Around the turn of the century, the theatre industry began to flourish. After the Chicago fire in 1871, almost every concert hall in the city was in ruins. (3) Although the fire was devastating, it provided the city with an opportunity to rebuild itself into an even greater city than it was. This was particularly true for the theatre industry. Two years after the fire, the idea of constructing a grand opera house for the city ignited the construction of many other new theatres. This grand opera house was the Auditorium Theatre, and it became one of Chicago's most significant landmarks. Soon following the construction of the Auditorium Theatre was the Chicago Theatre, another landmark of the city. Both theatres have undergone renovations throughout the years, but since the turn of the century when they were constructed, they have played an imperative role in Chicago's history. The theatres, showing live performances and films, provided the city with an escape from both the mundane and hectic lifestyles, as people craved amusement.