Went to see Dave Chappell on 12/12. There were two shows, one at 7 and one at 10! I hadn't been to the Tivoli since grade school! But the show was great!! Just a tip for the owners, they should really considering moving where they position the mic. It was far enough back so that the people at the top could see the comedian. I was on maybe the 3rd row up in the balcony and had to lean up a bit to see the comedian. The Tivoli is so pretty. The bartender was also nice and made good drinks read more

Tivoli Theatre - Tivoli - Performing Arts Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Here for Woodstock the movie tonight!Cannot say enough about this incredible place. Go. Best experience ever. Check out Broadway Season 2019. We are so lucky to have this gem here in Chattanooga. A*** read more

Tivoli Theatre - Here for Woodstock the movie today! Wow the organ is AMAZING!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

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I've been to the Tivoli several times in my lifetime. The 1st was a special showing of Casablanca, maybe the 30th or 35th anniversary of the iconic film. Most recently was the Book of Mormon. The show was fantastic. Excited that Chattanooga is now drawing Broadway tours, and I believe a big reason is the Tivoli. There is not a bad seat in the house. I was in the orchestra center left for BoM. It was the balcony for Dave Chapelle. There is NOT a bad seat in the place. Fabulous venue. read more

Tivoli Theatre - Waiting for Book of Mormon to start. - Performing Arts Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

Saturday April 12th, 2014, Tony and I was walking around Chattanooga and I have seen this gorgeous Theater several times, but today I thought I would get a little closer and investigate.. Of course it was closed and I couldn't get inside..so I had to marvel in awe on the outside at the gorgeous ART DECO design of this fabulous theater..I want to get inside badly and will before you know it...lol Meanwhile, when I got home I had to do some research on the theater and this is what I found out to share with all of my YELP co-herts.. The Tivoli Theatre, also known as the Tivoli, is a historic theatre in Chattanooga, Tennessee, opening on March 19, 1921. Built between 1919 and 1921 at a cost of $750,000, designed by famed Chicago-based architectural firm Rapp and Rapp and well-known Chattanooga architect Reuben H. Hunt, and constructed by the John Parks Company (general contractors), the theatre was one of the first air-conditioned public buildings in the United States. The theatre was named Tivoli after Tivoli, Italy, has cream tiles and beige terra-cotta bricks, has a large red, black, and white marquee with 1,000 chaser lights, and has a large black neon sign that displays TIVOLI with still more chaser lights The building seats 1,012 in the orchestra, 48 in upper boxes, 78 in the loge, 312 in the upper balcony, 312 in the lower balcony, and 104 in removable orchestra pit seating. Therefore, the Tivoli can hold more than 1,750 people.[4] The stage's depth is 44 feet (13 m) and 99 feet (30 m) long. The ornately decorated silver and gold proscenium's width is 47 feet and 8 inches (14.3 meters and 20.3 cm) and is 26 feet (7.9 m) high. The Tivoli has had two music systems in its lifetime. When the theatre opened in 1921, a Bennett Pipe Organ was used and then replaced in 1924 with a $30,000 Wurlitzer organ. The organ, also known as the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ 235 Special, was installed in order to produce live music to accommodate silent films and stage productions. The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is still playing almost a century later Reflecting the Beaux Arts architectural style prevalent in late 19th century and early 20th century America, the theatre contains a high rose-and-gold coffered ceiling, the original box office, a grand lobby with a white terrazzo floor inlaid with forest-green marble and music-motif medallions, crystal chandeliers, an elegant foyer, and red velvet-plush chairs.[2] The Tivoli opened on March 19, 1921 to a concert by the Tivoli Symphony, a screening of Cecil B. DeMille's 1921 film Forbidden Fruit, and a personal appearance by Forbidden Fruit's Mae Murray.[2] The theater served Chattanooga well for several decades as the chief location for stage and film entertainment in Chattanooga, but went into a steady decline as modern movie theaters started to appear in Chattanooga in the 1950's. The Tivoli was, at one time, owned by ABC and was later leased to Chattanooga as a performing arts facility. The theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1973. The city of Chattanooga purchased the Tivoli in 1976 for $300,000 after the theater had been in disrepair for some years; Chattanooga's Department of Education, Arts, and Culture currently owns and operates the Tivoli. In 1979, Chattanooga-based Lyndhurst Foundation gave a $25,000 grant to the then-Chattanooga Arts Council, which is now Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, for a feasibility study on restoring the Tivoli. Other grants for renovation included $3.5 million given by Tennessee in 1986, $3.2 million raised by a private campaign by Chattanoogans, and $300,000 given by the city government. After the Tivoli closed on June 5, 1987 for renovations, which were directed by Robert A. Franklin, the Tivoli reopened on March 29, 1989 with a recital by Marilyn Horne FAMOUS PERFORMERS: Some famous actors, actresses, movies, and shows that have played at the Tivoli are listed below: Louis Armstrong Fanny Brice Lynn Fontanne Helen Hayes Marilyn Horne Alfred Lunt Idiot's Delight Mary of Scotland The Old Maid The Earl Carroll Vanities The Greater Marcus Show The Ziegfeld Follies I have to check this out..it has to be absolutely GORGEOUS inside...has to be !!! read more

