The Fox Theatre was at the top of my “must visit” list on my recent trip to Atlanta. I had been there back in 2007, but was unable to get inside. I attempted to book a tour, but none were offered during my short stay. Believe me…I did my best to get inside, including attempting wangle my way in after a show had let out. No go, amigo! So, I had to be content with circling the outside of this beautiful building.
Rachel Maddow and Stacey Abrams were on the marquee; back in 1946, Walt Disney’s “Song of the South” premiered here on November 12th, with Walt and his wife Lillian in attendance.
Note the B’rer Rabbit sticker on the windshield:
The exterior hasn’t changed much since that night:
An almost exact duplicate angle I shot from 2007:
Edited from the Fox Theatre website:
In 1928, the Fox was originally conceived as a home for Atlanta’s Shriners organization. To create a headquarters befitting the group’s prominent social status, the Shriners looked to the ancient temples of the Far East to inspire a mosque-style structure befitting their stature. Storied architectural gems like the Alhambra in Spain and Egypt’s Temple of Kharnak heavily influenced the building’s design. Ultimately, the design was so fantastical, it became more of a financial burden than the Shriners could bear. Shortly before its completion, the Shriners leased their beautiful auditorium to movie mogul William Fox. With Fox’s financial backing (the project cost more than $3 million, the equivalent of nearly $40 million today), the 250,000 square foot Fox Theatre was completed, with the crowning addition of “Mighty Mo”, the 3,622-pipe Möller organ that remains the largest Möller theatre organ in the world even today. The Fox opened on Christmas Day in 1929 to a sold-out crowd, premiering Steamboat Willie, Disney’s first cartoon starring Mickey Mouse.
I loved this little detail at the bottom of the ticket booth, although I have no idea what it’s purpose is.
The exterior entryway:
These side entrances show the original intention of the building:
Contrary to what many think, “Gone with the Wind” did not premiere here in 1939; it was shown at the Loew’s Grand Theater. Sadly, that theatre burned in 1978 and was replaced by a 1,567,011 square foot skyscraper. Rumors of arson swirled since the Grand couldn’t be torn down due to its historic status; the fire took care of that.
I guess I’ll have to go back to Atlanta again if I want to see the interior. I can only imagine how impressive it must be. See more Fox Theatre in Atlanta photos at my main website.
The small door is part of a Tiny Door ATL! They are scattered throughout the city
ReplyDeleteSaw Raiders of the Lost Ark there - most memorable even after 40 years, The Stones played there in ‘81 or ‘82 in support of Tattoo You. I also saw Le Miserable in 1990. I fell asleep - musicals ain’t my thing.
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought the small door was maybe something they put there for Walt as a door for Mickey Mouse, some poorly thought out joke? Like Arielle said, it's part of https://tinydoorsatl.com/pages/doors though. I had to look it up before even reading the comments and was surprised to see there's 20 of these around town. What do you think Dave, should we start doing this in San Diego? How long would they last before being damaged? One wonders.
ReplyDeleteIt's like Storybook Land came to Atlanta! Wish I'd known that while I was there so that I could have scouted out some of the other ones. Thanks Arielle & Bryan!
ReplyDeleteBryan - I think we should do a Ghostbuster series!
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