Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier

Navy Pier is among the most visited destinations in the world. Since reopening in 1995, the Pier has welcomed over 186 million guests. A centerpiece of the Pier’s original 1916 construction, the 18,000 square foot Aon Grand Ballroom embodies the opulence of the era. It features an 80-foot domed ceiling outlined in 3,000 lights, a balcony, and dramatic views of Lake Michigan. Once a naval training facility, a women’s gymnasium for the University of Illinois, and a movie backdrop for blockbuster hits, the Aon Grand Ballroom has served many purposes in its long history. It has hosted U.S. Presidents, the inauguration of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington and countless performances from some of the world’s biggest artists including Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Carol King, Little Richard, James Taylor and many more.

Charles Sumner Frost