Opened in 1928 as the Wilson Theatre, the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts is Detroit’s only venue built specifically to feature the performing arts. It was created by Matilda Dodge Wilson, the widow of John Francis Dodge, one of the founders of the Dodge automobile company.
The theatre began as a home for a local repertory theatre, and to feature touring Broadway productions. It housed the Detroit Symphony from 1946-51 (when it was renamed Detroit Music Hall), and was the home of the Michigan Opera Theatre from 1971-84. In 1977 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1995 was officially renamed the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.
Today Music Hall features a variety of music, theatre and dance, and recently opened a companion venue within the same building, the Jazz Café. The café features the best in regional and national jazz performers, and is home to the Detroit Jazz Society.
Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts Information
- Public Transportation: Fair (accessible by a number of public bus routes)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: Approximately 20 events monthly on both the main stage and in the jazz café
- Ticket Prices: Music Hall tickets generally $15-80, depending on event and seating, including service charge for internet purchases. Admission to the Jazz Café is generally lower
- Subscriptions/Membership: The Detroit Jazz Society at the Jazz Café offers annual membership that includes admission to four of any Music Hall performances (excluding benefits) and VIP reserved seating.
