Tivoli Theatre ~ Chattanooga, TN
Posted by: 
Better Half
N 35° 02.892 W 085° 18.630
16S E 654086 N 3879693
Quick Description: Historical Tivoli ~709 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 10/12/2007 6:54:38 PM
Waymark Code: WM2CNC
Views: 187
Long Description:The Tivoli was built by the Chicago firm of Rapp & Rapp, and
opened in 1921 after almost 2 years of construction, costing $1
million, a huge sum for the day. No expense was spared to make this
one of the most lavish and luxurious theaters Tennesseeans had ever
seen. In fact, after it opened, it was called The Jewel of the
South.
The Tivoli featured a domed ceiling in the lobby, with gilded
plasterwork and imported European crystal chandeliers. The theater
originally hosted both vaudeville and silent movies, but was wired
for sound in 1929. It also was one of the first public buildings in
Tennessee to be air conditioned. In 1926, Paramount acquired the
Tivoli, making it a part of its empire, in which it would remain
until after WWII.
From its opening all the way into the 40s, the Tivoli remained
the premier entertainment venue for the city, but by the end of the
1950s, the theater's audience had been lured away by television and
it closed in 1961.
After a partial renovation, the Tivoli reopened two years later,
but closed again in the early 1970s. The City of Chattanooga
purchased the Tivoli in 1976, and in 1979, plans were begun to
restore the palace to its former glory, but work did not actually
get underway until 1986.
Three years later, the Tivoli reopened, brilliantly and
painstakingly restored to its 1920s appearance, along with a new
sound and light system, a larger stage, new dressing rooms, a green
room, and rehearsal space.
Today, the Tivoli is home to the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera,
as well as concerts, dance, and Broadway shows.
Status: Open
Screens: Single Screen
Style: French Renaissance
Function: Concerts, Performing Arts
Seats: 1781
Chain: Unknown
Architect: Unknown
Firm: Rapp & Rapp