Saturday, February 8, 2014

Fox Theatre in Detroit

Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

The lobby of Fox Theatre in Detroit

Last night we went to see a show at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. None of us had been before, and what a huge delight/surprise we had in store for us!!

A section of the ceiling in the front lobby
The theater was simply amazing.  Right from the get-go you are greeted by ornate beauty (everywhere you look).  The pictures above are from the lobby. Yeah, just the lobby, lol.  It got better from there (which is amazing in itself).

Seriously, even if the show had been awful (which it was NOT) we would have had a good time.
This theater is a-ma-zing!
A bit of research showed this venue to be originally opened in 1928 as a flagship theater in the chain of Fox Theatres that were once so popular. If my online information search is correct, it is the largest of the original Fox Theatres, and is the biggest surviving theater today from those (all theaters) that were built during the Roaring '20s. That it was a part of the Roaring 20s was no suprise because that's exactly what it felt like (and we said so to each other) when we were in our seats.

A portion of the ceiling in the main theater.
Mike and Marian Ilitch restored the theater in 1988 at a cost of $12 million. If you haven't heard of The Ilitch's, take a look on Google. I think they are an absolutely amazing couple, and they are definitely the kind of citizens you want growing up and living in your area. True to their home roots, they own many things in Detroit, including the Detroit Tigers (baseball) and the Detroit Red Wings (hockey). They are also the founders and owners of Little Caesars. I would be short changing them greatly if I didn't mention those notations are just a small portion of the successful business accomplishments they have under their belts. It's really an amazing thing, when you start looking into the bits of history that are shared about them online.

Nice, comfortable seating, and not a bad seat (for viewing the stage) in the house.

As for the seating, the seats in the theater were nice and comfy (movie seats). The only thing I would suggest is cup holders, we really missed those, but it did not deter at all from our experience.  You could see the stage really well from any seat in the house, which is important...and you didn't feel like you were falling when getting in or out of them (like you do in so many of the modern-types of seating arrangements, when they are up high).  The staff and ushers were oh so friendly, and though we had never been to Fox Theatre until last night, we will be looking specifically for tickets at this venue in the future, because we so enjoyed being in the building.  We don't make it to Detroit too awful much (it's kind of a drive for us), but when we do, this is one of the places we know that we definitely want to be.

You can learn more about the theater by visiting the website here.
You can also follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter.

134 comments:

  1. I live in Otsego Michigan and Detroit is too awful of a drive for us to take as well. Unless we are going to the boarder to go to Cananda we usually dont get to Detroit often. The gas prices here are outragous it would cost two tanks of gas there and back so if they have stuff in grand rapids or kalamazoo we go there instead. I think going to Detrpit theater is worth the trip though. Looks like a ton of fun was had by all

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  2. That is a gorgeous theater. We have tons of old theaters here in Boston, but most of them don't allow photography - even before the show, so I have to sneak them ;)

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  3. What a beautiful theater indeed. Wow, I'd love to see it in person.

    I'm so happy you had a fabulous time.

    Have a terrific weekend. ☺

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  4. What an amazing theater. I bet it was awesome to see in person. Unfortunately I see no trip up North anywhere in our future, so I live vicariously through great posts like these!

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  5. Your description makes me eager to visit Detroit, maybe `i could convince my husbadnd for our family to visit during summer. We love movies...

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  6. Wow this theatre looks beautiful! I've never been to Detroit, but when I go, i will def have to check this place out!

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  7. What a beautiful place. I wish they had something like that here.

    Michelle F.

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  8. Oh wow...beautiful!! I would love to go just to enjoy the atmosphere and take pictures :) Very nice! I always prefer when places have cup holders too ;)

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    1. I agree, it would be nice just to sit in there, without a movie!! Drives me crazy when theaters do not have cup holders, also.

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  9. What a beautiful theater! So ornate and unique!!

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  10. I certain;y will never make it to this theater-I live in NY! It is truly beautiful and certainly does remind me of the Roaring Twenties when everything including the people dressed up at all times (just ask my Mom!)

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  11. This fox Theater in Detroit is truly magnificent, and something that I have never seen before.This couple really did a great job in restoring it to all its glory. The colors are so pretty, and I bet you enjoyed yourself at the Theater! Now that I know where you live, I will have to stop by! LOL!

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  12. How absolutely beautiful. There is a Fox Theater in my home town in California and it is quite lovely, too. Though it has not been as redone as this one. Just incredible.

