Looking for an unforgettable experience in Atlanta? Look no further than The Fox Theater, a historic movie palace that has hosted great performers, influential films and has entertained audiences for almost a century. With its grand and bizarre architecture and interior design, the Fox Theater is a wonderful venue for viewing theater productions, enjoying the summer film series, or taking a tour.

History:

The Fox Theater was built in 1929 under Architect Oliver Vinour as a movie palace. The local newspaper described it as “a picturesque and almost disturbing grandeur beyond imagination”. Originally built as a Shrine Temple, the $2.75 million project exceeded the Shriner’s budget. Motion picture mogul William Fox leased the auditorium from the Shriners to show movies, and the Fox Theater opened on December 25, 1929, just two months after the stock market crashed. The Theater’s namesake only leased it for about 3 years before going bankrupt. The complex was purchased by Paramount Pictures in December 1932, and later became a successful movie palace in the 1940s.

Architecture:

The Fox Theater is notable for its Moorish and Egyptian architectural design. When viewed from the street, the large Islamic curves of the building make a stark statement against Atlanta’s modern Midtown skyline.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the interior design is the dark ceiling of the 4,665 seated auditorium which features 96 crystal “stars”, a third of which flicker, and a projection of clouds that drift across the sky. The auditorium is built to replicate an Arabian Courtyard.

The Egyptian Ballroom was built to model a temple of Ramses II in Karnak and features hieroglyphs and Ramses II statue as a pharaoh over the stage. The Mezzanine Ladies Lounge features a replica of King Tut’s throne and makeup tables with small sphinxes.

Fox Theater patron Danielle Crane writes: “As a child visiting the theater for the first time, I was in awe of the grand entrance with it’s luxurious velvet carpets, dark rich textured walls, and the star-filled sky in the auditorium. But what I’ll never forget was the Ladies Lounge! It features an Egyptian Mezzanine décor and beautifully appointed seating area. I never wanted to leave the Ladies rest area!”

If you’re visiting the Fox Theater for a play or summer flick, here are some delicious restaurants within a short walk:

Edgar’s Proof and Provision: Located across the street in The Georgia Terrace Hotel, this trendy bar offers great small plates a specialty cocktails. It’s a beautiful walk through the hotel and a great place to have a drink and small bite.

Baraonda Ristorante & Bar: Located at 710 Peachtree St, this Italian restaurant offers woodfire pizzas, delicious pasta dishes, and a great selection of wine.

Cypress Street Pint and Plate: If you’re looking for a more casual spot to have beers and pub food, Cypress is a great pub just down the street from the Fox Theater.