Originally named the State Theatre, The Fillmore Detroit has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s entertainment scene since 1925. Picture this. You are standing before a building steeped in history and architectural grandeur.
The Fillmore Detroit started as a movie house. It was designed in the Renaissance Revival style by C. Howard Crane. The same man for whom the building is still called the Francis Palms Building.
Over the years, The Fillmore Detroit has undergone several name changes. It was the Palms-State Theatre in 1937. Then, it was renamed the Palms Theatre in 1946. In 1982, it reverted to the State Theatre. Finally, in 2007, it became The Fillmore Detroit as part of a national re-branding effort.
The Fillmore Detroit’s location is prime. It sits in the heart of Detroit’s Theatre District on Woodward Avenue. It is across from Comerica Park and Grand Circus Park. The larger Fox Theatre is nearby.
This twelve-story structure is covered in terra cotta. The eight-story auditorium extends impressively. The Fillmore Detroit was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Inside The Fillmore Detroit, you will find a grand lobby. Chandeliers evoke nostalgia. The theater boasts an eighty-foot ceiling. A hardwood dance floor invites movement. A rock poster wall displays artists who have graced its stage.
The Fillmore Detroit can accommodate up to 2,900 people. This includes 2,084 reserved seats. The mezzanine and balcony retain their original theater seating.
Live Nation operates The Fillmore Detroit. They have continued the theater’s restoration. The outer lobby and rotunda lobby were restored in the 1990s. More recently, the grand foyer columns and auditorium proscenium arch were restored. The barrel-vaulted ceiling of the grand foyer shines.
The Fillmore Detroit has hosted the Detroit Music Awards. It is also known as a concert venue for popular music acts. Fergie performed at The Fillmore Detroit’s inaugural show.
Remember The Fillmore Detroit’s rich history. It is more than just a venue. It is a testament to Detroit’s enduring spirit and love for entertainment.