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  13. What a beautiful theater... I love those older ones like that. They have so much character. They sure don't make them like that anymore

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  14. That is beautiful. Makes me wish I lived in a big city....I feel like I'm missing out on so much lol! Great pictures too!

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  15. That theatre is stunning. I would have spent an hour just looking at all the details.

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  16. Do you mean you saw a movie or a stage show? Were there many people attending?
    I remember theaters like that in Minneapolis when I was younger but they are all gone now. This one is exceptionally beautiful and it may not come to destruction if the owners have "that" kind of money to keep them up. Too bad, but that's the price we pay for all the electronic things that bring movies and entertainment into our homes. Thanks for showing the lovely pictures of an era long gone.

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  17. That theater is beautiful! I'd love to see a show there! Thanks for sharing.

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  18. I have never seen anything like it! Truly spectacular. I am sure you guys had a great time. If I ever visit Detroit, this place is going to be in my 'must-visit' list :)

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  19. We have been to the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, it is really pretty but I think this one has it beat.

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  20. Wow beautiful! I've never been there before. It looks like you have the whole place to yourself.

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    1. We had never been, and it's a drive for us, so we left very early to ensure we wouldn't be late in case we got lost. We did not get lost and had the top of the theater to ourselves for a nice chunk of time. ;)

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  21. Beautiful Oriental theme! The decoration is just stunning! I'm so glad it's been restored. It must be amazing to go watch movies there.

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  22. Those are gorgeous photos you took! I love being in those theater type of environments. Makes you appreciate the beauty that exists in this world.

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  23. Wow! Such a gorgeous place to visit. I love all the ornate details!

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  24. There is something about getting out like that.
    Seeing a show, theatre, opera and so.

    It's nice, and something not done often. So it gives a special feeling.

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  25. How exquisite looking. I'm now following them on TW and would love to know more about this theater in case I'm ever in that area. I have to say, I've never been to Detroit though

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  26. The theater is absolutely beautiful. I love it! What an amazing experience.

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  27. Wow that place sure does look all majestic like, could just stare at it if the show was crap, good it wasn't though

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  28. That is such a beautiful theater, I would love to see it in person. I am glad you enjoyed your evening even without the cup holders!

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  29. That is a beautiful building!!! It looks so ornate.

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  30. The architecture alone is a sight to behold! Glad to know you enjoyed the show. :)

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  31. I love old theaters like that. They are just so beautiful. There is an old opera house that was turned into a giant bookstore. I love going there. You can still see some of the beauty from when it was an opera house.

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    1. I love bookstores too, so I bet that place would be doubly awesome! :)

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  32. This is WOW ! How I wish to be here someday.

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  33. What a gorgeous, palatial theatre! You must have felt like royalty during your visit!

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  34. That theatre looks amazing and truly looked like a wonderful night of entertainment. So glad you got to do this :)

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  35. Oh this is beautiful! I love going to different theatres, just for the beauty of the theatre itself! Great post :)

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  36. Don't you just love old theaters? The decor is always so impressive. Though I do love the beauty of ours, the seats are horrible. Not staggered, so you leave with a stiff neck trying to get a glimpse of the stage.

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  37. I think this looks absolutely amazing. Definitely a wonderful place to visit I am sure. Love and miss Michigan, though I am a yooper

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    1. I hear it's an entirely different (and gorgeous!) world up there. Closest I've been is Mackinac, but I hear it gets even better!! And I loved Mackinac!

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  38. Wow, that theatre is exquisite! They don't make places that detail oriented anymore unless you have someone like the couple who restored this place. It's obvious they're passionate about it. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!!

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  39. That's absolutely gorgeous! I would have took so many photos if I had been there.

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  40. Wow, it's absolutely gorgeous! It's so great that you were able to attend an enjoyable show and enjoy the building as well. If I ever head to Detroit I'll have to be sure and check it out.

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  41. Wow! It's gorgeous. I love historical places like this. I don't think we have any theaters like that around here.

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  42. Oh my goodness, what a BEAUTIFUL theater! It's absolutely breathtaking and I would love to visit someday!

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  43. Beautiful theater! It looks like you got there at the perfect time to take pictures :)

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  44. What a beautiful theater. I love taking photos of old architecture like this theater has.

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  45. That is one gorgeous theater, wow! I love gorgeous architecture :)

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  46. WOW Is All I Can Say So Beautiful!!

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  47. That is breathtaking! Imagine the art and talent that comes with designing such masterpieces! Especially in the roof!

    Glad both the show and venue was wonderful!

