When it comes to local lore and secret ghost stories, there are few spots in the ATL with quite as storied of a past as the Fox Theatre in Downtown Atlanta.
Known for its truly stunning Broadway musicals and shows, concerts, and perfromances, the Fox is a staple of the Atlanta community. But do you know the whole story?
According to Haunt Bound, a field guide to America’s haunted places, the Fox Theatre is the 3rd most haunted spot in the state… keep scrolling to learn more!
A brief history of the Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre was first conceived almost a century ago, in 1928, as a grand headquarters for Atlanta’s Shriners.
However, with its incredibly ornate design, drawing inspiration from iconic structures like Spain’s Alhambra and Egypt’s Temple of Karnak, the building proved too financially overwhelming for the Shriners. This prompted the Shriners to lease the building to movie mogul William Fox, who opened the stunning Downtown theatre on Christmas Day 1929, premiering Disney’s Steamboat Willie.
The Fox Theatre states,
Its splendor quickly made it an Atlanta favorite, showcasing movies, opera, popular live acts, and dances. However, financial strain from the Great Depression led to bankruptcy in 1932, and the theatre was auctioned off but continued operating successfully for decades.
And then, after battling to stay open, facing demolition, and a successful “Save The Fox” campaign by Atlanta Landmarks, the Fox solidified its place as an Atlanta treasure. Today, it continues to shine, hosting over 250 performances annually—from Broadway hits to legendary concerts and private events.
If you haven’t been to the Fox yet… what’re you waiting for? See what’s on stage here!
So… is it haunted?
Alright. Well, that’s an interesting history, but I didn’t see any ghosts mentioned. Is the Fox Theatre haunted? Most certainly. (If you believe in that sort of thing!)
The Fox Theatre, like many theaters across the world, is also haunted. Recorded accounts claim seeing apparitions and hearing phantom footsteps in the building. Others remark on an eerie feeling within the walls.
The old owner, Fox, or some of the former organists might be roaming the theatre still, after all of these years.
And of course, the Fox is also home to what some have called “creepiest space ever”: the downstairs hospital room. An old report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution states that those who enter the hospital room might encounter “Mary the nurse and a spirit named Roosevelt.”
But rest assured: none of the ghosts or spirits lingering at the Fox seem to be anything but lovers of the arts and theatre.
Fox Theatre Haunted History Tours
So… are you interested in checking it out? If you’re looking to add a little spooky fun to your Halloween, you’re in luck!
For a limited time only this season, you can check out the Fox’s Haunted History Tours, where you’ll learn about some of the unexplained phenomena and eerie happenings experienced by our staff, guests and performers during the Fox’s storied history.
You’ll also discover fascinating stories of the theatre’s history and explore the architectural and design choices that make the Fox the one-of-a-kind venue it is today!
Remaining dates include:
- October 19th
- October 22nd
- October 29th
- October 31st
Fox Tours last approximately 60 minutes.
Learn more & snag your tickets on the Fox’s website, here!
Don’t miss out on all the creepy fun, Atlanta! Head to the Fox for one of their seasonal ghost tours!