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This place is definitely a Chattanooga, TN treasure for certain. Excellent location for concerts, plays, and more. The Tivoli as it is known by "we" locals is registered as a landmark with the national historical society, the design and layout is definitely "one of a kind." Acoustic quality is beyond compare. I certainly came to see one of my favourite Jazz saxophone player, Kenny G. His performance was nothing less than Amazing! The sounds were great and it carried well throughout the building. I sat up in the balcony area, note that it is straight up. Seats up in the balcony are great, from how the room is designed, there are no bad seats. As always, I really enjoyed my time here, and would go back to another concert, or show, or play here. As for Kenny G performance, if he ever comes back to the area, definitely not missing out on the concert. read more

The Historic Tivoli Theater, what a great venue for a concert or a ballet. My wife and I have been here for several events over the last couple of years and we sit back and look up and admire the beautiful architecture. We do get a little sad when looking at the paint that's leaking off the walls but at the same time it adds character. Before you come for a concert please remember to bring some ear plugs. The Tivoli isn't your typical concert venue. The stage is closer to you than you realize which means the speakers are closer to your ears. The sound level quickly reaches a point that makes it almost unbearable to sit and enjoy. As far as seating goes, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. No matter where you pick, you're sure to have a great view. Be aware that the main restroom is down a pretty substantial flight of stairs. I don't drink and it's hard getting up and down them. If you drink, be careful. If you fall, it's a long way down. Be sure to check out their website and make it a point to check out a concert or performance Your funds help keep her alive. read more

I've lived in Chattanooga almost three years now and have been to three shows at the Tivoli. The first was Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. My first live ballet, and while the dancing was good, the scenery and costumes were gaudy. I prefer something more traditional when it comes to the Nutcracker. The second was more recent and was Les Miserables. As a theatre geek, I wasn't expecting much having seen it on Broadway and knowing the size of the Tivoli couldn't accommodate the grand sets of the NY production, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked and the genius of the design adaptation for the smaller stage. The overall quality of the production was great. My friend and I sat in the second row of the loge, however, and the lighting rigs on the front of the loge did interfere with seeing some of the action downstage. I think sitting in the front row would make it even harder to see so be warned if buying loge tickets. Tonight I got back from the opening of CATS. It was my 6th time seeing it (1st not at it's original home at the Winter Garden in NYC). The production and cast were absolutely PHENOMENAL!! I had a right center balcony, row A seat and it was perfect for this show. The sound quality of the live orchestra was incredible. As for the theatre itself, it's absolutely beautiful with amazing architecture and detail. However, I'm only giving it 4 stars (and considered 3) because it seriously needs some restoration. There is major paint flaking, especially on the ceilings, and I worry with the sound and vibration that it's going to flake off and fall on people. I don't know if the issues go beyond paint to plaster or structure but if the Tivoli wants to keep drawing in quality shows and audiences, something needs to be done about the appearance. read more

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This is such an authentically cool old theatre! Before my Mom and I saw Woodstock to celebrate its anniversary, an organ player wowed the crowd. And I could grab a cocktail prior at a little bar inside the lobby. read more

I've only gone to this theatre for the "Home For The Holidays" Christmas music program by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. Both times I truly enjoyed the experience. Great selection of Christmas pieces and usually a singalong of Christmas songs during the program. Santa always makes an appearance as well. The theatre appears to have a lot of its original construction - signage, tight seating, architecture, and such. It could use some updating, but works okay for what it is. Nice thing is that there isn't really a bad seat in the house. Pretty much any seat has a decent view of the stage. read more

Tivoli Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

I've been to both the Chestnut St and Walker Tivoli theaters for concerts and I like the intimate nature and character of the buildings

