1. Senate Theater

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    Detroit, MI

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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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    Photo of Daniel B.
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    8 months ago

    Helpful 6
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    10 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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    4 years ago

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    Photo of Annette J.
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    7 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    Photo of Eldwin L.
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    8 years ago

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    Photo of Robert F.
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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    12 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.”

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Cinema Detroit

    Cinema Detroit

    4.2(48 reviews)
    3.1 mi•Cass Corridor, Midtown

    I mean who doesn't love a local theater that plays unique films. This is a film lovers dream. The…read moreconcessions are great and reasonably priced and they have Faygo. What's more Detroit than that? The theaters are cozy and it's such a special feeling to watch films with a community like this. It's also not far from other popular places so you can have dinner and a show or go out for drinks after. I would rather support a local business like this than go to big chain anyway.

    My ol' Cinema Detroit review has been badly in need of an update for years now as they've been in a…read morenew building for I don't even know how long now. Everybody talks about this place being quirky but you should have seen their old spot! Honestly, I miss the old Burton school, even still. It was kind of an awkward set up, as they detailed in a little film short they ran during the previews directly before and after the move, but it just had charm and style for miles. The entrance from the parking lot was a strange walk around the rear of the building that felt sketchy to many and though they had a lift it wasn't the most disabled friendly place but it seemed like they made do. I loved that place. I saw a lot of movies there. The current digs my sister used to live at back in the 90s when it was a couple of lofts. There's a nice waiting room with couches which CD didn't have before. Adult tickets are $9. It's cheaper for students, seniors, members and kids. Concessions are eminently reasonable. I got a small popcorn and a can of Faygo grape (they were out of Red Pop and Rock n Rye) with my ticket for less than $15. Small popcorn really is small here, though, not like at a multiplex where even the small is like $7.50 and is freakin huge. Cinema Detroit also carries La Croix for all you hipsters, but I won't hold it against them. There's two auditoriums and last weekend I was busy avoiding changing a flat tire in awful weather so I saw movies in both. If Beale Street Could Talk showed in the larger room, which is actually movie theater size. Sit up front if you're short. Unlike at the Burton school, a proper movie theater with a floor that gradually ascends the further you get from the screen, the floor here is flat with no risers further away from the screen. The screen is up just high enough that the silhouettes of people's heads ended for me before the bottom of the picture projected begins, but I can see how more vertically challenged viewers might run into problems here. No tiers!! The two rows at the very rear are tall stools but other than that everybody is right at the same level. It's just a big room that somehow lacks the ambience of a true cinema. That's where the current location of Cinema Detroit loses that fifth star from me. The smaller theater is barely a theater at all but it's so homey and intimate I like it a lot better than the big one. It seats 16 and has mostly well broken in couches. Same deal for shorties, but the room is only 4 rows deep. It's like you have this really cool friend who turned a room in their house into a theater to show off-beat movies. I saw The Wife there. It must have been intense drama week at Cinema Detroit. Both films were very good, but they both packed an emotional whallop. Especially If Beale Street Could Talk. Besides the venerable Detroit Film Theater in the back of the DIA, Cinema Detroit is the only game in town for art house and independent movies. If you're talking 7 days a week, it IS the only game in town, as the DFT's schedule is pretty limited (and they lack a second mini-theater to show multiple films). Beyond that, you're driving out to Royal Oak, Bloomfield Township or even Ann Arbor. Hell, even with all the new businesses that have sprung up in the D the past several years, the Bel Air out at 8 Mile and Van Dyke is still the only multiplex showing mainstream fare in the city proper. And once in awhile Cinema Detroit will show a more wide release movie. I remember they had Black Panther. Go ahead and make an Old Man Yells at Cloud meme about me grumbling how the former Burton school location was better. It had a pool table in the men's room! The row of lockers lining the basement hall still had graffiti from back when it was a school! I still like Cinema Detroit but I just don't go anywhere near as much. Hmmm, maybe they flattened my tire...

