Tivoli Theater, Chattanooga
The Tivoli Theatre, also known as the "Jewel of the South", is a historic performance venue that has captivated audiences since its grand opening on March 19, 1921. Designed by Rapp and Rapp, a prestigious architectural firm from Chicago, in collaboration with Chattanooga鈥檚 own Reuben H. Hunt, the theater was one of the first air-conditioned public buildings in the United States. The Tivoli鈥檚 Italian-inspired exterior, featuring cream tiles and beige terra-cotta bricks, is instantly recognizable thanks to its 1,000 chaser light marquee and its bold black neon "TIVOLI" sign. The interior is just as grand, with an ornately decorated proscenium arch, luxurious gold and silver detailing, and a seating capacity of over 1,750 patrons, making it one of Chattanooga鈥檚 most beloved cultural landmarks.
The Tivoli Theatre has a long-standing musical legacy, boasting a Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ, one of the few still operational today. Originally, a Bennett Pipe Organ accompanied silent films when the theater first opened, but in 1924, it was replaced with a $30,000 Wurlitzer Organ, designed specifically to enhance live performances and stage productions. The theater also features a stage depth of 44 feet and a width of 99 feet, making it suitable for large-scale productions, concerts, and Broadway shows.
In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the Tivoli Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 11, 1973. The American-made Mighty Wurlitzer organ, installed in 1931, remains a cherished feature of the theater, while the rest of the structure has been carefully preserved with minimal alterations. The Tivoli鈥檚 reputation as the "finest theater in the entire South" has endured through the decades, and it continues to serve as a vibrant entertainment venue for Chattanooga residents and visitors alike.
The Tivoli Theatre has a long-standing musical legacy, boasting a Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ, one of the few still operational today. Originally, a Bennett Pipe Organ accompanied silent films when the theater first opened, but in 1924, it was replaced with a $30,000 Wurlitzer Organ, designed specifically to enhance live performances and stage productions. The theater also features a stage depth of 44 feet and a width of 99 feet, making it suitable for large-scale productions, concerts, and Broadway shows.
In recognition of its architectural and historical significance, the Tivoli Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 11, 1973. The American-made Mighty Wurlitzer organ, installed in 1931, remains a cherished feature of the theater, while the rest of the structure has been carefully preserved with minimal alterations. The Tivoli鈥檚 reputation as the "finest theater in the entire South" has endured through the decades, and it continues to serve as a vibrant entertainment venue for Chattanooga residents and visitors alike.
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Tivoli Theater on Map
Sight Name: Tivoli Theater
Sight Location: Chattanooga, USA (See walking tours in Chattanooga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chattanooga, USA (See walking tours in Chattanooga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Create Your Own Walk in Chattanooga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chattanooga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chattanooga Introduction Walking Tour
Boredom is hard to come by in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River in the southeastern part of the state, its official nickname is the "Scenic City", alluding to the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. On top of this, there are multiple unofficial monikers like the "River City", "Chatt", "Nooga", and "Chattown".
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles