Chicago's nightlife is legendary, but few venues hold as much mystique and chilling allure as the building currently known as **Tao Chicago**, and famously, its predecessor, **Excalibur Nightclub**. Beyond the pulsating beats and flashing lights, this historic structure at 632 N. Dearborn Street harbors a past steeped in history, tragedy, and persistent tales of the supernatural. Its transformation from the venerable Chicago Historical Society to a modern-day hotspot has seemingly amplified the whispers of lingering spirits. Let's delve into five mysteries, weird events, and ghostly encounters that fuel the haunting reputation of this iconic Chicago landmark.
The Building's Eerie History: More Than Just a Nightclub
Constructed in 1892, the building was originally designed as the fireproof headquarters for the **Chicago Historical Society**, a direct response to the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. While the building itself was built after the fire, it housed artifacts and, reportedly, even the bones of early Chicago settlers, including Jean Lalime, often cited as Chicago's first murder victim. In 1931, the Historical Society moved, and the building began its long journey through various commercial uses, eventually becoming a series of nightclubs, with Excalibur being one of the most famous before Tao took over.
This deep historical connection, coupled with the high-energy environment of a nightclub, seems to have created a potent cocktail for paranormal activity.
Five Chilling Mysteries of Excalibur/Tao Chicago:
1. The Lady in White on the Grand Staircase
One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a **woman in a white dress** seen on the grand staircase. Staff and patrons alike have described her as having a transparent, sometimes bluish aura, either gracefully ascending or descending the stairs. Some unnerving accounts claim that her spirit has even pushed people while they were going down the staircase. Her identity remains a mystery, adding to the enigma of her presence.
Image: A representation of the Lady in White on the grand staircase at TAO Nightclub in Chicago, IL
2. The Lingering Spirit of Jean Lalime
The building's time as the Chicago Historical Society headquarters meant it once housed the skeletal remains of **Jean Lalime**, a figure from Chicago's earliest days who was reportedly killed by rival John Kinzie. Despite Lalime's bones being moved to the Historical Society's new location in Lincoln Park in 1931, many believe his restless spirit remained tethered to the Dearborn building. Visitors and staff have attributed various unexplained phenomena to his lingering presence, suggesting he's not content to be forgotten.
3. The Dome Room's Unseen Prankster
The third-floor Dome Room, with its impressive ceiling painting, has a particularly active reputation. Numerous reports from staff include **drinks being mysteriously pushed off tables** and onto the floor, and finding **broken glasses** in the mornings without motion detectors ever being triggered. These mischievous acts suggest a playful, yet unsettling, entity that enjoys interacting with the physical environment, perhaps a spirit tied to the building's more lively, social past.
4. Cold Spots and Eerie Sounds
Beyond visual apparitions, many individuals have experienced classic paranormal phenomena within the club's walls. **Unexplained cold spots** have been felt in various areas, even when air conditioning or drafts could be ruled out. Furthermore, staff have reported hearing **crying and moaning sounds** emanating from empty bathrooms, adding a layer of auditory eeriness to the visual sightings and physical disturbances.
5. The Eastland Disaster Connection (Debunked, but Persistent Legend)
A persistent, though largely debunked, myth surrounding the building is its alleged use as a temporary morgue for victims of the **1915 Eastland Disaster**, where a passenger ship capsized in the Chicago River, killing 844 people. While historical records indicate other locations were used as morgues (like the Second Regiment Armory, now part of Harpo Studios), the sheer scale of the tragedy and the building's proximity to the river have fueled this grim legend. Even if untrue, the powerful narrative contributes to the overall haunted mystique, with some still believing the spirits of the drowned might linger nearby, drawn to the building's historical gravity.
The Allure of the Haunted Nightclub
The enduring allure of Excalibur/Tao Chicago's haunted reputation is undeniable. For a city like Chicago, rich in dramatic history and urban legends, a place where the past literally dances with the present holds a unique fascination. The contrast between the high-octane energy of a modern nightclub and the chilling whispers of a bygone era creates an intoxicating atmosphere. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the stories add a layer of intrigue that makes a visit to this landmark an experience far beyond just a night out. It's a chance to connect with Chicago's spectral past, even as you're immersed in its vibrant present.