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    Cinema Detroit
    Cinema Detroit
    Cinema Detroit

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    Michigan Theatre

    Michigan Theatre

    3.4(7 reviews)
    3.6 mi•Downtown Detroit

    Imagine Detroit's finest theatre, The Fox, being used as a parking garage…read more Why that would be ludicrous!!! An abomination!!! Blasphemy!!! Unfortunately, this was the fate of the now crumbling Michigan Theatre. Once a crown jewel of Detroit, the theatre captured the very essence of the opulence of the city's new found wealth during the roaring twenties. Three million dollars went into building this lavish structure, and now it's decaying as a parking garage. **smh** If you're fascinated with historic buildings or looking to do some urban exploring, def pay a visit to the Michigan Theatre. It's a fully functioning three-story parking facility that you can access thru the main or side entrance. Please note, it's open to visitors Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00am-4:00pm. You might think you can sneak past that squirly security guard, but don't underestimate him -or- the creeper parking attendant that lurks in the corner of the garage perched on an arm rest with cat in tow (à la Dr. No), as they'll instruct you to return during regular business hours.

    Tried to go and see this garage in person on a Monday afternoon and it was closed. There were no…read moresigns indicating why or until when it was closed. We tried every possible entrance on the sides of the building even through the garage but the garage was gated off and required some sort of badge to enter despite the large yellow sign that read "PARKING". Disappointing. One star.

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    Michigan Theatre - Before & After

    Before & After

    Michigan Theatre
    Michigan Theatre

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    City Theatre

    City Theatre

    3.9(20 reviews)
    3.6 mi•Downtown 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.

    Photos
    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!

    Fox Theatre Detroit - Fox Theatre marquee

    Fox Theatre Detroit

    3.9(240 reviews)
    3.6 mi•Downtown Detroit
    •$$

    The Fox Theatre Detroit is a true gem of the city. It is a wonderful place to take in a concert,…read moreplay, comedy show, etc. R&B Artist Jill Scott did a two-night engagement on her recent To Whom This May Concern Tour. The concert was fabulous, our floor seats were perfect. Phone-Free Experience - No Photography, Video or Audio Recording. We weren't allowed to have our phones during the concert. We had to have them locked up in the pouches provided for the duration. A completely unplugged LIVE music experience! Snacks were available for purchase - Hot dogs, pizza slices, popcorn and pop. The service from staff was fine from the security check, the food services and ushers.

    I haven't been to Fox Theatre in quite a while. As this was a phone-free experience which adds an…read moreextra step to entry, arrived as the doors opened. Line moved well and it was organized. Once phone was secured you received a printout with seat location. I purchased merchandise(t-shirts and a hat) as there was hardly anyone in line. The staff were friendly and very helpful. Since unable to eat before the show grabbed a slice of Little Caesars pepperoni pizza, a popcorn and a bottle of water. Of course it's marked up! Venue is cashless. Ushered to my seat and it's such a beautiful venue I spent time marveling at the theatre and architecture. There's really not a bad seat in the house. Only issue is in the main floor people stand up which blocks the view of those sitting. Some aren't physically able to stand for long periods of time and I think that contributed to me not going there. The acoustics are great, but this was a live band there was a sound issue with the opening act and again near the end of the show. You couldn't make out the words for the opening act and then everything went out during the main set. Artist Jill Scott thanked us for our patience and kept the show going. All in all it was nice not to see people recording and taking pictures. I'm sure that helps the artist stay focused and it showed we can live without our phone's! I enjoyed the concert but next time will sit in the Mezzanine to have a full view of the stage.

    Photos
    Fox Theatre Detroit - GG through MM section

    GG through MM section

    Fox Theatre Detroit
    Fox Theatre Detroit - Interior

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    Interior

    Senate Theater - movietheaters - Updated October 2026

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