rare and intact late nineteenth century albumen print depicting the adler and sullivan-designed auditorium theater. the unmatted photograph is printed on a thin cream colored paper, with the identification "9853" in the lower left corner. the full 9 x 7 inch page captures the romanesque architecture of the auditorium theater viewed from congress parkway, as well as several carriages and figures on the street, in richly detailed sepia tone. few signs of wear are typical of its age, and only minor discoloration near the edges. the auditorium theater opened in 1889 to much acclaim, with young draftsman frank lloyd wright proclaiming it "the greatest room for music and opera int he world-bar none." ferdinand peck was a wealthy businessman who hoped to develop a theater that would rival the metropolitan opera house in new york. peck persuaded many of chicago's elite businessmen to support the project financially. dankmar adler and louis sullivan designed the structure, which ended up being the tallest in the city and largest in the country at completion. the cost of construction exceeded $3 million, making it also the costliest building in the city at the time. the proscenium included a 4,200 seat auditorium, surrounded by over 130 offices, a first class 400-room hotel, a bar, and restaurants.