Beautiful theater. Watching Something Rotten. Funny musical. Well done. It was a little rushed at time. It felt like they could hardly get their words out. But, the cast was very talented. One recommendation... more leg room in the upstairs chairs. read more

The Tivoli has recently started showing Movies - what a wonderful venue to see a movie - just as it began its life many years ago - I took my boys to see E.T. last night - we have seen the movie, but sitting on the first row of the balcony made it a different experience for all of us - and the organist before the movie was a special treat. I am excited that this venue is opening up again to movies - come see one!!! read more

Tivoli Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

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I went to a concert tonight with 5 others and we had a lot of fun. The band was gifted with entertaining everybody by playing their musical instruments. We all enjoyed the band and got our money's worth too. There's not many you can go to pay reasonable prices for concert tickets. read more

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What a beautiful and well ran establishment. My husband and I went to see Downton abbey at the tivoli and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The staff are wonderful and they have wine/beer/popcorns/snacks so all over win :) My only negative is that there are no cup holders in the seats but it's an old theatre and absolutely beautiful and full of charm. read more

Friday night I took my youngest Daughter and my Fiancé to the Collective Soul concert with Hour Late opening for them. This was my fourth time going to a Collective Soul concert so I know a little about how wonderful they are but this venue made the concert even better! Why you ask? Because of the great seats I had we could see everything that happened on the stage and felt closer to the band than at most venues. In addition, the Tivoli is a beautiful old building which is very ornate. It needs some work, but still, BEATUIFUL! I've been to several events here and each one was memorable. I'll definitely be back. read more

Old time theater in downtown Chattanooga... Very nostalgic feeling. Ashers were very nice and helpful thus making it easy to find your seat for the Brian Regan show! Theater needs some fresh paint but otherwise a very cool place to see a show, Not really a bad seat in the house read more

Tivoli Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chattanooga, Tennessee

THE TIVOLI NEEDS A LITTLE LOVE AND TENDERNESS! This is a beautiful theater that has been around since 1921 and was added to the historic registry in 1973. Although it has undergone a couple of restorations, it is in dire need of some additional attention. Most telling, is the lack of simple things such as the locks on the bathroom stall doors, a need for housekeeping services and needed repairs of the ceiling directly over the seats. Despite the need for repairs, there is no denying the beauty of this theater. The architecture is exquisite and many areas are still in great shape. I would love to see it restored to its former splendor. *** The seats in this theater are fairly narrow so keep this in mind. You don't want to add bulk by adding a heavy coat so just dress in light layers. *** Ladies when you line up for the ladies' room, don't just stop at the first group of stalls as you will only back up the line. Continue on to the stalls that are further in and use those as well. It would be nice if the bathrooms were staffed with attendants to expedite the process and maintain privacy, (holding doors that don't lock). However, I noticed that the theater was staffed with volunteers and so I don't think that an attendant is in the budget. Overall, I enjoyed my visit to this theater and would definitely return for future productions. read more

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This theater is absolutely breathtaking. I've been in quite a few, and I believe this one is my favorite. We watched Something Rotten (great show) and loved it. It's large enough but not too large. Drink prices were good. The only negative is that a few of the ushers were extremely rude. But other than that we had an amazing evening in this historically beautiful theater. read more

A gorgeous historical theatre house in downtown Chattanooga. I just saw Daniel Tosh here a couple of nights ago from the balcony and the view was amazing. Being a theatre nerd, I'm astonished at how well-kept the Tivoli is. These kinds of places need a lot of love and money, and thankfully the Tivoli has received both. Thankfully, there's plenty of street parking, parking lots, and a parking garage all close by. And since our car broke down that night, I was especially thankful there was a Sheraton a block away. read more

I love this theatre. It's so small that any seat is a good seat. Prices are fairly reasonable for Broadway shows on tour, especially given how great the seats are. I've only seen the Broadway shows here, but I love being able to see them in my hometown! read more

Came here to see the Indigo Girls performing with the Chattanooga Symphony and it was everything I had hoped it would be and more. The inside of the building is stunning as I had dreamed it would be, the seats are comfortable and angled in such a way so that everyone has a great view of the stage, the sound and light guys were working it, it was just great. I have no complaints and cannot wait to come back. read more

What a beautiful piece of history and a great place to see a show in Chattanooga. Long live Tivoli !!

