Michigan Theater (Ann Arbor)
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00:40, 14 October 2006 (UTC)link title
The Michigan Theater is a movie palace in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It shows independent films and stage productions.
Designed by Detroit-based architect Maurice Finkel and built in 1928, the theater seats 1700 and features the theater's original 1927 Barton Theatre Pipe Organ, orchestra pit, stage, and elaborate architectural details.
During a renovation in 1956, many of the original ornate designs were destroyed. After a period of low attendance, the theater was threatened with demolition in 1978, but members of the community and local organists helped raise funds to save and renovate the theater, returning it to its original design. A second screen with a state-of-the-art sound system, seating for 200 and the ability to project films digitally was added in 1999.
The Michigan Theater is the current home of the annual Ann Arbor Film Festival and the Ann Arbor Symphony, and has been named 2006 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theaters.
