Inside the Fox: An Architectural Tour of Atlanta’s Iconic Theatre

The Fox Theatre in Midtown Atlanta is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks—and one of its most surprising buildings once you step inside. If you’re interested in architecture, design, or Atlanta history, the Fox Theatre Architectural Tour is one of the best ways to experience the building beyond just catching a show.

This guide walks you through what the architectural tour is like, what you’ll see, how to plan your visit, and why the Fox matters so much in Atlanta’s cultural and architectural story.

Where the Fox Theatre Fits in Atlanta’s Architecture Scene

The Fox Theatre is located at 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, right in the heart of Midtown’s arts district. For local architecture fans, it’s a must-see alongside:

• The historic Fox Theatre itself (Moorish Revival / atmospheric “movie palace”)
• The Fox’s surrounding corridor on Peachtree, where you can see a mix of early 20th-century commercial buildings and newer towers
• Other nearby landmarks like the Margaret Mitchell House and High Museum of Art for a broader architecture-and-history day in Midtown

Unlike many venues where you only see the lobby and your seat, the Fox’s architectural tour gives you access to hidden corners, historic details, and backstory that most event-goers never notice.

What Is the Fox Theatre Architectural Tour?

The architectural tour is a guided, behind-the-scenes walk through the building that focuses on:

• The Fox’s unusual design style (a mix of Moorish, Egyptian, and “Arabian Nights”)
• How it was built and decorated in the late 1920s
• The story of how Atlantans saved it from demolition in the 1970s
• Architectural details you might miss during a concert or Broadway show

Tours are typically led by trained docents or staff who focus on:

• Architecture and design elements (ceilings, plasterwork, lighting, materials)
• Historic spaces not always open to the general public
• Fun, building-focused stories rather than just celebrity or show trivia

You don’t have to be an architect to enjoy it—just curious about how such a dramatic space was created and preserved in Atlanta.

Architectural Style: Why the Fox Looks the Way It Does

A “Movie Palace” with Moorish and Egyptian Flavor

Built in the late 1920s, the Fox was part of the era of opulent movie palaces across the United States. In Atlanta, though, it stands out because of its:

• Moorish Revival exteriors: minarets, domes, and decorative arches that make the marquee area instantly recognizable on Peachtree Street
• Egyptian motifs: painted columns, lotus capitals, and stylized patterns inspired by ancient temples
• Atmospheric auditorium: the main theatre is designed to feel like an outdoor courtyard at night, with a deep-blue “sky,” faux stars, and drifting clouds across the ceiling

On the architectural tour, guides usually explain how this fantasy-inspired design grew out of both:

• A project originally connected to a Shriners’ temple (which favored exotic revival styles), and
• The competition among movie palaces to be the most dramatic and immersive space in town.

Key Design Features to Look For

As you move through the building, keep an eye out for:

• Hand-painted plaster and stenciling in the lobbies and corridors
• Ornately carved doors and railings
• Geometric tilework and patterned carpets that echo Middle Eastern designs
• Grand staircases that frame sweeping views of the interior

These are exactly the details the architectural tour is built around. You’ll often get time to stand still and look up—something you rarely do when you’re rushing to find your seat for a show.

Spaces You May See on the Architectural Tour

Tour routes can vary depending on events and maintenance, but many architectural tours of the Fox include a mix of these areas:

1. Grand Lobby and Main Entrance

As you step in from Peachtree Street, you move from busy Midtown into a theatrical, temple-like interior. On the tour, this is where you’ll usually hear about:

• The blend of Moorish and Egyptian themes in the lobby design
• Materials used in construction and decorative finishes
• How the lobby was designed to build a sense of anticipation before entering the main auditorium

2. Egyptian Ballroom and Other Event Spaces

The Egyptian Ballroom is one of the most striking spaces in the building, with:

• Painted columns and wall murals inspired by ancient Egypt
• Grand chandeliers and decorative moldings
• A layout originally intended for gatherings and social events

You may also see other historic spaces often used for private events, such as:

• The Grand Salon
• Smaller lounge areas with rich detailing and period lighting

These rooms help you understand how the building worked not just as a theatre, but as a complete social and entertainment center for Atlanta.

3. The Auditorium: “Inside” the Night Sky

The main theatre space is where the Fox’s “atmospheric” design is most dramatic:

• Ceiling: deep blue, with twinkling lights arranged as “stars”
• Cloud projector: soft cloud shapes drifting across the “sky”
• Side walls: designed like the facades of distant buildings, evoking a courtyard or village

Guides often encourage you to sit for a moment and look up—during a show, the spectacle onstage can overshadow how much work went into creating this indoor sky.

