Downtown Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Music Hall

Photographed by Pat Filippone, September 26, 2015

1. Music Hall Marker

Inscription. Originally called the Wilson Theatre, this building was completed in 1928 with funds provided by Matilda Wilson (Mrs. Alfred G.), William E. Kapp of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, an architectural firm whose works dominated the city's skyline of the 1920's, designed this ArtDeco style edifice. Terra-cotta Greek masks adorn the exterior, and elaborate molded plaster and stenciling complement the interior. The Theatre's purpose of offering legitimate productions was initially fulfilled, but during the Depression its lights dimmed except for sporadic occasions. From 1946 to 1949, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra occupied the structure which was renamed Music Hall. Area residents came here in the 1950s and 1960s to see Cinerama and other films. Now the home of the Music Hall Center and the Michigan Opera Theatre, Music Hall is restored to its original use and appearance.

Erected 1978 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L467.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission

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series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 42° 20.236′ N, 83° 2.765′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Downtown Detroit. It is on Madison Street just west of Brush Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Detroit MI 48226, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: American Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); Beatrice Buck's Paradise Valley Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Germantown / The Harmonie Club (about 400 feet away); On This Site Stood The Detroit College Of Law (about 800 feet away); Henry the Hatter (approx. 0.2 miles away); Edwin Denby Enlistment (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Mary's School (approx.

Photographed by Pat Filippone, September 26, 2015

2. Music Hall Marker

0.2 miles away); L.B. King and Company Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Also see . . . Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

John Francis Dodge and his brother Horace were original investors in Ford Motor Company who sold their interest to Henry Ford and established their own company, the Dodge Motor Company, in 1914. Both brothers died in 1920, leaving their respective widows very wealthy women.

Matilda Dodge Wilson, John's widow, married in 1925 to Alfred Wilson, was interested in stage productions and decided to use part of her fortune to build a venue in Detroit to serve as home to a repertory troupe and to host touring Broadway performers. She hired the prominent Detroit architectural firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, who assigned William Kapp to design the building, and spent $1.5 million on the construction. At the time of its opening in 1928, the building was dubbed the Wilson Theatre.

(Submitted on September 1, 2026, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, May 1, 2021

3. Music Hall

View of the Music Hall from across Madison Street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2015, by Pat Filippone of Stockton, California. This page has been viewed 682 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2015, by Pat Filippone of Stockton, California. 3. submitted on May 1, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.