Music Hall Home Page
December 9, 1928, The Wilson Theater, as Music Hall was originally named, opened with Florenz Ziegfeld’s production of “Rosalie.” Mrs. Wilson, William Kapp and Smith, Hinchman & Grylls designed the 1701 seat theater with state-of-the-art attributes and attitude. The curved wood paneled walls, silk drapes, specially designed seats and carpet, and an orchestra pit for 40 musicians made The Wilson Theater a suitable rival to nearly any major performance facility in the country. Many of the original pieces can still be seen in the theater today. Music Hall has been home to Michigan Opera Theater, as well as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and in the 1950’s became the world’s 2nd Cinerama. From its establishment by philanthropist Matilda Dodge Wilson, Music Hall has had a great tradition of offering cultural enrichment to all. The main auditorium at Music Hall remains among the best venues in the United States and has seen performances by stars such as Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis, and more recently by Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Annie Lenox and hundreds of others. Our new Jazz Café is already regarded as one of the country’s most important Jazz venues. Music Hall continues to be an invaluable reminder of Mrs. Wilson’s history and visionary philanthropy. Music Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the League of Historic Theaters.
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