My father and I saw the movie They Live tonight. This theater is fabulous. A hiddem gem of Detroit history that is a must see. The organ concert before the movie was mind blowing. Dont miss it. And since Im leaving this review during COVID-19 I also want to add that social distancing and mask wearing is enforced. All patrons must fill out a brief health questionnaire that includes contact info. And they check your temp at the door. Plus, the crowd tonight was maybe 25 people in a theater that seats 800.I highly recommend seeing a movie or a concert here asap.
Lovely little theater filled with history, including that gorgeous theater organ from the late 1920s. Fun, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic crew. A lot of work is put into making the experience really happen here. After the silent film, The Man Who Laughs, we got a Q&A with the amazing organist, Lance Luce, who created and provided an entire score for the movie. The audience members also got to view the intricate organ chamber behind the stage. The concessions werent over priced, either. I highly recommend checking this place out and donating to them to make sure theyre able to put on this amazing experience for years to come.
Wonderful classic neighborhood movie house. Organ concerts with every movie on the amazing Art Deco organ from the Fisher Theater. Great variety of old movies. Nice, reasonably priced refreshment counter. Great volunteer staff!
We went and saw greece cool because it was like the original one with all the cool commercials. Plus the theater was super old and nice. It was very lovely. Also you should donate to them cause they are volunteers and need donations and there just super nice great people. So help them out.
The Senate Theater has been showing more movies lately, and the experience is great! Its a very unique building with lots of details to discover. There is a classic concession, and the feature typically has an intermission to stretch your legs and take in the sounds of the Mighty Wurlitzer. The Senates gem is this pipe organ. Seeing a show at The Senate Theater should be on everyones Detroit bucket list.
A special venue with a great community that cares about this historic theater. Ive seen some fantastic organ performances and vintage films here. I would recommend to anyone that wants a unique cultural and artistic experience to visit The Senate.
The organ and volunteers were amazing. The building has a nice history. I hope the best for this place
This place is a jewel. Its a little rough around the edges, but it is loved by the people who take care of it!! You should go and support this gem.
Holiday Concert with Pierre Fracalanza on the 8th largest Wurlitzer organ. Talented child prodigy, now an adult, skillfully played the 4 manual instrument. In between pieces, he entertained us with stories and information about the composers, singers, and history about what he played. Pierre combined modern technology with the older practice of organ accompaniment to silent movies. Thoroughly enjoyed the program.
Great shows here alot of people are missing. Great entertainment
I had an absolutely Wonderful time at the Senate!A very beautiful theatre with a pipe organ that dates way back!I highly recommend theSenate theatre!
Wow check out the beautiful organ and music!
This is one of the hundreds of former movie palaces that once existed in Detroit during its boom times and one of the few currently operating now. Its primary draw is the 8th largest Wurlitzer organ in the world which originally lived in the Fischer Theater but was moved in the 60s. The organ sounds great, lobby has some history of the organ on its walls and the primary staff is very knowledgeable. Aside from the organ there is also some movie palace decor like chandeliers and old school theater seats to experience. The concession stand has a good selection for good prices and they accept credit cards. The theater is definitely still in a restoration phase and therefore has signs of work that needs done in some places (marquee and ceiling) and the auditorium walls are unadorned but these are all on the docket for future improvements I believe. Film presentation is serviceable but in keeping with the classic movie palace aesthetic. The neighborhood definitely can be intimidating for an out of towner or first time visitors but there is gated parking available. Overall, I enjoyed my visit and will certainly be back, especially if they continue the excellent programming options.
Great Place.. Nostalgic atmosphere!
Excellent place to see classic movies. I enjoy the organ concert during intermission. There are not many theaters that have live organ performances.
An Undiscovered gem in Detroit. Old Time movie house. Home of the Motor City Theater organ Club. Periodic showing of old movies and silent movies with an organ prelude prior to the movie. Recently saw David Bowie Ziggy Stardust from 1982 excellent movie excellent print excellent sound system
Nostalgic, watched Northville Cemetery Massacre with the Star Tony Dimmini
Love Annie and love Frosty the Snowman love it when they have kids movies
Loved the organ tunes! Its an impressive space that you have there and Ill be back to visit again. Thanks!
Great to see that old time theaters like this one are being put to good use by a community of volunteers.
The concession stands a Lil pricey, need to replace the front now showing sign, old but historic, loved the bathroom, a Lil restoration is needed, the movie lineup is good but all in all it was good....
