The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia first opened its doors in 1929, making it over 90 years old today. This historic and iconic venue has stood in Midtown Atlanta for nearly a century, hosting live shows, films, and events throughout its storied history. Let’s take a closer look at when the Fox Theatre first opened and how old it is today.
The Opening of the Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre first opened on December 25, 1929 after a construction period of 7 months. It was originally developed and financed by movie theater magnate William Fox at a cost of $3.65 million. Architect Olivier Vinour designed the lavish Moorish Revival style theater, modeling elements after the Alhambra in Spain. The opulent decor featured tile mosaics, ornate plasterwork, bronze detailing, and grand archways throughout the auditorium and public spaces.
When the Fox Theatre opened its doors for the very first time in 1929, the first film screened was the 1930 movie “Song o’ My Heart” starring Irish tenor John McCormack. This opening night film kicked off decades of cinema history within the walls of the Fox. In its early days as a movie palace, the Fox showed MGM films and hosted gala premieres with glamorous celebrities. The first Talkie film, “The Jazz Singer” starring Al Jolson, also played at the Fox in 1929 shortly after it opened.
In addition to films, the Fox Theatre was designed to host live entertainment and perform as a concert hall. In its inaugural year, audiences could come to see live music, vaudeville shows, and theatrical productions on the main stage in between movie screenings. This versatility as both a movie theater and a performance hall has allowed the Fox to adapt and change over its 90+ year history.
The Fox Theatre Through the Decades
After opening in the Roaring Twenties, the Fox Theatre continued operating as an iconic Atlanta venue through subsequent decades:
- 1930s – During the Great Depression, movie tickets provided an escape and Hollywood films dominated the Fox. Classics like Gone with the Wind premiered here.
- 1940s – The Fox modified its space to host USO shows supporting WWII troops in the 1940s. Big band performances and patriotic stage shows entertained soldiers stationed in Atlanta.
- 1950s & 1960s – As Atlanta grew and changed, the Fox struggled to fill seats and faced threats of demolition before community support revived it.
- 1970s – 1990s – The Fox found new life hosting concerts for rock, pop, jazz, and R&B performers. Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, James Brown and many other icons graced the Fox stage during these decades.
- 2000s – today – After renovations and restorations, the Fox continues operating as a non-profit venue hosting musicals, plays, comedians, musicians, and films in the 21st century.
Through multiple owners, various entertainment eras, and threats of destruction, the Fox Theatre has endured as an Atlanta staple for over 90 years. This longevity is a testament to its cherished place in the heart of Atlanta.
When Did the Fox Theatre Become a Historic Landmark?
By the mid-1970s, the heyday of the Fox Theatre as a movie palace had passed. With the rise of suburban multiplex cinemas, the Fox struggled to fill seats and book events. It faced threats of demolition and replacement with more modern buildings. However, the people of Atlanta rallied behind preserving the historic gem in its original form. This community support led to the Fox’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places in May of 1974.
In the 1980s, Atlanta Landmarks Inc purchased the theater and began extensive restorations to the interior and exterior details. Later, in 1996, the non-profit Atlanta Landmarks merged with the Fox Theatre’s management group. Today, this combined non-profit organization oversees continued preservation efforts and operations of the Fox Theatre. Ongoing restorations aim to conserve the original architecture and decor while allowing the space to function as a modern venue.
The Fox Theatre Today
The Fox Theatre remains an active venue in 2023, hosting hundreds of events per year and welcoming thousands of visitors. Some key facts about the present-day Fox Theatre:
- Has a seating capacity of 4,665
- Hosts over 250 performances yearly
- Presents Broadway touring shows, concerts, comedy, dance, and more
- Approximately 750,000 people visit each year
- Is located on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta
- Features a Mighty Mo organ with pipes rising from the orchestra pit
- Operates as a non-profit under Atlanta Landmark, Inc. ownership
The Fox Theatre stands today not only as a performance venue, but also as a historic landmark and beloved icon of Atlanta. Its Moorish Revival architecture and lavish decor transport visitors back to its 1929 origins. While the programming has evolved with the times, the aim of providing world-class entertainment remains the same over 90 years later.
Key Dates in the History of the Fox Theatre
Here is a timeline of some of the most significant dates in the nine-decade lifespan of Atlanta’s Fox Theatre:
Year | Event |
---|---|
1929 | Fox Theatre opens on December 25 |
1939 | Gone with the Wind premieres at the Fox |
1974 | Fox Theatre listed on the National Register of Historic Places |
1975 | Elvis Presley gives 5 sold out concerts at the Fox |
1978 | Fox hosts Atlanta premiere of Grease |
1982 | Non-profit Atlanta Landmarks purchases and restores the theater |
1989 | Fox reopens after $2 million renovation |
1996 | Atlanta Landmarks merges with Fox Theatre management |
2006 | Fox celebrates 75th anniversary |
2019 | Fox marks 90th anniversary |
2023 | Fox Theatre celebrates 94 years in operation |
Conclusion
The Fox Theatre stands as both a legendary performance venue and a beloved historic icon in the heart of Atlanta. Since first opening its doors on Christmas Day 1929, the Fox has hosted generations of movie premieres, live concerts, galas, comedies, and more. Although it faced threats of destruction in the 1970s, community support rallied behind saving the Fox. Thanks to extensive restorations and its listing as a historic landmark, the Fox endures today as a top entertainment destination in Atlanta.
In 2023, the Fox celebrates its 94th anniversary of bringing joy to Atlanta and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences. With its Moorish architecture, lavish decor, and mighty organ, the Fox transports visitors back to its origins as a grand movie palace. Yet it also continues evolving to feature Broadway hits, music icons, comedy greats, and rising stars. For nearly a century, the Fox Theatre has been at the heart of Atlanta’s cultural scene, making it one of the city’s most cherished historic venues.