4. The Mighty Mo Organ and Stage Details

Architecture tours often include information on:

• The Mighty Mo theatre organ, a large pipe organ that’s an integral part of the Fox’s history and interior design
• The stage proscenium and decorative elements framing the performance area
• How the stage house and backstage areas were adapted as the Fox shifted from primarily movies to live performances

Depending on the day, you may get to see the organ console up close and understand how it fits into the building’s original layout.

5. Backstage and “Hidden” Areas (When Available)

When schedules allow, some tours include:

• Limited backstage access
• Service corridors that show the more functional side of the building
• Viewing mechanical or support spaces from designated safe points

These glimpses help you see that behind the decorative layers is a large, complex structure that has been continually updated to function as a modern performance venue while preserving its historic shell.

The Fox Theatre’s Place in Atlanta History

From Movie Palace to Near Demolition

On your tour, you’ll typically hear how the Fox:

• Opened during the 1929–1930 period as a lavish movie and performance palace
• Suffered during periods of economic downturn and changes in movie-going habits
• Came very close to demolition in the 1970s, when plans called for replacing it with a modern complex

What makes the Fox especially important to Atlantans is the local preservation campaign that emerged, often summarized as “Save the Fox.” Residents, business owners, and local advocates pushed to:

• Preserve the building as an architectural treasure
• Restore it instead of tearing it down
• Maintain it as a functioning performance venue rather than just a static monument

That campaign helped spark broader appreciation for historic preservation in Atlanta, which had already lost many older buildings to urban renewal and new development.

A Living Landmark, Not Just a Museum

Today, the Fox:

• Hosts Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy, and community events
• Serves as a symbol of successful historic preservation in a fast-growing city
• Offers architectural tours so locals and visitors can understand why the building is significant

On the tour, you’ll often hear how the Fox balances historic integrity with modern building codes, accessibility, and performance needs, which is a key challenge for any historic venue in Atlanta.

Practical Details: Booking and Preparing for a Tour

Location and Contact Information

Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
Main phone (box office/general info, subject to change): (404) 881-2100

When planning a tour, it’s wise to:

• Check current tour dates and times
• Confirm whether the tour is public, private, or school-group oriented
• Verify if there are any event-related blackout dates when tours don’t run

This is especially important if you’re coordinating with out-of-town visitors or planning around a specific show.

Typical Tour Format

While details can change, many architectural tours at the Fox share common features:

• Guided format: led by a docent or staff member
• Walking tour: multiple levels and staircases; some areas may have limited elevator access
• Length: often about an hour (but confirm when you book)
• Group size: usually capped to keep groups manageable and allow for questions

If accessibility is a concern, mention it when you inquire about the tour so staff can explain which areas are reachable by elevator or ramp.

What to Bring and Wear

To get the most out of the experience:

• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be standing and walking on carpet, tile, and stairs
• Bring a small bag only – the Fox is an active performance venue and may have bag-size policies
• A camera or smartphone is usually allowed for non-flash photos on tours, but verify any photography restrictions when you arrive

📝 Tip: If you live in Atlanta, consider timing your tour on a day without a major performance. Guides may have more flexibility to linger in certain spaces when the venue isn’t turning over for a show.

Who Will Enjoy the Fox Theatre Architectural Tour?

The tour is especially worthwhile if you:

• Live in Atlanta and want to understand the city’s architectural heritage more deeply
• Are visiting and want a signature Atlanta experience beyond standard sightseeing
• Work or study in architecture, design, theatre, or history and want to see a preserved atmospheric theatre up close
• Remember the “Save the Fox” era or are interested in preservation movements in fast-growing cities

Families with older children who enjoy history or theatre may also find it engaging, but younger kids may have limited patience for detailed explanations.

Making the Fox Part of a Midtown Architecture Day

If you’re planning a day centered on architecture and heritage in Atlanta, you can easily build around the Fox tour:

This creates a full, architecture-focused day that stays centered in Midtown and ties together historic structures, preservation, and contemporary design—all within a short distance of the Fox.

How the Fox Fits Into Atlanta’s Ongoing Story

For Atlanta residents, the Fox Theatre is more than a place to see a Broadway show or concert. It’s a case study in how architecture, community action, and cultural life intersect. The architectural tour gives you:

• A closer look at one of the most ornate interiors in the city
• A real-world example of historic preservation success
• A chance to experience the building at a slower pace, with time to notice details

Whether you’re a lifelong Atlantan or in town for a short visit, setting aside time for the Fox Theatre Architectural Tour is one of the most direct ways to understand how arts, culture, and history physically take shape in Atlanta—and how the city chose to keep one of its grandest buildings standing.