To learn more about hosting your next event with the Metropolitan Club: email [email protected], visit their website themetropolitanchicago.com or call 312-876-3200
About The Metropolitan Club
From the moment you step off the elevator, you’re greeted by floor-to-ceiling windows revealing breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and beyond – making The Metropolitan Club a venue unlike any other. Located on the 66th and 67th floors of the historic Sears Tower (officially called the Willis Tower), the interiors are sophisticated and modern, with subtle design elements inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Club opened in 1974 as part of the original vision for the skyscraper, and was designed to be the pinnacle of business and social sophistication in the city. When the building underwent a $500 million renovation, completed in 2022, The Metropolitan Club was refreshed as well. The renovation honored the original intention, offering a modern space for business and celebration, that is elevated by one-of-a-kind views of the beautiful Chicago skyline.
For over 50 years, The Metropolitan Club has anchored the Loop business district as a place where Chicago’s leaders gather to meet, celebrate, and connect. The Club’s founding was spearheaded by Arthur M. Wood of Sears Holdings, who saw the space as a crown jewel atop what was then the tallest building in the world.
Today, the Club continues to serve a wide variety of clientele, from young professionals hosting their first impressive lunch meeting, to couples celebrating milestones like weddings and anniversaries, to grandparents marking their 80th birthday surrounded by loved ones. What unites these events is the desire to make a lasting impression.
Whether you’re planning a daytime seminar, a sunset cocktail hour, or a black-tie gala, the venue is intentionally designed to deliver a wow factor. The events team caters to people looking to impress and create unforgettable experiences. And the best part? You don’t have to be a member to host a private event at The Metropolitan Club.
What Can Planners Do Here That They Can’t Do Elsewhere?
At The Metropolitan Club, planners can design events that feel custom-built, without the stress. Guests can try their hand at the golf simulators while sipping signature cocktails, or book a private elevator to head to the Skydeck for a mid-event excursion.
The venue also features multiple restaurants, including Craftsman, Frame, and Blueprint Lounge, which can be transformed into unique event spaces. The team has hosted everything from immersive floral dinners like the “Veuve Garden” concept to full venue buyouts with 1,000 guests flowing across two floors.
At The Metropolitan Club, you’re not just renting a room, you’re unlocking access to a curated experience, supported by a team of event professionals who are with you every step of the way.
What Event Spaces Are Available?
The Club’s versatile layout and planning team support both corporate and social events seamlessly. There’s an extensive selection of private and semi-private spaces, with configurations designed for flexibility.
For smaller gatherings, the Erie and Ohio Rooms are ideal for intimate dinners or executive meetings. The Superior and Lincoln Rooms offer added privacy, with elegant finishes and city views. For larger events, the Michigan and East Rooms can seat up to 130 guests, making them perfect for brand activations, retirement celebrations, or upscale networking mixers.
The Oak Ballroom, one of the Club’s most striking spaces, accommodates up to 240 seated guests and is ideal for weddings, galas, and holiday parties. Semi-private options like the Craftsman Restaurant (80 guests) and Frame Restaurant (100 guests) offer a more relaxed, social setting, perfect for cocktail receptions or pop-up culinary experiences.
For truly grand occasions, planners can reserve the entire Club, both floors, for up to 1,000 guests.
What About A/V and Vendor Support?
The Club offers comprehensive in-house AV services and high-speed WiFi, ensuring every presentation, panel, or playlist goes off without a hitch. They also handle complete room setup, floorplan coordination, and breakdown, so you can focus on your guests and not worry about logistics.
Need something more? The Club has a trusted list of preferred vendors but also welcomes outside vendors with the appropriate Certificate of Insurance (COI). Vendor forms, dock access requests, and early arrival parking details are all handled with professionalism and ease, just one more reason planners return again and again.
What Should Planners Know in Advance?
Since the venue is located inside the Willis Tower, there are a few security and logistics considerations. Guest lists must be submitted in advance for building entry. If you’re bringing in outside vendors or large equipment, you’ll need to coordinate loading dock access and insurance paperwork at least 14 days before the event. Fortunately, the Club’s experienced events team handles all of this for you, making what could be complex feel seamless.
Importantly, you do not need to be a member to book an event. Non-members are welcome to reserve space. Room rental fees and food and beverage minimums apply. Invited Club Members receive discounts, and full Metropolitan Club members enjoy waived rental fees.
Why Choose The Metropolitan?
Simply put, there is no other venue in Chicago like it. With its breathtaking views, legendary location, fully customizable event experiences, and a team of professionals who treat every event like their own, The Metropolitan Club delivers more than just an event, you create moments that guests remember for a lifetime.
Whether you’re planning a corporate retreat, a 400-guest gala, or a high-impact product launch, you’ll find sophistication, service, and skyline at The Metropolitan Club.
Contact The Metropolitan Club to book your next event!
📍 Address: 233 S. Wacker Drive, 67th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
📞 Phone: 312-876-3200
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: themetropolitanchicago.com
This article is part of a paid partnership with Chicago Planner Magazine. Photos courtesy of the Metropolitan Club.
0 Comments