The Fisher Building Detroit: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Fisher Building is a crown jewel of Detroit, lauded for its opulent Art Deco architecture, historical significance, and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the New Center district, this landmark offers visitors a captivating blend of history, artistry, and community engagement. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, history buff, or just seeking a memorable Detroit experience, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: visiting hours, tickets, guided tours, accessibility, and tips for making the most of your trip (Fisher Building History, Pure Detroit).

Table of Contents

  1. Overview and Visitor Essentials
  2. History and Architectural Significance
  3. Art Deco Marvel: Features and Details
  4. Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tours
  5. Accessibility and Amenities
  6. Retail, Dining, and Events
  7. Transportation and Parking
  8. Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
  9. Preservation and Restoration Efforts
  10. Frequently Asked Questions
  11. Plan Your Visit
  12. Sources and Further Reading

Overview and Visitor Essentials

The Fisher Building, often called “Detroit’s Largest Art Object,” stands as a testament to the city’s industrial triumphs, artistic ambition, and community spirit. Commissioned in the late 1920s by the Fisher brothers, founders of Fisher Body Corporation, it was designed by legendary architect Albert Kahn. The building’s lavish materials—over 40 varieties of marble, intricate bronze fixtures, and hand-painted ceilings—reflect the highest standards of American craftsmanship.

Today, the Fisher Building functions as a mixed-use complex, housing offices, retail boutiques, and the renowned Fisher Theatre, a top venue for Broadway-caliber performances. It remains a must-see destination for visitors exploring Detroit’s historical and architectural highlights (Fisher Building History).


History and Architectural Significance

Vision and Construction

The Fisher brothers envisioned their new headquarters as both a practical office space and a magnificent gift to Detroit. Their decision to build in the emerging New Center district, rather than downtown, spurred urban development north of the city core. Albert Kahn was given a “blank check” to realize this vision, resulting in a building that epitomizes Art Deco opulence and innovation (Hour Detroit).

Construction began in August 1927 and was completed in just 15 months. Although the original plan called for three towers, only the central structure was built due to the onset of the Great Depression (Michigan Architectural Foundation).

Symbolism and Community Impact

Beyond its physical grandeur, the Fisher Building was conceived as an “ode to the American work ethic,” representing Detroit’s industrial might and the dignity of American labor. The building quickly became a hub for business, culture, and civic life, housing radio stations, Detroit Public Schools headquarters, and, most importantly, the Fisher Theatre (Pure Detroit).


Art Deco Marvel: Features and Details

Exterior Innovations

  • Height: 441 feet (135 meters) with a prominent spire.
  • Materials: Over 325,000 square feet of marble, limestone, and granite, with bronze-accented details by Anthony DiLorenzo.
  • Iconic Roof: Originally covered in gold-leaf plates, replaced with green terra cotta tiles after WWII; illuminated to appear golden at night.

Interior Splendor

  • Grand Arcade: A three-story, barrel-vaulted space featuring hand-painted frescoes by Géza Maróti and mosaics that evoke mythological themes.
  • Marble and Bronze: 40 marbles from around the world, 641 bronze elevator doors, 1,800 bronze window frames.
  • Lighting: Designed to enhance the building’s artistic elements through both natural and artificial means.
  • Sculptural Details: Plasterwork and sculptures by Corrado Parducci.

The Fisher Theatre

  • A 2,089-seat venue for Broadway shows, concerts, and special events. Designed by Graven & Mayger, it remains a cultural anchor for Detroit (Wikipedia).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Tours

Regular Visiting Hours

  • Building Lobby & Retail: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
  • Fisher Theatre: Evenings and weekends for performances (check Fisher Theatre’s website for showtimes).

Tickets

  • Public Areas: Free admission to lobby and arcade.
  • Theatre Performances: Purchase tickets online or at the box office.
  • Guided Tours: Free tours every Saturday, provided by Pure Detroit. Advance reservations recommended (Pure Detroit Tours).

