Stepping into Teatro ZinZanni’s Belgian Spiegeltent
Teatro ZinZanni is housed in a treasure of both history and magic: an antique Belgian Spiegeltent. This intricate structure transports us to a bygone era of opulence, blending artistry with entertainment.
Originating in the early 20th century, Spiegeltents, or “mirror tents” in Dutch toured Europe’s cities bringing delight to audiences with their ornate beauty.
These tents were the highlight of every countryside fair, acting as mobile palaces for dancing and happy gatherings. They could be erected and taken down very quickly. Crafted of intricate woodwork and stained glass and detailed in velvet and brocade, each tent has its own personality and style.
The signature mirrors inside of these movable dance halls made it possible to make discreet eye contact with other visitors, adding an air of magic and intrigue.
PHOTO COURTESY OF https://www.spiegeltent.be/
There are only a hand-full of these unique and legendary ‘tents of mirrors’ left in the world today, and are a visual symbol of “fin-de-siècle” spirit in Europe at the time.
When Teatro ZinZanni founder Norman Langill stepped into a Spiegeltent in Barcelona, he realized audiences could be transported just by the venue. The Teatro ZinZanni team went on to work with the Klessens family in Belgium to bring the tents “Moulin Rouge” and “Palais Nostalgique” to the United States in 1998 and 2002.
The beautiful “ZaZou” tent joined the Teatro ZinZanni family thanks to the discovery of the space above Broadway in Chicago’s Nederlander Theater and the work of the leaders of Broadway in Chicago, Randolph Entertainment and Teatro ZinZanni to import and install the structure indoors in 2019 and to design all of the necessary support facilities around it.
“ZaZou” is a true marvel, tracing its heritage back to the artistic fervor of 1910. Each hand-carved detail and every reflective surface whispers stories of performances that have captivated hearts for over a century. As you step inside, you’re transported into a world where history and contemporary entertainment unite.
Lit by chandeliers and bathed in a warm glow, it’s the perfect setting for intimate one-of-a-kind performances that include circus arts, live music, comedy and a multi-course feast.
From cabaret to circus, vaudeville to variety, the Spiegeltent has hosted a myriad of artistic expressions.
At Teatro ZinZanni, we’re honored to bring this piece of history to life and continue the spirit of ‘joie de vivre’ under the ballooned tent ceiling for decades to come.
EXPLORE OUR STARLIGHT LOUNGE
Once you enter our doors on the 14th floor, you’re immediately transported into our Starlight Lounge. There you can mingle with friends, order a signature cocktail (or mocktail), and take in the opulence.
SPIEGELTENT ZAZOU EXTERIOR AND ENTRANCE
MIRRORED CRESCENT MOON PHOTO BACKDROP
9 VINTAGE CHANDELIERS
ORIGINAL EXPOSED BRICK WITH SOARING WALL MIRRORS
EXPLORE INSIDE SPIEGELTENT ZAZOU
AUDIENCE DANCE WITH LIVE MUSIC
BAND STAGE FROM CENTER RING
FULL HOUSE IN SPIEGELTENT
Join us at Teatro ZinZanni Chicago! Experience the allure of the Belgian antique Spiegeltent, where the past and present merge to create an unforgettable journey into the heart of entertainment.
BOX OFFICE HOURS
Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 12PM - 6PM
Thursday - Saturday: 11AM - 7PM
Sunday: 11AM - 4PM
*Available by phone or email only
Join our Email List!
BOX OFFICE HOURS
Monday: Closed
Tuesday & Wednesday: 12PM - 6PM
Thursday - Saturday: 11AM - 7PM
Sunday: 11AM - 4PM
*Available by phone or email only
Join our Email List!
BOX OFFICE HOURS