I'm honest to God torn about this review and the rating. I love the Tivoli, I really do. It's a grand old theatre, I even performed there in college as part of the "Singing Christmas Tree", but truthfully I was underwhelmed on a recent visit. The show we went to see "cirque d'or" was bad, really really bad. Now, I know what you're thinking "review the venue not the show" right? Wrong. The Tivoli chose to invite and host what was the equivalent of bad street performance. Now, to the credit of the Tivoli management they did refund our tickets but how can chattanooga's premier theater venue set the bar for shows so low? I know Chattanooga is a small market for touring shows but there is and has to be a way to elevate the level of theatrical experience available in the city. I'm giving the Tivoli 3 stars because I still love the ambiance, the moldings and even the falling plaster ceilings. It has the potential to be a very special place in an increasing special city. read more

Beautiful theater in need of some upgrades! I went Saturday to see The Color Purple with my mother. This was my first visit to The Tivoli and I was excited. The performance was spectacular. We had great seat location downstairs center. I am not a toothpick or a clothes hanger but I consider myself above average in height and weight to say the least. I also have chronic pain. These seats are not very comfortable. You are packed like sardines in seats designed for a smaller generation. Air circulation was poor. I was sweating wearing a thin dress. As I looked around to take in the theater's architecture, I see the peeling paint. I don't want to change the style but create an environment that is as comfortable as possible. The seats need to be replaced with larger padded seats. I know this would limit the amount of seats to offer and I know ticket sale would have to reflect this. The row we were in was not full even by half. Repaint, repair, and restore the ceiling. Maybe test to see why the paint is peeling. Is it moisture, heating and cooling, or vibrations from performances causing this. On a lighter note the staff were polite and got us to our seats. The theater was clean and inviting. Next time I may have to get an upgrade for a more comfortable seat. I can't wait to come back for another Broadway production. read more

I am marking this down a little because the City of Chattanooga has not allowed beer or wine to be sold here. It is a great venue for a concert. The sound is excellent. The sound is as good as the Fox in Atlanta. read more

This is one of my favorite places to see shows in Chattanooga. It's got the old theater feel. Balcony. Old molding etc. It's in need of a little repair. Hope the city or whoever invests in it to keep it up. read more

First and foremost, unequivocal praise for Sam and Chris. There was confusion about the venue, and we showed up via uber to the historic Tivoli instead of MemorialAuditorium. Sam drove us up the (long) hill in his personal auto and Chris provided concessions. Absolutely brilliant response and the most courteous gentlemen ever! read more

This is a small venue that is nicely restored, and the Black Jacket Symphony doing Pink Floyd was awesome. Inexpensive and we got our money's worth! read more

Jersey Boys is a great play about great music. Gratuitous cursing marred an otherwise solid show. The first number, a rap Diddy in French, has no logical sequence or connection to the play or storyline. Good Frankie Valli impersonation and well done set changes. Tivoli has wonderful acoustics as always. read more

This place is so nostalgic for me. I just love it! I have performed here and seen countless amounts of shows - from concerts to plays, and even ballets. It is just a truly wonderful place. I would definitely recommend seeing a show if you are just in town for the weekend - it is a really neat, old theatre on the inside and a cool experience for anyone. The sound is intimate and great for a concert if there's someone playing that you might like to see. It has a small-time feel. The prices are also usually pretty affordable. Last night we saw Book of Mormon which was just amazing. I would recommend sitting towards the middle if possible, sometimes the sound is a little bit muffled on the far edges of the theatre but it is still not bad. Just more difficult to make out the words if it is a musical or play. Otherwise, anywhere in the place is a good seat. We have even sat on the very last row before and still enjoyed ourselves. Love it! read more

Just saw The Book of Mormon. What a fantastic show. Well received by the audience. I believe the whole audience was laughing out loud for the entire performance. I love going to the Tivoli for shows and concerts. Thank you for bringing such good entertainment to Chattanooga! read more

