This Detroit parking lot holds a secret from Hollywood’s golden age
- A Detroit parking garage used to be one of America’s premier theatres
- The Michigan Theatre venue closed in the late 1970s
- In recent years, it’s become a star attraction of the famous city
Published on May 17, 2025 at 6:27 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on May 15, 2025 at 1:26 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A Detroit parking lot has been holding a secret from the golden age of Hollywood.
The Michigan Theatre Parking Garage is located in Detroit, Michigan, but it hasn’t always been a parking lot.
What it used to be was a grand theatre for spectacular shows and events, built in 1926.
The decline of Detroit in the 1970s almost signaled the end of this incredible venue, however, it was to live on, albeit with a very different purpose.
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The Michigan Theatre was originally built as a lavish movie palace, opening its doors to the general public in 1926.
Despite it being more rundown in 2025, it can still conjure up the grandeur and luxury of the 1920s.
Ornate arches stretch through the building, along with some incredible patterns and designs on the walls and ceilings.
By the 1970s, downtown Detroit was in decline, and in 1977, the theatre shut its doors for good.
However, the building itself would live on, as there were fears that demolishing it could damage surrounding properties.
That led to local authorities simply gutting its interior, before reinstating the theatre as a parking lot.
The fact that any of the building survives at all is nothing short of a miracle.
The former theatre has also become one of the star locations of Amazon’s show The Grand Tour.
Clarkson, Hammond, and May performed donuts in the theatre during a show in season two, making for a truly spectacular location.
The trio looked to see who could perform the best donuts, as well as which muscle car registered the loudest on a decibelometer.
In more recent years, it appears things haven’t been so good for the old theatre.
Reports online suggest it hardly functions as a garage and that only tenants are allowed to park at the site.
No public access is available at the moment, and if you want to get in and take a look, it could take a lot of negotiating.
The grand ceiling is also said to be in worsening shape.
Hopefully, something can be done to ensure this historic building continues to thrive.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