Guided Tours

  • Explore architectural highlights, artistic details, and behind-the-scenes areas not open to the public.
  • Private group tours available by appointment.

Accessibility and Amenities

  • Wheelchair Access: Ramps at main entrances, elevators serve all floors.
  • Accessible Restrooms: Available in the theatre and building arcade.
  • Assisted Listening Devices: Provided at the theatre via the Sennheiser Mobile Connect app and FM headsets (Broadway in Detroit Accessibility).
  • ASL Interpretation: Offered for select theatre performances.
  • Sensory Kits & Service Animals: Available to ensure an inclusive experience (Detroit Accessibility Project).

Retail, Dining, and Events

  • Shopping: Unique boutiques like The Peacock Room and Yama offer Detroit-centric gifts, apparel, and art.
  • Dining: Cafes such as Promenade Artisan Foods and Stella Good Coffee provide refreshments.
  • Events: The building hosts weddings, galas, and community events in its restored event spaces (Fisher Building Events).

Transportation and Parking

  • Address: 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI.
  • Parking: Attached 11-story garage with 1,100 spaces (Building Product Advisor). Event parking may be included with theatre tickets; pre-register for Metropolis Parking (Broadway in Detroit Parking).
  • Public Transit: QLINE streetcar, DDOT buses, and MoGo bike share are all nearby.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

  • New Center Park: Outdoor movies and music across the street (The Crazy Tourist).
  • Motown Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts: Both a short drive away.
  • Tips:
    • Arrive early for theatre shows to explore the lobby.
    • Wear comfortable shoes for arcade exploration.
    • Bring a camera—interior details are highly photogenic.

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

Since 2015, The Platform (managing partner) and community partners have invested over $30 million in restoration, focusing on architectural preservation, modern systems, and artistic restoration. Recent support from Michigan State University and MSU Federal Credit Union ensures continued care (Hour Detroit).


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Fisher Building’s visiting hours?
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Theatre hours vary.

Is there an entry fee?
Public areas are free; tickets required for theatre shows.

How do I book a guided tour?
Reserve via Pure Detroit’s tour page.

Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Where can I park?
Use the attached garage or nearby surface lots. Event parking may require advance registration.

Can I take photos?
Yes, photography is welcome in public areas (no flash or tripods during performances).


Plan Your Visit

The Fisher Building offers Detroit’s richest blend of history, architecture, and culture. Download the Audiala app for audio tours and updates. For the latest hours, tickets, and events, check the official Fisher Building website. Follow on social media for exclusive content and event announcements.


