Explore the Splendor of one of America's Most Magnificent Theatres
 The Fox Theatre opened in 1929 as one of the crown jewels in William Fox's motion picture empire. C. Howard Crane, one of the most distinguished movie palace architects of the era, designed the Fox at a cost of six million dollars. With a seating capacity of 5060, the Fox was second in size only to New York's Roxy Theatre. It was also one of the first theatres in the country equipped for the latest rage sweeping the movie industry--the "talkie."
The Fox was justifiably billed as "St. Louis' largest and most magnificent temple of amusement." Fox's wife, Eve Leo, filled the theatre with paintings, sculptures and furnishings gathered from her travels around the world for the astronomical sum of $700,000. For $.35 to $.65 (depending on the time of day) a visitor could buy an entire afternoon or evening in the company of the Fox's own elephants, lions, monkeys, peacocks, and dolphins. Fierce rajahs armed with wicked, curving scimitars glare down from their niches in the lobby. Indian Vishnus meditate on either side of the stage. From the dome in the auditorium hangs a fantastic 2,000-pound chandelier, 12 feet in diameter and glittering with 2,264 pieces of jeweled glass. And, to find a resting place, one couldn't ask for a better vantage point than one of the many gilded velvet throne chairs adorning the lobbies.
A giant four-manual Wurlitzer organ, one of only five of its type ever built, filled the hall with music from its 36 ranks and 2,700 pipes. At a carefully selected moment, the Fox's mighty Wurlitzer would rise from the depths of the theatre in a spectacular blaze of light.
In 1981, the Fox was privately purchased, and an incredible restoration project was launched. With scrupulous attention to detail, thousands of square feet of ornate plaster were recreated: long-lost art glass was beautifully duplicated; 4,500 seats were completely re-upholstered and restored; 7,300 yards of carpet were woven in the original elephant pattern; even the 106 foot high ceiling was meticulously vacuumed. The awesome chandelier was restored to its original brilliance, and the majestic Wurlitzer organ rebuilt to perform its rapturous melodies.
Also undertaken was the additional task of updating and installing state-of-the-art sound, lighting and stage equipment to handle a wide range of contemporary entertainment. All this and more was accomplished at an expense in excess of $2 million and within a single year!
TOUR THE FOX THEATRE!
Tours of the Fox Theatre are conducted every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (except holidays and Thursday February 11) at 10:30 AM. These tours begin from our box office located directly north of our front brass doors. Each tour lasts approximately 1 ½ hours. While stairs are involved in visiting some areas of the theatre, elevators are available between all auditorium floors. Accessibility to backstage areas and the use of the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ may be prohibited due to show scheduling or maintenance.
ORGAN TOURS: Beginning September 1, 2009, the Saturday public tours will include an organ presentation at one of the two Wurlitzer organs located in the theatre. Guest organists include Dennis Ammann, Ken Iborg, Jack Jenkins, Jack Moelmann, and Ed Plitt.
PRICES: Tuesday and Thursday tours are $5 for adults and $3 for students and children. The Saturday tour which includes an organ presentation is $8 for adults and $4 for students and children. No reservations are needed for groups of less than 20.
PRIVATE TOURS: Private tours for groups of 20 or more can be arranged by contacting Ed Schroeder at 314.657.5068 or at eds@foxstl.com.
PARKING: Free parking is available for Fox Tours. The parking attendant in the lot behind the Fox on Washington Avenue will direct you to the appropriate parking location.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS: Your tour will include a visit to our newest attraction, “A Tribute to Stan Kann,” located on the 4th floor of the theatre. Stan Kann was the Fox Theatre organist for decades. On this floor you will also find “Peacock Alley,” which provides a photographic montage of the fabulous entertainers and productions that have played the Fox since its reopening in 1982.
SPECIAL LUNCHEON OPTIONS FOR GROUPS!
For groups of 25 or more:
A gourmet box lunch served in the private Fox Club including a tour of the theatre is available for $20 per person.
For groups of 50 or more
An elegant lunch buffet in the private Fox Club including a tour of the theatre is available for $30 per person.
For more details, contact Ed Schroeder at 314.657.5068 or at eds@foxstl.com. | 
