The year was 1978. Jimmy Carter was president, Deer Hunter won the Academy Award for best picture, Queen’s “We are the Champions,” ranked top of the Billboard Chart, the first test tube baby was born and college toga parties were all the rage.

It was during these ever-changing times, 23-year-old Bob Doepel formed Chicago Scenic Studios, Inc. as a master’s degree project after graduation from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. A life-long Chicagoan, Bob returned to his hometown to build theatrical scenery in Chicago’s growing off-Loop theater community, combining art and craft to infuse reality with illusion.

What began in an industrial loft in October 1978, Chicago Scenic has grown into the largest design-build-manage company in the Midwest and one of the top five in the country. As an industry leader, Chicago Scenic continues to design the future, build on the past and manage the present at their current 140,000 square foot facility with a unique blend of 45 full-time and additional 50-60 part-time and seasonal creative designers, experienced craftsmen, and seasoned project managers trained to exceed expectations.

Over the past 25 years, Chicago Scenic has proven that we can take on any type of project, from exhibits to special events to themed entertainment and more. Our unmatched ability to innovate has allowed us to expand our areas of expertise while remaining a solid presence in an ever-changing industry. Our portfolio includes designing the right look and feel to nationally recognized television and theatre sets, high-profile live events, themed promotions and cutting-edge exhibits for museums and corporations nationwide.

Some of our more notable projects include:
Corporate: Abbott Laboratories, AT&T, Baxter, Ford Motor Company, General Mills, General Motors, McDonald’s, Sears and United Airlines, Cannon, Volkswagon
Exhibits/Museums: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Learning Curve International, Museum of Science & Industry
Special Events/Promotions: Democratic National Conventions (Chicago & Los Angeles), World Cup Opening Ceremonies, Navy Pier, Chicago’s Christmas Parade
Television/Film: Media-briefing Center for Operation Iraqi Freedom, Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC Network News (Good Morning America, College Football, Election Night), NBC Productions (Tonight Show with Jay Leno – Live from Chicago)
Theater/Live Events: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (national tour), Carman, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up, Hair (25th anniversary production), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Marriott’s Theatre in Lincolnshire
Themed Entertainment/Environments: Disney Quest, Disney World, FAO Schwartz, Navy Pier (Halloween and Winter WonferFest), Six Flags Great America and Universal Studios

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