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    Senate Theater

    4.9 (11 reviews)
    Closed Closed

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    Tess S.

    Really amazing old theater house that is home to the Detroit Theater Organ Society. They took up residence there in 1964, and have been there ever since. The star of the show is the original Wurlitzer organ saved from the Fisher Theater in the Fisher Building. Restored in the original Mayan style, this organ was originally intended for 2100 seats and packs quite a punch at this 800 seat venue​. They put on concerts rather frequently, and occasionally will accompany a silent film. I attended to see Metropolis in January of 2017. By coming in twenties fashion to match the film, I was able to get a free popcorn and entry into a drawing. They also had a 50-50 raffle, and some bloke went home with $92. Parking was easy, we parked right out front. If you are concerned about your car, there is a guarded lot in the back. My only complaint about this theater is that the seats are incredibly uncomfortable and I fidgeted all the way through the film. Next time I will bring a cushion, haha. The only other thing of note is that the bathrooms are upstairs, I don't believe they have one yet at floor level for ADA access. Tldr version: cheap, fun, unique Detroit gem. GREAT movie night for film buff dates. Go ASAP.

    Beautifully inlaid marble floor
    Eldwin L.

    Amazing old theater with so much history it's like stepping back in time. I think once they show some more recent films on the weekends for younger families maybe Disney style cartoons it will be a happy medium. The trick is meshing with old and new , something like a Dora cartoon that would invite the local neighborhood. To get everyone involved to save a place like this !! It takes a village ! Sometimes you have to do other things that are not part of the original plan, all while respecting what you are saving and that money will help restore theater . Adapt and overcome . Sometimes you have to do things that you don't want to to get the results you need . That being said we went there for a black and white movie. I felt like I could see my lady in Victory curls and pearls and I was wearing a fedora it would so make perfect sense LOL. You can almost feel ancestors in that building, going to the Senate sweet shop next door and then catching a show. it has a certain Ambiance about it. It was a little warm that night and my better half tolerated my Indulgence like a saint, and I think she might have even had a decent time LOL . One of the curators even took us back after the show to show us the organ room and a small organ concert LOL to say this individual had a passion is a gross understatement!! and his talent was breathtaking!!! Thank you, I hope his enthusiasm and fervor rubs off on every volunteer and the public too .so that this place stays alive. It needs some TLC but it seems like it is coming along quite well. so pick a weekend night grab your Dame and catch a flick you won't be disappointed.

    Robert F.

    This is a cool old theater. It's home to the original Wurlitzer organ from the Fisher Theater. It's a lot of fun to come see the old silent films played with actual organ accompaniment as they were intended to be seen. They offered a tour of the organ after the movie. These things were a engineering marvel of their time. I highly recommend going to see a movie here.

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    6 months ago

    What fun! Secure parking, updated interior and great refreshments. This venue was a great experience to watch a show

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

    This place is amazing. Make sure to enjoy the organ play before the movie!

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    Ask the Community - Senate Theater

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    Review Highlights - Senate Theater

    The star of the show is the original Wurlitzer organ saved from the Fisher Theater in the Fisher Building.

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    The Fillmore - They've gone cashless!

    The Fillmore

    3.5(199 reviews)
    3.6 miDowntown Detroit
    $$

    Been here many times for different concerts and it's a HIT every time!…read more From the main floor, to high top seats by the sound booth, to balcony seats, there isn't a bad spot here to experience your favorite band or act. Many show up early and start the line that winds around the building so be ready for that. Rain, shine or snow! Haven't ordered any food here through all the concerts we've been to but have purchased a few cocktails and beers and the prices are reasonable for a venue like this. Cheaper than an arena that's for sure! The lights and sometimes the pyro that is allowed here is top notch. Mixed with the sound that rocks your chest (depending on the band of course), you get your money's worth. All of the ones we've been too have "gone over the specified time". Whatever that means, we're enjoying it. Whether it's the FIlmore's doing or the band's doing by feeding off of the crowd's energy, we'll always stick around longer!

    The Fillmore Detroit was host to an outstanding author event! It was for our former Vice-President…read moreKamala Harris. It was a sold-out affair. We started out with Happy Hour at The Fillmore Detroit Bar for food and a refreshing drink. The bar is the former State Bar. It is a cool place to chill and the service was very quick. I had a Watermelon Lemonade Riffresher, chicken tenders and fries. It was an excellent venue for us to hear from author Kamala Harris to talk about her new book, 107 Days. She was delivering a message on her short road to the presidential campaign and the state of affairs today that have many U. S. Citizens feeling emotionally hijacked....but I digress. This was a great opportunity to experience in such a beautiful venue. It truly reminded me of a more intimate Fox Theatre.