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  48. This is such a beautiful theater! There was an old theater similar to this one in the town I went to college in but it probably hadn't been kept up as well! They must have been built around the same time though! I love getting to go to old theaters like this one!

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  49. Wonderful photos--they just don't make buildings like that anymore!!! Our City has a few older theater's with some work like this too--I love to go. Like you said even if the show is dull your surrounds are anything but-make it worth the trip.

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    1. It really was so gorgeous! It was nice to be there, I'm glad we went. :)

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  50. That theater looks AMAZING! I love how elaborate and decorative it is, even the ceiling! I haven't been to a theater in ages, I need to change that!

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  51. Oh my gosh! That is amazing. I can't believe the detail in the architecture of that building. I love theatres and this is one worth visiting!!

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  52. That building is absolutely gorgeous! It's hard to find that level of detail anymore.

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  53. Such an ornate theater, really stunning! I can see how it took all of 12 million! Amazing. Glad you and your family had a great time.

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  54. So fancy!!! My goodness. I have never been to a theater that ornate. The closest I have been is the AMC Theaters on Van Ness in San Francisco used to be a bank many years ago, and it is VERY fancy for a movie theater (crown molding, lots of gold paint, lion statues in the front, etc. etc.)!

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  55. Very pretty, very ornate! Looks like a palace!

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  56. The theatre is gorgeous. I love going to places that make you feel as though you've stepped into another time altogether. So, what did you see????

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  57. That is SO pretty! Wow I'd love to go there, I'd spend awhile just staring and looking at all those fixtures and details. Amazing .

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  58. Wow what a beautiful venue - I think I would have trouble concentrating on the show with so much to look at even if the lights were dimmed!

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  59. Wow that looks truly beautiful and you got some great shots highlighting the features. If I'm ever in Detroit I'll be sure to give them a visit, it will surely be on my list.

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  60. It looks spectacular!! We have a theater similar to yours. It looks like a shack from the outside, you walk in and it is pure grandeur!

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  61. Oh my gosh, that is beautiful! One of my best friends is from Michigan :)

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  62. Your photos are stunning! Love seeing glimpses of everything that you share here.

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  63. This is a beautiful theater! Very nice photos. Happy you had a good time! -April

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  64. This theater is gorgeous! We have a theater similar to this in Fort Wayne called the Embassy Theater and I love going to shows there. It's so fun to check out all the gorgeous architecture and details while I'm waiting for a show to start!

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  65. That is beautiful architecture. Wow! It looks like a historic place.

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  66. Honestly? All I know about Detroit is cars and negative things. This is a beautiful theater,. Thanks for sharing.

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  67. Michigander now in Maryland.... I always loved the Fox Theater, and the State just down the road; of course as a Yooper, I couldn't get down that way often.... Lovely photos.
    I found you on the blog hop and am so glad I did!! Your blog is wonderful and I am now following. HopingYou'll stop by and say hi sometime. Wanderlust-wishlist.blogspot.com

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    1. My son and his wife lived in Maryland for awhile...still cold, but totally different from Michigan, eh? :)

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  68. An amazing place to visit... I love the grandeur and old world moldings!

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  69. That theatre is absolutely stunning!!! It must have been amazing to stand inside of it! :)

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  70. This Fox Theatre is impressive and I really want to visit it. I can only imagine what performances will be on the stage, amazing sound and views.

    Fan R @TeddyOutReady

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  71. That is such a gorgeous theater! It must be so cool to see an performance there.

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  72. What a beautiful place... sooo glad you had a good time. One day I hope to visit in person and see it for myself..thanks for sharing

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  73. Just gorgeous!! I know you had a great time there.

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  74. Wow! Just beautiful. I would love to visit that theater too!

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  75. Beautiful! Reminds me of the orpheum here in memphis!

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  76. That place is gorgeous! Detroit gets such a bad name sometimes - it's nice to see the good side!

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  77. i really, really want to visit detroit! it is definitely on my bucket list

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  78. that theater is beautiful! it would be fun to get all dressed up and go there for a performance or a party!

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  79. Wow, this is amazing!!! My youngest loves the color "golden" so I think she would want to live there.Thanks for sharing the little details!

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  80. Those photos are breath taking. I can't even imaging how overwhelming it is to be there in person. Amazing.

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  81. Love the photos. The place looks like a palace.

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  82. What a lovely theater. So grand with so many sculptures and designs. How nice you were able to tour around and enjoy being there

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  83. I would love to go to a theater like that, so beautiful. I am a sucker for places like this. Makes me have warm fuzzies.