Secure parking. Great concert today!
Piece of history. Wurlitzer organ in great shape (with attached grand piano!). Young organist combined the organ with electronic sounds. Great concert. Best seats front row center.
Great place to visit. Clean.
The volunteers do a wonderful job. Great old films, concessions, and special events.
My first trip there was to see Alfred Hitchcocks Notorious. It needs some cosmetic work, but the organ alone is worth the visit and they serve freshly popped popcorn. I grew up down the street 56 - 74. It will be gratifying to see this place grow and become thriving. Not to be missed by movie buffs.
A diamond in the rough. Could you use your love. Come to see and support the restoration of this beautiful space. It will be 5 stars with our help.
Great experience, beautiful old movie theatre and organ. Will deffinatly be back.
Absolutely wonderful venue. Was here for a religious revival and was impressed by the building. Great place to hold gatherings.
Excellent historical theatre showing classic and silent films along with live organ music in the heart of southwest Detroit $5 shows $10 for silent films, concession stands available..
Mexican dance troop Christmas show. Awesome
Fantastic organ, one of a kind from the Fisher Theatre in Detroit pre-1962 during its Mayan motif days.
An old theater that shows movies, and holds organ concerts. Very friendly volunteer staff, inexpensive, with a great selection of movies and concessions. Phenomenal classic venue with many nostalgic touches.
So it was my first time here went to the winter wubs by Detroit filth and the ground fest fam loved the venue management was amazing staff was friendly very clean nice location we need to figure out bigger dance floor but very happy with the turn out and this new venue thanks for the wonderful memories with great people and even better friends much love to the whole staff at Senate Theater and Detroit Filth and the whole GROUNDFEST FAMILY SEE U ALL SOON
Love this place! Its great to see a movie here!
Always a grrrreat time had by all
I think the theater is a great place to go and its in the community and I think its a great place to go I just dont know if its open or not
Cool nostalgic theater, but the seats are terribly uncomfortable. I hear they show silent movies here, which sounds neat and probably a good experience. As a performance venue, it was pretty bad.
Lovely restored theater from the 1920s that includes the original organ from the Fisher Theatre. A work in progress, with the potential to be truly special.
I had a great time at this vintage movie theater when I went to see Logans Run on Saturday. Great crowd and a great atmosphere I will definitely be seeing more movies at this forgotten Detroit gem.
Really cool place. But needs funding to matain.
The theater is kept up, nice and clean. No handicap restroom.
This place had so much character!!!! Its like stepping into the 50s...one can only imagine the richness of this place!
Beautiful theater & beautiful organ music!!
Very nice, reminds me of the theatre houses of my youth
Fun night!! Good movie and even the popcorn was fresh.
Nostalgic & quaint! Love the organ & the pop corn was delish!
What a treat! We made our first visit to the Senate for the Wurlitzer Organ concert by Simon Gledhill, and we can not wait to come back for more events. The Senate is a Detroit gem, and should not be missed for a fine afternoon or evening out. As for the Mighty Wurlitzer, you just have to hear it to believe it. Modern Surround Sound has nothing on this beast! Mr. Gledhill took it through its paces, from beautiful, delicate subtleties, to rip roaring crescendos. The best way that I can describe it is that you feel that you are inside the instrument. Fabulous. Kudos as well to the DTOS staff who all clearly love the place, and are very happy to let you know all about it and ensure that you enjoy your stay. Hang around for the after show tour into the actual workings of the Wurlitzer, and you will be amazed. I can only imagine the amount of loving care it takes to keep this masterpiece Concert ready. All that... and, awesome Popcorn! An affordable experience for everyone. See you there!
Beautiful place, classic films, and a live organ show!
Nice and Clean
ThrowBack Theater featuring ThrowBack Movies Great Parking, Safe Area, Delightful Staff, Nostalgic Experience !!!#SaveTheSenate #SupportTheSenate
A great venue for silent films, accompanied by the incredible Wurlitzer organ! A true treasure in Detroit.
Enjoyed the show
Great organ accompanying last night.
The theater is clean and the volunteers are friendly. I was disappointed with the sound quality during the film.
Awesome venue
Seriously my fav place.
Amazing place.
Rich history, I love this place
Great theatre, warm and friendly staff and volunteers, fantastic shows, amazing history.... what else can you ask for.
Great nostalgic theatre that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time.
Great show
Fun fundraiser for the Senate!
Beautiful theater
Hope to go soon.
Nice place