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Detroit, Michigan: Parking Garage with Beautiful Ceiling

When the old Michigan Theater was gutted to turn it into a parking garage, its ornate ceiling was left in place.

Address:
220 Bagley St., Detroit, MI
Directions:
Downtown. I-75 exit 50 onto Fisher Freeway West, then a quick right onto Grand River Ave. The parking garage is about five blocks, on the left. Entry restricted.
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Parking Garage with Beautiful Ceiling

During regular business hours there is security, but if there is a Tigers / Lions game I believe they open up to general public. Just tell them you want to see the ceiling. They let us in for a few minutes to take pictures.

[Lisa, 11/28/2013]

Can almost see the ceiling, but no.

Parking Garage with Beautiful Ceiling

No one admitted -- the grumpy man at the front desk of the attached office building claims insurance reasons (although there were dozens of cars parked inside...?). Views are limited by security fences, but you can at least stick your camera in enough to take a few shots.

[Gretchen, 05/30/2013]
Parking Structure with Beautiful Ceiling

The former Michigan Theatre had many incarnations in its history. My firsthand knowledge was during its days as the Michigan Palace in the 1970's, seeing Kiss, Aerosmith, Golden Earring, and George Carlin in its intimate setting. Now it has sunk to its current status as a parking garage, but it can be secure in the knowledge that it's the most beautiful parking garage in America!

[Laurie Blacker, 08/30/2006]

Sept 2008: Localgal Barb notes: "If you want to see this structure, all you have to do is watch the movie "8 Mile" featuring Eminem."

Parking Structure with Beautiful Ceiling

We visited the "Parking Structure with the Beautiful Ceiling" with hopes of seeing it. I did prior research and found that this building was the old Michigan Theater (now the Michigan Building) that had been gutted to provide parking for employees. It is also the site where Henry Ford built the first automobile. Unfortunately, several things have happened (the security guard did not enlighten us further) and the parking area is locked up tightly. No one can get in to view the ceiling or to take pictures.

[Prissi Sullivan, 06/10/2006]
Parking Structure with Beautiful Ceiling

The former michigan theater in detroit (a palatial cinema years ago) is now an indoor parking structure. The ceiling is still the same, so one can get out of the car, look up and see a gorgeous inlay. It was once in the range of 1500 seats or so...now it's a drive-in of sorts, I suppose!

[jim thompson, 08/24/2002]

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In the region:
Eight Mile Wall, Detroit, MI - 9 mi.

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