Michigan Theater

PARKING

We know that parking in downtown Ann Arbor can be difficult and take longer than expected. Please allow allow extra time to negotiate downtown Ann Arbor traffic and to find a space in the structure. We recommend arriving on campus 30 minutes prior to your performance start time.

1. Liberty Square Structure (510 E Washington St)
Entrance off Washington between State Street and Division. See current rates.
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2. Maynard St Structure (324 Maynard St)
Entrances off Maynard Street and Thompson between William and Liberty. See current rates.
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3. FREE OPTION! Thompson St Structure (500 Thompson St)
Open to the public and free after 6 pm Mon-Sat and all day Sunday.
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4. S Thayer St Structure (216 S Thayer St)
Entrance off Thayer Street between Washington and North University Avenue. Parking is free for University of Michigan Blue permit parking holders. $10 event parking for non-permit holders may be available, but cannot be guaranteed for Michigan Theater performances.
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Pro-tip: The Thayer Street structure requires stairs if you park on one of the “A” levels. To avoid stairs entirely, park on a level that just has the number (level 2, level 3, etc.)

Description

The historic Michigan Theater opened January 5, 1928 at the peak of the vaudeville/movie palace era. Designed by Maurice Finkel, the 1,710-seat theater cost around $600,000 when it was first built. As was the custom of the day, the theater was equipped to host both film and live stage events, with a full-size stage, dressing rooms, an orchestra pit, and the Barton Theater Organ. At its opening the theater was acclaimed as the best of its kind in the country. Since 1979, the theater has been operated by the not-for-profit Michigan Theater Foundation. With broad community support, the Foundation has raised over $8 million to restore and improve the Michigan Theater. The beautiful interior of the theater was restored in 1986.

In the fall of 1999, the Michigan Theater opened a new 200-seat screening room addition, which also included expanded restroom facilities for the historic theater. The gracious facade and entry vestibule was restored in 2000 and the balcony and backstage during 2001.

The Michigan Theater was honored with the 2006 Outstanding Historic Theater Award from the League of Historic American Theaters. The Michigan Theater is only the fourth historic theater in the country so recognized.

Click here to learn more about the historic Michigan Theater.

Accessibility

Access for Persons with Disabilities

There are no stairs on the main floor of the theater. Wheelchair seating is available on the main floor.

Entrances and Elevators

The main entrance is off of East Liberty Street. There is no elevator access to the balcony.

Ticket Office Location

For ticket sales and ticket pick-up, see the Ticket Office, located in the outdoor lobby in front of the Michigan Theater. The Ticket Office opens 60 minutes prior to the performance and remains open until 30 minutes after the performance begins.