The Fabulous Five: Why These Iconic Fox Theatres Are Still Making Headlines In 2025
The Fox Theater is not just one building; it is a legendary collection of restored movie palaces across the United States, each a masterpiece of architectural fantasy that continues to host the world’s biggest names in entertainment. As of late 2025, these historic venues are once again making headlines, not just for their star-studded lineups, but for major, multimillion-dollar renovations that are preserving their opulent grandeur for future generations.
From the recent completion of the "Onion Dome" restoration in Atlanta to the announcement of the highly anticipated 2025-2026 Broadway Series in Detroit, the legacy of the Fox Theatres chain, founded by movie mogul William Fox, remains a vibrant, evolving story. These theaters, originally built in the late 1920s, stand as living museums, blending silent film-era extravagance with modern-day performance technology, ensuring they remain cultural beacons in their respective cities.
The Big Three: Architectural Wonders and Iconic Organs
The original vision of the Fox Theatres was to create "Temples of Amusement"—a concept that transcended the simple movie house. The most famous locations—Atlanta, Detroit, and St. Louis—each boast unique, exotic architectural styles that make them national landmarks, attracting millions of visitors annually.
1. Atlanta's Fox Theatre: The Moorish Masterpiece and Mighty Mo
The Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, is arguably the most famous of the chain, having been originally conceived in 1928 as the headquarters for the city's Shriners organization. Its design is a spectacular blend of Islamic and Egyptian architecture, drawing inspiration from iconic structures like Spain's Alhambra and the Temple of Kharnak in Egypt.
- Architectural Style: Moorish and Egyptian Revival.
- Seating Capacity: 4,665.
- The Mighty Mo: The theater is home to the Moller Opus 5566, one of the world's largest working pipe organs, affectionately nicknamed "Mighty Mo." The organ’s immense power and complexity are a core part of the Fox’s identity.
- 2025 Update: The Atlanta Fox recently completed a major, multi-phase renovation, including the meticulous restoration of its distinctive "Onion Dome" and other exterior architectural features, ensuring its historical integrity is maintained for decades to come.
The venue’s survival is a legendary Atlanta story, saved from demolition in the mid-1970s by a massive public campaign that solidified its status as a cultural treasure and a National Historic Landmark.
2. Detroit's Fox Theatre: The Siamese-Byzantine Colossus
The Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan, is the largest of the surviving movie palaces from the 1920s and was once billed as "the most magnificent Temple of Amusement in the World." It opened in 1928 and was designed by the prolific theater architect C. Howard Crane.
- Architectural Style: Oriental/Siamese-Byzantine. Its interior is noted for its dramatic, highly ornate style, often described as an architectural twin to its St. Louis counterpart.
- Seating Capacity: Over 5,000 seats, making it the largest of the original Fox Theatres.
- The Wurlitzer Organ: Detroit's Fox features a powerful, custom-built Wurlitzer organ, Opus #1894, a "Fox Special" style that was so immense it was rumored to have to be muted to prevent cracking the plaster.
- 2025-2026 News: Detroit's Fox Theatre, managed by 313 Presents, has announced its 2025-2026 series, featuring major touring Broadway shows, concerts, and family entertainment like the reimagined Cirque Dreams Holidaze, keeping the historic venue at the center of the city's entertainment scene.
3. St. Louis's Fabulous Fox Theatre: The Ornate Twin
The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, is the architectural twin of the Detroit Fox, also designed by C. Howard Crane and opened in 1929. Its ornate interior is considered one of the most lavish in the country.
- Architectural Style: Siamese-Byzantine Baroque.
- History: The theater was a flagship of William Fox’s movie production company and has hosted over 22 million people for Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts since its restoration.
- Cultural Significance: The venue is a City Landmark, recognized for its opulent Moorish-inspired architecture and its role as a premier host for touring Broadway productions.
The Modern Legacy: Renovations and Resurgence in 2025
The story of the Fox Theatres is one of continuous revival. Unlike many historic venues that fell into disrepair, these theaters have been meticulously restored and upgraded to meet the demands of modern touring productions, ensuring their relevance in the 21st century.
The West Coast and Beyond: Updates from Fullerton and Spokane
While the "Big Three" dominate the headlines, smaller, yet equally important, Fox Theatres are also undergoing significant work in 2025:
- Fox Theatre Fullerton, CA: The Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation has been diligently working on a multi-phase restoration. Recent updates include the completion of Phase II construction, which involved installing new restrooms and a new HVAC system, alongside ongoing mural restoration efforts to bring the opulence back to the grand lobby.
- Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox (Spokane, WA): Home to the Spokane Symphony, this Fox Theatre is actively scheduling major events into 2025 and 2026, including the annual New Year's Eve with Beethoven's Ninth, showcasing its role as a vital center for classical and contemporary music.
- Fox Theatre Boulder, CO: This venue continues its legacy as a key destination for live music, with a full schedule of concerts and events planned through 2025, maintaining its reputation for eclecticism and supporting emerging artists.
A Stage for Legends: The Fox Theatre’s Hall of Fame
The sheer number of legendary performers who have graced the stages of the various Fox Theatres is staggering, contributing immensely to their topical authority and historical significance. These venues have served as cultural barometers for nearly a century, hosting everything from vaudeville and silent films to rock concerts and political rallies.
The list of notable figures is a testament to the Fox's versatility and enduring appeal:
- Classic Hollywood and Vaudeville: Walt Disney, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, and Doris Day.
- Music Icons: Elvis Presley, who performed during his early career, and the legendary Sammy Davis Jr.
- Modern Acts: The theaters consistently host top-tier talent, including major rock acts like Widespread Panic, touring Broadway hits (like Hell's Kitchen and Blue Man Group), and stand-up comedy stars like Ron White and Jerry Seinfeld.
- Political Figures: Even future presidents, including Franklin Roosevelt and Donald Trump, have held events at the Atlanta Fox, highlighting its role beyond mere entertainment.
Whether you are captivated by the stunning Moorish architecture of Atlanta, the immense scale of the Detroit palace, or the ongoing restoration efforts in Fullerton, the collective history and current vitality of The Fox Theatres make them must-visit destinations. Their 2025 updates prove that these historical gems are not relics of the past but dynamic, essential venues for the future of live entertainment.
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