Fisher Theatre, Detroit

The Fisher Theatre, housed within Detroit's iconic Fisher Building, is one of the city's most historic live performance venues. Originally opening on November 11, 1928, the theatre was designed by the Chicago-based architectural firm of Anker S. Graven & Arthur G. Mayger. Its original design featured a stunning Mayan Revival style, complete with Mexican-Indian art, banana trees, a goldfish pond, and live macaws that roamed the space, creating a unique and immersive experience for patrons.

Initially built as a vaudeville and movie house with a seating capacity of 3,500, the Fisher Theatre underwent a significant transformation in 1961. This $3.5 million renovation modernized the space into a more intimate 2,089-seat playhouse, with a streamlined mid-century design replacing the ornate Aztec theme. Luxurious materials such as marble, walnut paneling, Indian rosewood, and bronze were incorporated, and the theatre's olive velvet seating and matching stage curtain now give the interior a warm, golden glow.

The "new" Fisher Theatre officially reopened on October 2, 1961, specializing in Broadway touring productions. Over the decades, it has hosted numerous world premieres, including Hello, Dolly!, Fiddler on the Roof, Sweet Charity, and Golden Boy. Many Broadway legends, such as Mary Martin, Carol Channing, Bernadette Peters, and Lynn Redgrave, have graced its stage, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of Detroit’s cultural scene.

Today, the Fisher Theatre continues to be a premier destination for Broadway shows and out-of-town tryouts. Its historical significance and architectural elegance have earned it the designation of a National Historic Landmark, preserving its legacy as a beacon of performing arts excellence in Detroit.