Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre is a historic theater located in Atlanta, Georgia, and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, alongside the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park. The theater was built in the 1920s and features a unique blend of Islamic architecture and Art Deco styles, similar to the Taj Mahal and Chrysler Building. It has hosted a wide range of performances, including concerts by Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and Lady Gaga, as well as Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera and Wicked. The theater is also a popular venue for events and conferences, including the Atlanta Film Festival and the Southeastern Conference.

● History

The Fox Theatre was built in 1929 by William Fox, the founder of 20th Century Fox, and was designed by Architectural firm Hargreaves Associates. The theater was originally intended as a Shriners temple, but was later converted into a movie palace, featuring films like Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. Over the years, the theater has undergone several renovations and restorations, including a major restoration project in the 1970s led by Mayor of Atlanta Maynard Jackson and Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter. The theater has also been recognized for its historical significance, including being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and being designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior.

● Architecture

The Fox Theatre features a unique blend of Islamic architecture and Art Deco styles, with intricate details and ornate decorations, similar to the Alhambra and Taj Mahal. The theater's design was influenced by the works of Architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. The theater's interior features a large auditorium with a Moorish-style ceiling, as well as a grand lobby with a large chandelier designed by Tiffany & Co.. The theater's exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings and ornate details, similar to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and St. Peter's Basilica. The theater's design has been praised by Architectural critic Ada Louise Huxtable and Historic preservationist James Marston Fitch.

● Performances

The Fox Theatre has hosted a wide range of performances over the years, including concerts by Elton John, The Rolling Stones, and Lady Gaga, as well as Broadway shows like The Phantom of the Opera and Wicked. The theater has also hosted performances by Comedian Eddie Murphy, Actor Robin Williams, and Musician Prince. The theater is also a popular venue for events and conferences, including the Atlanta Film Festival and the Southeastern Conference. The theater has been recognized for its excellent acoustics, with Sound engineer George Massenburg and Music producer Quincy Jones praising the theater's sound quality.

● Restoration

The Fox Theatre underwent a major restoration project in the 1970s, led by Mayor of Atlanta Maynard Jackson and Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter. The restoration project aimed to restore the theater to its original grandeur, and included the repair of the theater's intricate stone carvings and ornate details. The project was funded by a combination of public and private funds, including a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and a donation from Philanthropist Robert W. Woodruff. The restoration project was completed in 1978, and the theater was reopened with a performance by Singer Aretha Franklin.

● Notable Events

The Fox Theatre has hosted a number of notable events over the years, including the Atlanta Film Festival and the Southeastern Conference. The theater has also hosted performances by Comedian Chris Rock, Actor Denzel Washington, and Musician Stevie Wonder. The theater has been recognized for its historical significance, including being listed on the National Register of Historic Places and being designated as a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior. The theater has also been featured in a number of films and television shows, including The Walking Dead and Stranger Things, and has been visited by President of the United States Barack Obama and First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama. The theater is also a popular tourist destination, with visitors from around the world, including New York City, Los Angeles, and London.

Category:Theatres in Atlanta, Georgia