Capitol Theatre

140 E. 2nd Street,
Flint, MI 48502

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Capitol Theatre (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: W.S. Butterfield Theaters Inc.

Architects: John Adolph Emil Eberson

Functions: Concerts, Movies (Classic)

Styles: Atmospheric, Mediterranean Revival

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 810.237.7333

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News About This Theater

Capitol Theatre restoration in progress

The Capitol Theatre opened January 19, 1928, and was built for the W.S. Butterfield chain and had 1,951 seats. It was equipped with a Barton 3 manual 11 ranks organ which was opened by organist H. Fred Fuller.

The Capitol Theatre has an exterior design in a 15th-century Hispano-Italian style, with the Atmospheric style auditorium designed to resemble a Roman courtyard. The Capitol Theatre was closed to movies in 1976. It hosted concerts from the late-1970’s, with the likes of AC/DC, Ray Charles, John Mellencamp, Mel Tillis, Primus, Rage Against the Machine and Black Sabbath. appearing. It closed around 1996 and stood unused for the next 20 years.

In mid-2016 the Capitol Theatre was purchased by Uptown Investment Corp. and Whiting Co. who did a $21,000,000 plus renovation/restoration of the Capitol Theatre as a Performing Arts Center which opened December 8, 2017 with a free concert named “A Classy Brassy Christmas and More” featuring the Flint Symphony Orchestra’s Brass & Byrd Consort. The physical plant was completely modernized with all the historically significant architecture preserved and restored. The restored performing arts center seats 1,600.

Contributed by G Flinn

Recent comments (view all 43 comments)

Candacel
Candacel on March 11, 2013 at 10:36 am

Hey everyone! I’m new to this site, but I love it here so far. I’m currently working on a research project as a student at U of M Flint. My subject is this very theater, The Capitol. I need personal stories about this place. The only requirement is that you are at least fifty years of age and willing to share your story or stories with me. If you are interested in helping with this or would like more information about it please contact me at . Thanks in advance.

Chris1982
Chris1982 on January 23, 2015 at 10:46 pm

It don’t say if the theatre is fully functional but it is play “A Hard Days Night” Saturday January 24 and Sunday January 25 at 4:00 & 7:00pm

Life's Too Short
Life's Too Short on March 21, 2016 at 1:39 pm

I don’t mean to be insensitive. But the question bears asking: Isn’t Flint basically a giant ghetto nowadays? If they do get the theatre project done who is going to drive to Downtown Flint to attend an event?

spectrum
spectrum on July 11, 2016 at 9:57 am

It looks like the restoration is a go!

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2016/07/renovation_work_begins_on_capi.html

Uptown Reinvestment Corp and Whiting Co. have bought the Capitol and are ready to launch a $21,000,000 plus renovation of the Capitol as a performing arts center set to open in Fall 2017.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on December 23, 2016 at 10:59 am

Article with video of the new sign going up.

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2016/12/catch_first_glimpse_of_new_cap.html

spectrum
spectrum on September 4, 2017 at 7:11 am

They have a new official website up:

https://www.facebook.com/The-Capitol-Theatre-112918705389402/

steelbeard1
steelbeard1 on December 25, 2017 at 4:48 pm

The restored Capitol Theatre is now open. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZJEmyDI8jU

spectrum
spectrum on January 19, 2018 at 8:12 pm

Their official website (on facebook) is at:

https://www.facebook.com/TheCapitolTheatreFlint/

rivest266
rivest266 on December 3, 2021 at 1:10 pm

Grand opening ad posted.

Trolleyguy
Trolleyguy on September 16, 2022 at 8:04 am

Functions should include Movies, classic. Website: Capitol Theatre

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