Iroquois Theatre

The Iroquois Theatre in Chicago, opened in 1903, was considered a cutting-edge entertainment venue featuring elaborate architecture and safety features. Tragically, during a matinée performance in December 1903, a fire broke out, leading to the deaths of over 600 people—making it one of the deadliest theater fires in U.S. history. The disaster exposed significant safety design flaws, such as inadequate exits and flammable decorations, prompting widespread reforms in fire safety regulations for public buildings. Despite its tragic end, the Iroquois Theatre remains a stark reminder of the importance of safety in public entertainment spaces.