Think Phantom of the Opera meets modern day theatre; balcony seating, carved walnut furniture and plush carpeting all centered around a movie screen displaying the “turn off your phone” advertisement. This is the renovated, but otherwise traditional, Michigan Theatre of Jackson.

The Michigan Theatre of Jackson was the last and largest theater to be built in downtown Jackson, opening in 1930. Now a nonprofit organization, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson Inc., is working to restore the theater to its original luster and provide today’s entertainment in a historic venue. It was originally built in Spanish Renaissance style with an ornate polychrome terra-cotta façade, heavy damask draperies, and stained-glass light fixtures. The Michigan Theatre of Jackson is considered one of the most splendid theaters in the state. Throughout the year, the theatre has events including kids’ movies, classic films, live theater, and concerts.

The Michigan Theatre of Jackson won a Preservation Gem Award from Michigan Architectural Foundation in 2012 for the Cupola Restoration.