The Music Box Theatre opened on August 22, 1929 seating 800. For the last two decades the beautiful theater has become known as the premiere venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films. It is the largest theater space operated full time in the city. The Music Box Theatre is independently owned and operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation. SMBC, through its Music Box Films division, also distributes foreign and independent films in the theatrical, DVD and television markets throughout the United States.