Sources and Further Reading


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Detroit

1001 Woodward
1001 Woodward
1300 Lafayette East Cooperative
1300 Lafayette East Cooperative
150 West Jefferson
150 West Jefferson
Albert Kahn Building
Albert Kahn Building
Albert Kahn House
Albert Kahn House
Alden Park Towers
Alden Park Towers
Ambassador Bridge
Ambassador Bridge
Argonaut Building
Argonaut Building
Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church
Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Church
Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle Park
Bennett Park
Bennett Park
Bernard Ginsburg House
Bernard Ginsburg House
Cadillac Place
Cadillac Place
Cadillac Tower
Cadillac Tower
Calihan Hall
Calihan Hall
Campus Martius
Campus Martius
Cass Motor Sales
Cass Motor Sales
Cathedral Church Of St. Paul
Cathedral Church Of St. Paul
Cathedral Of The Most Blessed Sacrament
Cathedral Of The Most Blessed Sacrament
Central United Methodist Church
Central United Methodist Church
Chapel Of St. Theresa-The Little Flower
Chapel Of St. Theresa-The Little Flower
Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History
Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History
Charles Lang Freer House
Charles Lang Freer House
Charles Trowbridge House
Charles Trowbridge House
|
  Children'S Hospital Of Michigan
| Children'S Hospital Of Michigan
Clay Office And Conference Center
Clay Office And Conference Center
Col. Frank J. Hecker House
Col. Frank J. Hecker House
Coleman A. Young International Airport
Coleman A. Young International Airport
Comerica Park
Comerica Park
Consulate-General Of Japan, Detroit
Consulate-General Of Japan, Detroit
Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront
Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront
David Whitney House
David Whitney House
Denby High School
Denby High School
Detroit
Detroit
Detroit Club
Detroit Club
Detroit Cornice And Slate Company Building
Detroit Cornice And Slate Company Building
Detroit Historical Museum
Detroit Historical Museum
Detroit Institute Of Arts
Detroit Institute Of Arts
Detroit Masonic Temple
Detroit Masonic Temple
Detroit Opera House
Detroit Opera House
Detroit Plaindealer
Detroit Plaindealer
Detroit Public Library
Detroit Public Library
Detroit Receiving Hospital
Detroit Receiving Hospital
Detroit Street Circuit
Detroit Street Circuit
Detroit–Windsor Tunnel
Detroit–Windsor Tunnel
Dorothy H. Turkel House
Dorothy H. Turkel House
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Dry Dock Complex
Dry Dock Complex
Duane Doty School
Duane Doty School
Dunbar Hospital
Dunbar Hospital
East Jefferson Avenue Residential Tr
East Jefferson Avenue Residential Tr
Edmund Atkinson School
Edmund Atkinson School
Edsel And Eleanor Ford House
Edsel And Eleanor Ford House
Eighth Precinct Police Station
Eighth Precinct Police Station
El Tovar Apartments
El Tovar Apartments
Elisha Taylor House
Elisha Taylor House
Elmwood Cemetery
Elmwood Cemetery
Elwood Bar
Elwood Bar
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago Detroit Branch Building
Federal Reserve Bank Of Chicago Detroit Branch Building
First Congregational Church
First Congregational Church
First National Building
First National Building
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church
First Unitarian Church Of Detroit
First Unitarian Church Of Detroit
Fisher Building
Fisher Building
Ford Field
Ford Field
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
Fort Shelby
Fort Shelby
Fort Street Presbyterian Church
Fort Street Presbyterian Church
Fort Washington Plaza
Fort Washington Plaza
Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne
Fox Theatre
Fox Theatre
Frederick K. Stearns House
Frederick K. Stearns House
Garden Bowl
Garden Bowl
Garden Court Apartments
Garden Court Apartments
Garden Theatre
Garden Theatre
Gem Theatre
Gem Theatre
George W. Loomer House
George W. Loomer House
Grande Ballroom
Grande Ballroom
Greektown Casino Hotel
Greektown Casino Hotel
Greenfield Union School
Greenfield Union School
Greenfield Village Station
Greenfield Village Station
Griswold Street
Griswold Street
Guardian Building
Guardian Building
Hamtramck Disneyland
Hamtramck Disneyland
Harmonie Centre
Harmonie Centre
Harmonie Club
Harmonie Club
Harper University Hospital
Harper University Hospital
Henry Ford Hospital
Henry Ford Hospital
Herman Strasburg House
Herman Strasburg House
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church
Hitsville U.S.A.
Hitsville U.S.A.
Hudson-Evans House
