Music Hall (Wilson Theatre) - Detroit, MI
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S5280ft
N 42° 20.237 W 083° 02.757
17T E 331453 N 4689252
Located on the south side of Madison Street, between Randolph and Brush Streets. Parking is available nearby.
Waymark Code: WM1JEZ
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 05/19/2007
Views: 72
From the State of Michigan Historic Preservation Office website:
Narrative Description:
The Wilson Theater (Music Hall) is a rectangular, six-story, Art Deco theater with walls of light colored stone. Orange and tan brick is used as ornament and the building is trimmed with colorful mosaic tile. The entrance facade is divided into several bays by wide stone pillars topped by theatrical terra cotta mask figures, and thin pillars separating window bays. The stunning interior, decorated in an elaborate Spanish Renaissance style, seats approximately 1800 guests.
Statement of Significance:
The Music Hall is an outstanding example of careful restoration and one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Detroit. Mathilda Dodge Wilson commissioned William Kapp of the Detroit firm of Smith, Hinchman, & Grylls to design the theater, completed in 1928 at a cost of $1.5 million. The building was constructed as a legitimate theater and originally housed touring Broadway productions in the city's main theater district. In 1946 the name of the building was changed from the Wilson Theater to the Music Hall when the theater became the home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The building was changed into a Cinerama in 1951 and has recently been beautifully restored.
From the Michigan Historical Marker on-site:
MUSIC HALL Originally called the Wilson Theatre, this building was completed in 1928 with funds provided by Matilda Wilson (Mrs. Alfred G.). William E. Kapp of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, an architectural firm whose works dominated the city's skyline of the 1920s, designed this Art Deco-style edifice. Terra cotta Greek masks adorn the exterior, and elaborate molded plaster and stenciling complement the interior. The theater's purpose of offering legitimate productions was initially fulfilled, but during the Depression its lights dimmed except for sporadic occasions. From 1946 to 1949, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra occupied the structure which was renamed Music Hall. Area residents came here in the 1950s and 1960s to see Cinerama and other films. Now the home of the Music Hall Center and the Michigan Opera Theatre, Music Hall is restored to its original use and appearance.
Theater Name: Music Hall
Country: U.S.A.
Address:
350 Madison Street
Detroit, MI U.S.A.
48226-2255
Web Site: [Web Link]
Venue: Private Theater
Type of Productions:
Multi-use facility
Restored Building: yes
Date of Construction: 1928
Architect/Designer: William E. Kapp of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls
Stage Type: Proscenium
Seating Capacity: 1701
Special Productions/Events/Festivals: Not listed
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