Madison Theatre History

 

The Madison Theatre was built in 1917 at a cost of $500,000... a hefty price tag for a theatre in Detroit at the time.  C. Howard Crane built the theater for the Kunsky circuit in an elegant, understated Neo- classical style. It sat over 1800 and at the time, the largest of the theatres in Detroit’s former theatre district, Grand Circus Park.

 Five stories of office space sat above the Madison and its façade was covered in a Terra cotta classical motif.  Other than a small, relatively simple marquee, the original Madison could of pass for a typical office building.  The Madison enjoyed immediate success, opening with the film ‘Poor Little Rich Girl’. Its features included a gilded plasterwork in the auditorium and lobby spaces, including a frieze of maidens over the stage’s proscenium arch and a tiered orchestra pit. By the late 20s and early 30s several larger and far more ornate places had joined the Madison on Grand Circus Park, such as the Capital, the State and The Fox, but the Madison continued to remain a popular venue for many more years.

 

Unfortunately for the Madison, the last film shown was in 1984 and ironically it was a movie called The Dead Zone which remained on the marquee for many years after it closed. The theatre had popped its last bag of popcorn, ran its last film and closed its door’s for good.

 

Now, Angelina Italian Bistro occupies the space where the Madison Theatre thrilled movie goers for many years. While the building is just a shell of its former self,  it is our hope that sharing memories and photos will keep the spirit and history of the old movie house alive.

 

 

 

Copyright, David Kohrman, Wayne State University.   Click the link below for more interesting facts and photos of the Madison Theatre.

 

http://www.forgottendetroit.com/madison/index.html

Leave a comment about your Madison Theatre experience and memories!  If you have a picture of the Madison Theatre and would like to share it with us please email us at info@angelinadetroit.com.

Comments

[download movies]

Wow I remember watching a movie there when I was about five years old! I forgot the name of the place until I saw this post,but I remember it so vividly! is it really up and running again???

[Polovni Automobili]

I was a kid when I watched the movie and I was very impressed!

[Koh Samui Hotels]

Remind me when I was a kid. Thank you

[article writing service]

I am really a unlucky person because i haven't watch a single show until now. Great info received from the blog..:) The Madison Theater seems awesome and spectacular thanks for the blog for giving such a nice view and history of the theater

[איפור כלות]

Great history! Fortunately for the Madison, the last film proven was was twenty six decades ago and surprisingly it was the film which stayed on the marquee for many decades after it shut.

[Coupon l l]

Its good to know once again about the great historical moments. Madison Theater, its really wonderful with 1800 seating arrangement. The last movie played "Dead Zone" don't know, by the name itself the theater closed and remains dead in hearts of Detroit’s former theater district.

[classified ad]

It's looking antic and historical image. I never see before such awesome photo.

[ski instructor]

I think i am the worst person. Ahhh I didn't saw a single picture there it's look awesome the theater. Very happy to see this blog and may be in next life may god bless me and sent me to that theater...:) thanks for the blog...
:)

[Web Dizajn]

Remind me when I was a kid:) Me, too!
Thank’s for sharing

[surf camp]

Great historical and heart touching post!! hats off to the owner of Madison theater!

[Furnished rentals New York]

Thanks for this post – I have struggled with this as I have NO comments yet on my blog and in some ways feel badly about that (until i read your posts about this) and yet I see there is more that I can do. thankss.

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Good work. Thanks for the info. very useful tips indeed..
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[Garage Door Repair Medford]

I am pleased to hear about the great Madison Theater after a long time, I wish it could be repaired and get back to use again.

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What a treat to eat at Angelique Cafe in the Fashion District in Downtown. ... Close Driving Directions for ...

[במות הרמה]

I know about the excellent traditional times. Madison Cinema, its really amazing with many sitting design. The last film performed Dead Zone don't know, by the name itself the theater shut and continues to be deceased in minds and hearts of Detroit’s former theater section.

[anabolic steroids]

Fantastic post about theater history and it is very costly at the time of build. Also the inner space is great.