Michigan Theater

603 E. Liberty Street,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

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Michigan Theater

This theater is a classic movie palace, opening on January 5, 1928 with seating for 1,841 and located near the University of Michigan. It was equipped with a Barton 3 manual 13 ranks organ.

During a recent restoration, the 1,700 seat Michigan Theater added a second 200 seat screen next to the main auditorium, and installed a new marquee to replace the older, 1950’s-era marquee (seen at right). This new marquee reveals much more of the theater’s facade, instead of hiding it. The theater retains its original Barton theater organ, installed in 1928.

Recent comments (view all 32 comments)

Patsy
Patsy on July 9, 2007 at 10:37 am

Lost Memory: Thanks for the photo. What a gorgeous exterior i.e. marquee and vertical sign! They all should look that nice!

JohnMLauter
JohnMLauter on February 19, 2008 at 9:17 am

The second screen at the Michigan is located in a new-construction addition built onto the back of the theater, leaving the auditorium in its original configuration/size. The Michigan is used for symphony, ballet, jazz, folk and contemporary events in addition to films, so “twinning” would not be an option. In regards to SNWEB’s comment about “Hats off to U of M” the University has nothing to do (directly) with the operation of the Michigan. The building is owned by the city (purchased by an overwhelmingly approved millage during an economically difficult year) and run by the non-profit Michigan theatre foundation. The foundation was formed to save the theater, which was well on its way to being gutted and converted into a “food court” mall type place, and to operate it as an auditorium/performing arts facility separate from the University’s whim and why. Henry, who has posted comments above, was really the person who began the movement to save the theater. Without his actions the theater may no exist today.

jumbobrain
jumbobrain on August 10, 2009 at 1:29 pm

Maybe I’m the only person who remembers this, but back in 1978 when Butterfield moved out of the Michigan there was serious talk of Jacobson’s moving in, gutting the interior and making it a new store (with movie theaters in the balcony). Though I’ve been seriously disappointed by many (most) of the changes I’ve seen in my hometown, the restoration of the Michigan is a big plus.

DonSolosan
DonSolosan on August 10, 2009 at 2:49 pm

There was a lot of talk like that, including turning the building into a warehouse. The Michigan is the best kind of success story.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on March 16, 2010 at 4:46 pm

I like the old style marquee better than the new one,which is always the case.

Twistr54
Twistr54 on October 26, 2010 at 4:45 pm

‘'Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’‘ was out in 1978,(I think,I drove to the movie so it had to be then) they then made the TV show from the movie, Gil Gerard was the star of both.

dansdriveintheater
dansdriveintheater on October 22, 2018 at 3:32 pm

it actually seats 1,590 people

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on November 27, 2019 at 12:23 pm

Link with 1976 photos.

https://aadl.org/taxonomy/term/117605?fbclid=IwAR2aT3cLDWSvgXPKeFEzbTqOGGOgNei3R—cdWnYs4VHk5wJB8_u181qQDI

ridethectrain
ridethectrain on July 13, 2026 at 7:51 pm

Please update, total seats 1811

Main Theatre 1632

The Screening Room 179

ridethectrain
ridethectrain on July 14, 2026 at 3:08 pm

grand opening ad posted in the photos section

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