Historic movie palaces / Grand River Avenue / Northwest Detroit
Great Lakes Theatre
Closed – archive entry · 1927–1969
George D. Mason's 1,795-seat movie house on Grand River Avenue, open from 1927 to 1969, then a theatre and a church. Its half-lit blade sign spelling EAT LAKES made it a famous ruin before most of it came down.
Quick facts
- Opened
- 1927
- Closed
- 1969
- Architect
- George D. Mason
- Seats
- 1795
02 / The story of this place
Make time for these
The Great Lakes opened on November 23, 1927, with The Life of Riley and three vaudeville acts, designed by George D. Mason, architect of the Gem and Oriole theatres. It mixed stage shows and films in its early years and was a cinema for most of its life. It closed on August 29, 1969, with a double bill of Goodbye, Columbus and Rosemary's Baby. From November 1969 to 1972 it housed the Vest Pocket theatre company, then served as the Bread of Life Gospel Ministry church until about 2019. Its half-lit blade sign spelling EAT LAKES made it a well-known ruin on Grand River before most of it was torn down.
- By the architect of the Gem and Oriole
- Home of the Vest Pocket company, 1969–72
- The famous EAT LAKES blade sign
Plan your visit
Most of the Great Lakes has been torn down on Grand River Avenue. For a movie or a show, see the working venues in our guide.
Cinemas nearby
Back to cinemas ↗
Multiplexes / Detroit
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IMAX & giant screens / Detroit
Michigan Science Center – Immersive Dome Theater
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Film festivals / Detroit
Detroit Black Film Festival
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