The Fox Theatre is the place to see what Detroit looked like when it was one of the richest cities in the world. Opened in 1928 as a movie palace with roughly five thousand seats, it was designed to overwhelm visitors with ornament: a lobby of gilded plaster and carved details in a style that blends Asian, Indian and Art Deco motifs, a vast auditorium ringed with columns and murals, and a ceiling that glows like a painted night sky. It survived the decades when downtown emptied out, and after a major restoration in the late 1980s it reopened as a live venue, anchoring the revival of the district that now holds the ballpark and the arena. Today it hosts touring Broadway musicals, major concerts, comedians and special events through the year. A visit usually means buying a ticket to a show, and the theater suits that well, because the building rewards arriving early to look around. It is one of the few places in the city where the architecture of the boom years is still used for what it was built for: an evening out in a spectacular room.
Planning around a show
The program changes constantly, so start from your dates, look at what is on and pick the one you would enjoy most. The Fox is the city's main home for touring Broadway productions, which usually run for a week or two, as well as big-name pop, rock and comedy acts.
Tickets are sold through the venue's presenter, and prices vary widely with the performer and the seat. If you want to experience the room itself, a seat in the lower balcony gives a good view of the ceiling and the proscenium without the price of the front orchestra.
The building
Arrive at least thirty minutes early and walk the lobby and the mezzanine. The grand lobby is the highlight, with its tall columns, patterned ceilings and ornamental details, and the auditorium has dozens of decorative features that you only notice once you stop looking at the stage. The theater also appears on occasional history tours, which are offered on selected dates, so check the venue's calendar if you want to see backstage areas.
Practicalities
The Fox is downtown beside Comerica Park and close to Little Caesars Arena, so it fits easily into a night that includes dinner. Parking in nearby decks is convenient but busy on game nights, and the People Mover and rideshares are good alternatives. Dress is casual to smart, and the auditorium can be cool, so bring a layer. A bag policy applies at most events, and the schedule is usually clear a few months ahead, so book early for big shows.
What to expect
The experience
A seated show in a 1928 movie palace: a touring Broadway musical, concert or comedy performance, with time to see the lobby before curtain.
Best time
Whichever show you most want to see; arrive 30 minutes early to take in the lobby.
How long
Two to three hours for a typical performance.
Tips
Look at the calendar for your dates, choose a lower balcony seat for the view, and combine the show with dinner downtown.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and theater, music and architecture lovers who want a night out in a spectacular historic room.
- Families
- Good for family-friendly Broadway tours; check age guidance for each show.
- Couples
- One of the most romantic nights out in the city, particularly paired with dinner beforehand.
- Pair with
- Comerica Park next door, the RiverWalk and a downtown walking tour.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
What kinds of shows are at the Fox Theatre?+
The Fox hosts touring Broadway musicals, concerts, comedy and special events throughout the year. The calendar changes constantly, so check your dates.
How old is the building?+
It opened in 1928 as a movie palace and was restored in the 1980s. Its ornate lobby and auditorium are the main reason to visit.
Can I tour the theater without seeing a show?+
Occasional history tours have been offered on selected dates. Check the venue's calendar for current options.
Where is it?+
It is downtown, beside Comerica Park and close to Little Caesars Arena, an easy trip on the People Mover or a short rideshare.
Where should I sit?+
A lower balcony seat gives a good view of both the stage and the ceiling, at a lower price than the front orchestra.
