The largest city in the state of Michigan, Detroit, has a number of attractions to offer, including the Detroit Institute of Arts with painter Diego Rivera’s famous Detroit Industry Murals. These relate to the auto industry in the city, which led to Detroit being named “Motor City.” However, the city also has plenty to offer in the way of entertainment, especially with Detroit being the birthplace of Motown Records. The history of Motown can be seen at Hitsville U.S.A., the company’s original headquarters. The city also offers plenty of theatrical entertainment. Fox Theater was first opened by Fox Theaters chain in 1928 as a movie palace. This was the second-largest theater in the world and the first of its kind in the world to have Movietone equipment for talking movies. This was by using Fox Film Corporation’s patented system which allowed the theater to air sound films right from the start. Scroll below to view a guide to Fox Theater Detroit.
Things to do / highlights
The theater is a beautiful building and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and made a National Historic Landmark in 1988. Now a performing arts center, the theater is conveniently located near the Grand Circus Park Historic District of the city. It is the largest theater in Detroit with more than 5,000 seats and hosts a variety of events and top shows. The theater is the brainchild of architect Charles Howard Crane of Detroit.
Inside the theater
Even if not attending a show or event, the interior of the theater is well worth a look. Entry is via the outer foyer through a set of brass doors that take visitors into the beautifully decorated grand lobby. The main auditorium of the theater was designed by Eve Leo (William Fox’s wife) and includes exquisite Indian, Egyptian and Oriental motifs, including an elephant’s head which can be seen in the proscenium. The auditorium is spacious and is 175 ft (53 m) in width and 104 ft (31.6 m) in height and includes almost 3,000 orchestra level seats, with further seating in the upper-level seating area.
Shows and events
The theater was famous for presenting 1960s Detroit talent, including The Supremes, The Temptations and Smokey Robinson, as well as the martial arts films of that time. Other stars who have featured in the theater include Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, and Sammy Davis Jr. Live shows have seen illusionist David Copperfield, Sesame Street Live, Donny Osmond and Riverdance. Musical and comedic shows have included Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Chris Rock, Bob Dylan, Cher, Kanye West, and Jerry Seinfeld. The theater has been appropriately dubbed the “Temple of Amusement” as it continues to offer prime entertainment in Detroit, including comic acts, musicals, concerts, and other live shows.
Travelers' tips
The following rules should be borne in mind when attending a show at Fox Theater Detroit:
Cameras
Cameras and audio-visual equipment are not permitted inside the theater unless the artist allows them.
Prohibited items
These include aerosol cans, weapons, beverages or foods purchased outside the theater, utility tools, pocket knives, bottles and cans, coolers, large bags, and laser light pointers. Food and beverages purchased in the theater are allowed in the auditorium unless otherwise stated.
Security checks
Patrons will be subjected to courteous security checks on arrival, including bag inspection and a metal detector. This is for patrons’ own safety and security.
Opening times
The theater opens 60 minutes prior to the show or event and patrons are recommended to arrive around 30 minutes prior to the start to allow time for the security checks and to find their seats.
Hearing aids
For those patrons who are hard of hearing, a free, limited number of devices are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Patrons who want them will be required to show a picture ID or driver’s license.
Cellphones
It is not allowed to use cellphones while in the auditorium of the theater.
Fire exits
These are indicated by red-lit signs in the auditorium.
ATMs
Patrons have access to ATMs in the main floor and mezzanine floor of the theater.
Smoking
Designated smoking areas are available outside the building, but no smoking is allowed inside the theater.
Accessibility
Patrons in wheelchairs have access to elevators in the galleries and mezzanine floors.
How to get there
By car
If heading from Downtown Detroit, the best route to Fox Theater is via Woodward Avenue. The journey takes approximately 9 minutes to cover the 0.4 mi (0.6 km). Head northwest toward Shelby Street and take a slight right onto that street. Continue onto Griswold Street and turn right onto Clifford Street. Turn left into Woodward Avenue and Fox Theater is at number 2211.
If coming from a different direction, head over to Google Maps to get directions.
Parking
The Fox Parking Structure offers 1,100 parking spaces, which include 32 handicapped parking spots. The parking garage is located between Woodward Avenue and Park Street.
By bus
Bus numbers 004, 016, 023 and 031 are the most convenient to get to Fox Theater Detroit.
By Light Rail
The Qline takes people to the theater from Congress Street Station.
On foot
Walking from Downtown Detroit via Woodward Avenue takes 9 minutes to cover the 0.4 mi (0.6 km) distance. If walking from a different direction, Google Maps can be used to plot the best route.
How to book tickets
Tickets can be purchased at the box office at Fox Theater for the desired performance or event. Should you prefer to purchase tickets online prior to the date of the show, to avoid possible disappointment, head on over to the theater’s website. Scroll down to choose the live show you wish to attend and click on View Tickets. You will be asked how many tickets you want. After choosing the correct option, continue with your booking by choosing where you would prefer to sit from the provided map of the theater’s seating.
Fox Theater, Detroit, infirmation
Fox Theater Detroit
Address: 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Official Website: Fox Theater Detroit
Department of Tourism: Visit Detroit
History
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