fot. Flickr/Bob Jagendorf

From a gem to a car park. The history of the Michigan Theatre in Detroit

·21 July 2026

The Michigan Theatre in Detroit is a former symbol of cinematic splendour, now filled with rows of cars. Inside, one can still admire the richly decorated vaults and remnants of the original décor, even though the building has served as a car park for nearly half a century. The history of this place is a mirror image of the fate of the entire city.

The birth of one of America’s finest cinemas

The Michigan Theatre opened on 23 August 1926 on the corner of Bagley Avenue and Cass Avenue. The project cost around $5 million, making it one of the most expensive of its kind at the time. The client was John H. Kunsky, and the design was drawn up by the renowned Chicago-based architectural firm Rapp & Rapp. The building was designed in the French Renaissance style. Guests were welcomed by a grand foyer featuring marble columns, crystal chandeliers, European works of art and a stately staircase leading to the mezzanine.

The building shortly after its opening in 1926. Source: historicdetroit.org

The interiors of the Michigan Theatre in Detroit

The auditorium could seat over 4,000 spectators and was modelled on an Italian Renaissance courtyard. The vaulted ceiling was adorned with elaborate stucco work and gilding, and during screenings of silent films, the sounds of one of the largest Wurlitzer organs, equipped with around 2,500 pipes, would fill the theatre. Over the following years, the stage hosted performances by, amongst others, the Marx Brothers, Bob Hope, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington. In the 1920s, up to five shows were held every day, combining concerts, stage performances and film screenings.

The decline of the Michigan Theatre

In 1928, the cinema screened its first sound film, eventually phasing out stage performances altogether. In the 1950s, renovations to the building’s interior began, which altered the historic décor. A decline in audience numbers led to the Michigan Theatre closing its doors on 5 March 1967. Shortly afterwards, the venue was converted into the Michigan Palace concert hall, where artists such as David Bowie, KISS, Aerosmith and Rush performed. However, the change of use and a lack of proper maintenance led to the interior falling into disrepair, and in 1976 the building was closed for good.

The lobby in 1926. Source: Detroit City Archives

A car park beneath the palace-like vaulted ceiling

The demolition of the abandoned building was halted only by an engineering report which demonstrated that it was responsible for the stability of the neighbouring Michigan Building. In 1977, the auditorium, balconies and grand staircase were removed from the former Michigan Theatre – their place was taken by car park ramps. The decorative ceilings, parts of the foyer, the proscenium arch and the former projection booth, however, were spared. As a result, the interior still bears witness to the former splendour of this place. The juxtaposition of opulent architecture with the everyday function of car parking has earned the building the title of the world’s most beautiful car park.

A symbol of Detroit and a beacon of hope for the Michigan Theatre

Detroit residents still leave their cars beneath the fairytale vaults, but this may soon change. The complex was recently purchased by the Boydell Group, which intends to renovate selected parts of the building and use them for cultural events. There is therefore a chance that this extraordinary monument will retain its unique identity and the traces that bear witness to the magnificent history of the Michigan Theatre.