to 1996. The annual Shrine Circus was another major event. The building even hosted Bozo the Clown’s 25th anniversary special.
The Shriners left in 2000. The exterior was restored but the interior was gutted. Bloomingdale’s Home and Furniture Store opened in 2003. It closed in 2020. The building’s history continued to evolve.
In 2023 Bally’s Chicago casino temporarily took over. The casino occupies the building until its permanent River West location is completed in 2026. Medinah Temple’s story continues to be written. It’s a testament to the adaptability of grand architecture. A reminder of Chicago’s rich and vibrant past. A place where history and entertainment intertwine. The building stands as a beacon. It holds the echoes of music circuses and now the thrill of casino games. This magnificent structure’s journey will continue. It’s a story written in brick and terra cotta. A story of adaptation and enduring beauty.