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The Michigan Theatre, the last and largest theatre built in downtown Jackson, opened April 30, 1930. It was built for the mainstream popular entertainment of the day — vaudeville and movies. For just pennies, the public was treated like royalty as it passed under a glittering marqee into a Hollywood Fantasyland. The building’s exotic Spanish style, lavish interior plasterwork, ornate polychrome terra cotta facade, carved walnut furniture, plush wool carpeting, heavy damask draperies, stained glass light fixtures, and oil paintings entertained the patrons as much as the attractions on the stage and screen. It was the first air conditioned building in downtown Jackson and offered a place to escape the summer heat.
The Michigan Theatre of Jackson Inc., a not-for-profit Michigan corporation, acquired the building from the City of Jackson on August 24, 1993. The group continues to restore and operate the theatre, bring in classic films, art films, live theatre productions, concerts, meetings, and other community events.