I'm honestly kind of torn about how to review the place. I originally hadn't planned on writing this, but it had to be one of the worst customer service experiences that I've had in years. We've been to a few concerts at the Tivoli and for the most part have had a lovely experience there, but some of the staff aren't the most pleasant people in the world to deal with. I have to purchase accommodation seating or something compatible which requires a trip to the box office. During my last visit to purchase concert tickets for my husband's birthday, the incredibly polite young man that was checking on the tickets for me had issues with hearing how to spell my weird name through the window so I gave him my card to double check the spelling so he could look me up in the system. He sorted out my tickets, had me to sign a slip and gave me my card back and the tickets. We moved on, no biggie. Just another every day concert ticket purchase. But then, a couple of hours later - whom I'm assuming was his boss (a girl I'll just call J) called me in a bit of a huff saying that I forgot to pay for my tickets. Um what?? No, I paid with a card. She went on about how the computer showed that I was going to pay cash, and that I had said that I was going to pay with a card but didn't give him the card. I tried to explain what happened to her, but was ignored. At any point was J polite to me about the situation? No, she more or less acted like I tried to get away with free tickets, it felt like she was accusing me of trying to steal them... which she pretty much was. Why the Hell would the box office give me tickets that I hadn't paid for and let me walk away? You would think logic would have kicked in for her that it was some sort of computer error or whatever on THEIR END before she calls and pretty much accuses a customer of something like that. She couldn't even put the charge through correctly herself while on the phone with me due to it being set as cash in the system (her words to someone in the office), yet still, I got attitude. I let her run it a second time while on the phone and they finally got it to go through. After everything was said and done you would think that she would at least apologize for the misunderstanding or inconvenience. Nope, not even once. Her final words to me were - "It's good we caught this or you would of had you some free ..... tickets." I replied no, that if I had noticed it missing on my statement I would have called and paid. I have a conscious. She didn't say a word in return. I don't know where you found that one, but wow. O_o read more

This is a beautiful venue to see a concert or attend an event. The management is stellar too! I lost my wallet and Kevin had contacted me and returned it to my hotel with all of the cash within just a few hours! Excited to go back! read more

dont go to a concert there unless you want to stand for 3 hour cant see the performers in are case TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND. i conplanned to mangement and was told it was at the bands request ever one stands...well i didnt pay 325 dollars for my girl friend whos 4 foot 11 to stand whats she going to see nothing. the first pefromer tivoli usher were making people set..the was nothing on the tickets that said a standing.. concert...i ask to make ever one set and was told no by manment..i left as lots of other people did after 2 songs..not a good place to see any one in concert there plus there were fights braking out with the younger and older crowd because they would set..and securty let it go not a safe place to go see a concert.. read more

Went here to see a dance recital for my niece's dance troupe. I haven't been here in years, but it looks the same. Old theater. The smell and the look. It makes you wonder what the it was like back in the day with the different fashions and what not. I found the bathrooms to be decent. There were lights on the aisle end chairs to help you see your way when leaving or arriving while the house lights are down. I'm sure it takes a lot of money to keep the place running, but there HAS to be a better way to to give donors credit than putting little brass plates on the back of seats.They have these sharp little corners that are prone to catch your khaki's as you scootch past someone that is already seated. Trust me, I know, because I ripped my pants on one of the brass plate corners. I almost said "Thanks Obama." But I don't think that theater is under democratic control-I could be wrong. I should have written the donors' names down to see if they would also donate me some new pants. That was the only thing that irked me. It's a part of history that has been kept pretty decent right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. Overall, it's a nice theater. The stage seems to be in good shape and i don't think that there is a bad seat in the place. The lighting system seemed to be updated and the show was enjoyable. Except for the couple that was sitting next to us. People don't know how to shut up and enjoy a show anymore. read more

My husband and I attended a Jason Isbell concert just two days ago and we were very disappointed in the Tivoli Theatre. In reading the history of the theatre, seeing how great it looked and how many volunteers were there to support it, we anticipated a great concert with some rowdiness from the crowd and some alcohol but were shocked by the drunkenness of the patrons and how the Tivoli seemed to encourage this behavior by selling so many cheap tallboy beers. If they had sold wine and beer in small glasses at a higher price, it may have controlled the situation but they choose not. It seemed that making as much profit as possible was their direction. At one point a bouncer had to be placed near the stage to control the drunks, and a gentleman sitting in the row right in front of us literally passed out and would have fallen to the floor had it not been for his wife propping him up in his chair. We were on the sixth row so you know the music was loud but great. Don't misunderstand, we hoped for a great evening of great music and a glass of wine. But as we watched everyone else getting so drunk, we refrained, as did some others it appeared. Earlier that day we enjoyed great beers at Terminal Brew House with a late lunch but the Tivoli situation was beyond ridiculous. The police were there and had to prevent two people from going back into the Theatre because of their drunken behavior. As a result of all of this, we left just prior to the end of the concert, wanted to be out of the way of all the drunks. All in all, we enjoyed seeing the revitalization of the city, had great food, stayed in the Downtown Marriott which was very comfortable, really enjoyed hearing Jason Isbell but the Tivoli will not be on our return-to-visit list. read more