Hudson-Evans House
Inn At 97 Winder
Inn At 97 Winder
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue
James A. Garfield School
James A. Garfield School
James Scott Memorial Fountain
James Scott Memorial Fountain
Joe Louis Arena
Joe Louis Arena
L. B. King And Company Building
L. B. King And Company Building
Lewis College Of Business
Lewis College Of Business
Little Caesars Arena
Little Caesars Arena
Maccabees Building
Maccabees Building
Majestic Theatre
Majestic Theatre
Manoogian Mansion
Manoogian Mansion
|
  Mariners' Church
| Mariners' Church
Mcgregor Memorial Conference Center
Mcgregor Memorial Conference Center
Merchants Building
Merchants Building
Mgm Grand Detroit
Mgm Grand Detroit
Michigan Bell And Western Electric Warehouse
Michigan Bell And Western Electric Warehouse
Michigan Central Station
Michigan Central Station
Michigan Science Center
Michigan Science Center
|
  Michigan Soldiers' And Sailors' Monument
| Michigan Soldiers' And Sailors' Monument
Monument To Joe Louis
Monument To Joe Louis
Moross House
Moross House
Most Holy Redeemer Church
Most Holy Redeemer Church
Motorcity Casino Hotel
Motorcity Casino Hotel
Mulford T. Hunter House
Mulford T. Hunter House
Music Hall Center For The Performing Arts
Music Hall Center For The Performing Arts
Nellie Leland School
Nellie Leland School
Old Main
Old Main
One Detroit Center
One Detroit Center
Orchestra Hall
Orchestra Hall
Our Lady Of The Rosary Roman Catholic Church
Our Lady Of The Rosary Roman Catholic Church
Packard Automotive Plant
Packard Automotive Plant
Pasadena Apartments
Pasadena Apartments
Penobscot Building
Penobscot Building
Perry Mcadow House
Perry Mcadow House
Pewabic Pottery
Pewabic Pottery
Philip A. Hart Plaza
Philip A. Hart Plaza
Professional Plaza Tower
Professional Plaza Tower
Redford High School
Redford High School
Renaissance Center
Renaissance Center
Riverside Park
Riverside Park
Riverwalk Hotel Detroit
Riverwalk Hotel Detroit
Rouge Park
Rouge Park
Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church
|
  Saint Andrew'S Hall
| Saint Andrew'S Hall
|
  Saint Andrew'S Memorial Episcopal Church
| Saint Andrew'S Memorial Episcopal Church
Saints Peter And Paul Church
Saints Peter And Paul Church
Samuel L. Smith House
Samuel L. Smith House
Savoyard Centre
Savoyard Centre
Scarab Club
Scarab Club
Second Baptist Church
Second Baptist Church
Sibley House
Sibley House
Sidney D. Miller Middle School
Sidney D. Miller Middle School
St. Albertus Roman Catholic Church
St. Albertus Roman Catholic Church
St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church
St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church
St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church
St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church
|
  St. John'S Episcopal Church
| St. John'S Episcopal Church
|
  St. Josaphat'S Roman Catholic Church
| St. Josaphat'S Roman Catholic Church
St. Joseph Shrine, Detroit
St. Joseph Shrine, Detroit
St. Mary Roman Catholic Church
St. Mary Roman Catholic Church
St. Stanislaus Bishop And Martyr Roman Catholic Church
St. Stanislaus Bishop And Martyr Roman Catholic Church
St. Theresa Of Avila Roman Catholic Church
St. Theresa Of Avila Roman Catholic Church
|
  St. Thomas The Apostle'S Church
| St. Thomas The Apostle'S Church
Ste. Anne De Detroit Catholic Church
Ste. Anne De Detroit Catholic Church
Stuber-Stone Building
Stuber-Stone Building
Sweetest Heart Of Mary Roman Catholic Church
Sweetest Heart Of Mary Roman Catholic Church
Tcf Center
Tcf Center
The Fillmore Detroit
The Fillmore Detroit
The Kean
The Kean
The Leland Hotel
The Leland Hotel
The Whittier
The Whittier
Theodore Levin United States Courthouse
Theodore Levin United States Courthouse
Tiger Stadium
Tiger Stadium
Tushiyah United Hebrew School – Scott Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church
Tushiyah United Hebrew School – Scott Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church
United Artists Theatre Building
United Artists Theatre Building
University Of Detroit Stadium
University Of Detroit Stadium
Verona Apartments
Verona Apartments
Vinton Building
Vinton Building
Wayne State Arena
Wayne State Arena
Wayne State University
Wayne State University
West Canfield Historic District
West Canfield Historic District
Westin Book Cadillac Hotel
Westin Book Cadillac Hotel
William C. Boydell House
William C. Boydell House
William G. Milliken State Park And Harbor
William G. Milliken State Park And Harbor
Willis Avenue Station
Willis Avenue Station