The Fox Theatre in Atlanta is nearly a century old. The building first opened to the public in December 1929, which makes the Fox about 95 years old as of 2024.
But when Atlantans ask, “How old is the Fox Theatre?” they’re usually also curious about how it started, what it’s been through, and why it’s such a big deal locally. Here’s what to know.
| Detail | Answer |
|---|---|
| Location | 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 |
| Opened | December 25, 1929 (Christmas Day) |
| Approximate Age (2024) | About 95 years old |
| Original Purpose | Shriners’ temple and lavish movie palace |
| Saved from demolition | 1970s, through the “Save the Fox” local campaign |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes (recognized for its architectural and cultural value) |
The Fox Theatre wasn’t originally planned as just a theater. It began in the 1920s as a Shriners’ headquarters (the Yaarab Temple), designed with an elaborate Moorish and Egyptian-inspired style.
Before construction finished, a movie company took over the lease and transformed the building into a grand movie palace and performance venue. It officially opened its doors on December 25, 1929, making it one of Atlanta’s most extravagant buildings of its time.
Because the Fox opened in late 1929, its exact age depends on the current date:
So when locals say the Fox Theatre is “almost 100 years old,” they’re rounding up a bit, but they’re not far off.
Even if you’re just asking how old the Fox Theatre is, it helps to know why the building has lasted this long.
In the early 20th century, big cities across the country built ornate movie palaces. Most of them have either been demolished or heavily remodeled.
The Fox Theatre is considered one of the best-preserved examples of this era:
By the 1970s, the Fox was in financial trouble. There were serious plans to demolish the building and replace it with an office tower.
Local residents, preservation groups, and community leaders launched the “Save the Fox” campaign. With donations, local fundraising, and strong public pressure, the Fox was preserved and restored instead of being torn down.
If you live in Atlanta today, the fact that you can still visit the Fox is directly tied to that 1970s effort. Many longtime residents still talk about this as a key moment in Atlanta’s historic preservation movement.
Knowing that the Fox Theatre is nearly a century old can help you appreciate what you’re seeing when you attend a show or tour the building.
Because the Fox is almost 100 years old, the atmosphere is very different from newer venues:
If you’re used to modern arenas or black-box theaters, the Fox feels more like stepping into a historic landmark than just a performance space.
Despite its age, the Fox has been updated over time. Generally, you can expect:
Because it’s a historic building, some areas can feel a bit tighter or more vertical than newer venues, especially on upper levels. If accessibility or mobility is a concern, it’s a good idea to:
If the history has you interested in seeing the Fox for yourself, here’s the essential local info.
The Fox is in Midtown Atlanta, along the Peachtree Street corridor. The area is walkable and surrounded by restaurants, bars, and other cultural venues.
Nearby points of reference include:
Because the Fox is a nearly 100-year-old building in a busy urban neighborhood, planning your transportation helps:
🚇 MARTA:
🚗 Driving:
🚶 Walking/Biking:
If you’re particularly interested in how a 1929 building has survived and evolved, a guided tour can be especially useful. While details like tour days and times change, here’s what you can usually expect from a Fox Theatre tour:
To check current tour availability, most Atlantans:
In Atlanta terms, a 1929 building is fairly old, especially considering how much of the city has been rebuilt over time. For context:
When people in Atlanta talk about “historic venues,” the Fox Theatre is almost always one of the first names mentioned because of both its age and its iconic status.
