Step into the magnificent world of Detroit’s Fox Theatre. A true temple of amusement it once was.
The Fox Theatre isn’t just a building it’s a living legend. Opened in 1928 it replaced the outdated Fox Washington Theatre. Film mogul William Fox envisioned a masterpiece. He created the most magnificent Temple of Amusement in the World. The ten-story structure is a testament to his ambition. Architect C Howard Crane brought his vision to life.
More than 400 people worked at the Fox. Doormen ushers designers and matrons all contributed to its magic. Imagine entering through elegant brass doors. The ornate lobby is breathtaking. Six stories high and 3600 square feet it’s a feast for the eyes. Butterflies lions and peacocks adorn the space. Eve Leo William Fox’s wife designed the interior. Egyptian Indian and Oriental motifs fill the space. A 36-rank Wurlitzer pipe organ adds to the grandeur.
The Fox was innovative. It was the first to have escalators and elevators for patrons. It was also the first to have built-in equipment for talking movies. Between films chorus girls entertained the audience. Legendary acts performed there. The Benny Goodman Big Band and Berry Gordy’s Motown Revue graced its stage. Elvis Presley even played three shows there in 1956.
The Fox Theatre fell into disrepair. The Ilitch family bought it in 1987. They restored it to its former glory. The renovation was a multi-million dollar project. It reopened in 1988. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Today the Fox Theatre remains one of the most magnificent and profitable entertainment venues in the country. Its enduring legacy is a testament to its stunning design and the incredible performances it has hosted. The Fox Theatre continues to captivate audiences just as it did nearly a century ago.