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  84. i didn't realize there were more than one of the fox theaters. how gorgeous!

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  85. Wow, it is gorgeous! I've been to the Fox Theatre in St. Louis and couldn't stop looking around at all the ornate details everywhere. It's amazing to be in such a beautiful place like that!

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  86. What a beautiful theatre! I would love to visit it sometime. It's so stunning.

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  87. Wow. Such a gorgeous place!

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  88. Wow! What a beautiful building. I have never been anywhere like that but would love to try it.

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  89. Beautiful! I love structures like this one. We have some beautiful buildings here in Asheville, NC where I live but no theaters like this one.

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  90. Wow, that is SO gorgeous! What an amazing experience.

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  91. What a gorgeous theater! Looks like they've taken really good care of it over the years. I'm ashamed to say, I've never visited a historical theater before. It's on my to-do list!!

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  92. I love going to historical places like this. This one looks amazing!

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  93. It looks beautiful. I love the pictures

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  94. What a beautiful theater! Looks like the show would have been amazing to see in a place like this.

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  95. I have not been to the Fox but other members of my family have and they rave about how beautiful the theater is. You pictures are so pretty. Next time I visit my brother - I will have him plan a evening at the Fox.

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  96. We had one of those 1920's era theaters here, though it wasn't as elaborate as yours. It was still beautiful, though, and quite large. Unfortunately it closed many a number of years ago.

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  97. I'm still trying to get to the Fox Theater in Atlnata. One day!

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  98. What a stunning sight to see! I would love to take my family to visit the Fox theater. I have never been to Atlanta for vacation, only a quick drive through the state.

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  99. I've only been to the Detroit airport. This theater looks amazing and I definitely need to make more of an effort to see the city next time I'm traveling!

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  100. I love the vintage look of this theatre! Hope it was a great night.

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  101. What a beautiful theater! I would feel like I needed to get all fancy to go there.

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  102. This looks so gorgeous. We have the Pabst Theater here in Milwaukee, but it isn't as intricate. It is one of my favorite venues. Agree with the others, they don't make them like this anymore.

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  103. I had no idea how elaborate the architecture was there. That is really quite impressive. So much to look at!

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  104. I went to that theater for a dinner and concert once. It is amazingly beautiful!

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  105. That is so stunning! I love buildings like that that tell a story.

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  106. ohmygoodness, that theater is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! i'm sitting here in awe of it! and your photos are incredible! WOW!!!
    that's awesome you had such a neat experience!! xoxox

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  107. Gorgeous theater! There is a theater in Tampa that we have been to that is very similar to this. It is nice to find these gems when going out! Thanks for sharing!

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  108. That theater is so pretty! It would make a great scene for a ghost story book.

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  109. This is certainly grand site to see! I love how beautiful the theater appears on the outside! I have never been to MI but would love to see this site!

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  110. Wow - Fox Theatre in Detroit is gorgeous! It is very much like ouAtlanta Fox Theatre!

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  111. Man that is a gorgeous theater. I personally haven't see on that grand before. I'd love to see that in person :)

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  112. Still beautiful to look at a third time around... I hope to visit some day and actually sit inside and enjoy the architecture.

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  113. Love the architecture. If I'm ever in Detroit I have to check it out. Thanks for sharing. xo #SITSBlogging.

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  114. What a gorgeous theater! We have one really nice one here in town, too - the Louisville Palace. You don't find them in many cities any more, it's nice to know about this one!

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  115. Tht theatre is gorgeous! I will have to check it out if I am ever in Detroit!

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  116. Oh my! How gorgeous! I'm not sure I'd be able to take my eyes off the interior long enough to watch the actual performance. Ha!

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  117. Oh my gosh! That is soooo pretty! They really don't make things like they used to.

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  118. Beautiful!
    Guess what?
    My college graduation was in the Fox Theater in Atlanta.

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  119. WOW that is one beautiful theatre - I would be worried about getting distracted from the show by just how gorgeous it is x

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  120. WOW! I love old theaters, they are so breathtakingly beautiful!

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  121. This is such a beautiful place. It was nice of you to share it with us. It was like we were on a tour of the place.

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  122. Oh how beautiful! I would love to spend an evening in such a venue!

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  123. This is a great list! I’m a Detroit native, so if I could... I’ll give you some recommendations for your next visit! Detroit... Michigan Science Center, Cranbrook Institute of Science, + Campus Martius :)

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