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    The Fillmore - Restricted items

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    The Fillmore - Outside Filmore

    Outside Filmore

    The Fillmore - Echo and the Bunnymen - May 25, 2024

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    Echo and the Bunnymen - May 25, 2024

    Orchestra Hall

    Orchestra Hall

    4.9(13 reviews)
    3.5 miMidtown

    PROS: Old American architectural landmark with burnished vibe. It's a beautiful venue with great…read moreacoustics. Neeme Jarvi once said the best sound was in the highest seats furthest away from the stage. One of the most beautiful sounds is hearing a live orchestral string section. One must hear such at least once in their life. This is the place. I have seen several greats here over the years, Jarvi, Slatkin, Ax, Hahn, Perlman and most recently 98 year-old guest conductor Herbert Blomstedt's peformance of Mahler's 9th Symphony. Outstanding woodwinds in the Rondo/Burleske and the Adagio was bliss! CONS: Cramped seating! This place was built for early 20th century people who had smaller proportions. Plan on being shoulder to shoulder with the person sitting next to you. Leg room is worse. If you are over 6 feet tall, forget about it. SUMMARY: Actual score is 4.5 stars. 1/2 star lost for the antiquated seating. Otherwise, a very special venue. Worth the discomfort for war horses and special guests.

    I had the pleasure to visit this fascinating, over 100-year-old Detroit landmark with so much…read morearchitectural history and to see the phenomenal DSO was the ultimate treat. In all my years of living in metro Detroit and my love for live music, I cannot believe I've never seen a show here, and I cannot wait to go back. We sat on the main floor and were able to get a great view of the vocalists and the orchestra. The acoustics sounded amazing and there truly is no bad seat in the house. Parking was a cinch with their parking garage right across the street. The box office was extremely helpful when I couldn't locate my ticket in my email, and answered my general questions. Now, if you are looking for a dinner idea before the show, the Paradise Lounge on the 2nd floor is featuring Abode catering and I highly recommend! The restaurant is elegant but cozy. Isaac was our server and took excellent care of us. Their prefix menu rotates and is absolutely delicious. The house-made sourdough bread was SO delicious, we asked for seconds. The beet salad, which Isaac said he created, was so fresh and the marriage of flavors was perfect. The entrée gives you a choice of a meat or a vegetarian dish, and we both ordered the chicken, which was yummy, and the Panna cotta and cookies were the perfect ending. The Panna cotta had basil oil with fresh fruit and it was a delightful blend of flavors. They also have a full bar, which is a great place to get your drinks before the show to avoid the crowd of the main level bars. Be sure to check out the lounge before your show!

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    Orchestra Hall
    Orchestra Hall
    Orchestra Hall

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    City Theatre

    City Theatre

    3.9(20 reviews)
    3.6 miDowntown Detroit

    Awesome venue from the friendliest ushers when you first walk in to the personal feel of the small…read moretheatre. I know everyone has said it, but there really isn't a bad seat in the house (to the point where I'll probably never pay for anything other than the cheapest seats). It is very clean. I prefer this theatre to larger ones...you feel much more involved with the show & don't struggle to hear/see, so you get all of the details. Great for a casual, cheap date. I also liked the convenience of everything downtown has to offer being right outside. Parking was a hit too- even though Monster Jam at Ford Field & another show at The Fillmore were going on, we were able to park behind City Theatre for ten bucks. Maybe it was just a lucky day, I don't know. Venue aside, I have to say that Robocop The Musical! was amazing, maybe even the best show I've been to. Impressive, clever, localized script and talented actors that made me laugh on a day when I was super sick & crabby. I am so excited about what a great night I had at this place!

    Went the other day to see "Ernie." It was a great show. We parked at the Fox Theatre parking…read morestructure for $5, and were able to get right into the theater just before showtime at 8. The show started at about 8:10, and was over by 9:40 or so. I must compliment the theater on keeping the temperature at a nice, cool, comfortable level. It was pretty hot outside, so it was great not to be actively sweating during the performance. It was a great night.

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    City Theatre
    City Theatre - From http://www.olympiaentertainment.com/venues/citytheatre.jsp

    From http://www.olympiaentertainment.com/venues/citytheatre.jsp

    City Theatre - An actor playing Dick Jones for Robocop The Musical!

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    An actor playing Dick Jones for Robocop The Musical!

    Senate Theater - movietheaters - Updated May 2026

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