Tivoli Theater
Tivoli Theater
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
211 reviews
Excellent
145
Very good
51
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Jade S
White House, TN92 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
What a charming theater! I loved the old world feel of days gone by. The light up marquis and the architecture emitted vibes of an era gone by. People were dressed in everything from classy evening wear to denim pants for the Frankie Valli concert. There isn’t a bad seat in the entire house from my perspective. I would have enjoyed the intimate loge seating personally but I have an aversion to crowds and try to purchase tickets accordingly. My only word of caution is that we sat in the balcony level. The age range for our show for the most part were people who are 50+. I watched a lot of elderly patrons struggle with the steep stairs in the balcony level. There are no handrails between the aisles along the stairway to hold onto for stability. One lady did stumble and fall a bit but a kind gentleman stood to help escort her up the stairs to her seat. In order to ascend, people were holding on to chair arms and the hands and arms of other guests. I can imagine descending would be a bit scary for the elderly and those with balance issues. The restrooms are somewhat “hidden” and please, use caution entering and exiting. The men’s room on the balcony level has a couple of steps up/down directly inside the door. The women’s restroom on the same level is tucked away and also has a bit of a step. It is an old building constructed loonggg before handicapped or disabled accessibility was a major design factor and the main stair way is wide and offers a handrail. I want everyone to enjoy their shows. I’m not meaning to be negative in any way or put the venue itself down. I am just wanting to make sure others are aware of issues this may pose to those with mobility concerns and to choose their seats accordingly or speak with customer service prior to your event to get the best experience possible. The ushers and security were all very helpful and polite. No full concessions but popcorn, candy bars and drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic were available for purchase in the downstairs lobby.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susanne T
North Carolina Mountains, NC2,134 contributions
Feb 2020
We had tickets to Cats and this was our first time at the Tivoli. The venue is absolutely beautiful, lines to get into the theater were reasonable and moved fast; security check was courteous and non invasive. The is no bad seat in the house and the acoustics are great. The musical was amazing and we will come back!
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MARY B
Delaware City, DE327 contributions
Jan 2020
Of all that I will miss as I leave Chattanooga, the Tivoli (along with the lake) is at the top. It's the home of a superior orchestra and, returning recently after many years, the opera! But it has wide-ranging programs for every taste, from major country stars to ballet to travelling Broadway shows. The community is justifiably proud of this gem, as evidenced by its support.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindi Y
Chattanooga, TN5 contributions
Dec 2019
Our family went for the Christmas Vacation movie right before Christmas. The Tivoli is an intimate venue with such character. It was open seating for this event, but there are no bad seats.
We also went to a Kenny G concert here, again, awesome in every way!
We also went to a Kenny G concert here, again, awesome in every way!
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindajB5693PY
Harrison, TN4 contributions
Dec 2019
We went to a Black Jacket Symphony concert of the Eagles. This was our first trip to the Tivoli. The seats were ok. It is older so they are a little close and the stairs were a little steep but we still had a good time. I know they are supposed to play note for note and they did sound good but we have seen so many of the original artist on a rock legends cruise I was a little disappointed.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg D
Huntsville, AL11 contributions
Nov 2021
Smaller venue (3000 total?). I had seen a couple of reviews that said there isn't a bad seat in the house. The ones in the upper level take some walking to get to, but there really isn't a bad seat. Very enjoyable. Lots of aisle seats if you need to get in-out. Several drink stations, so the lines were not too bad.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan H
3 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
Do you like wine? Do you like going to bed at 7:30? Do you like a mediocre experience and half interested staff incapable of handling the audience they charged over 50 bucks a seat for? This is a great place for you.
Seriously though, this auditorium is for theater, local auditions, or classical music. Do not go see a show here for anything else. They ran out of alcohol and the artist did not perform a encore (most likely at the request of the venue but can't be proven). Even worse, cops start kicking people out shortly after the show is over.
Not worth the money. Great venue to watch your kids perform their various auditions. Don't waste your money going to a concert here. Boo =======D---------- 0:
Seriously though, this auditorium is for theater, local auditions, or classical music. Do not go see a show here for anything else. They ran out of alcohol and the artist did not perform a encore (most likely at the request of the venue but can't be proven). Even worse, cops start kicking people out shortly after the show is over.
Not worth the money. Great venue to watch your kids perform their various auditions. Don't waste your money going to a concert here. Boo =======D---------- 0:
Written July 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OBIDOCRL
Chattanooga, TN228 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
Chattanooga's famous Tivoli Theatre is another of the city's famous historic attractions that is still in active use today. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a wonderful venue to view concerts, symphonies, plays and many other types of performances. Being a native Chattanoogan, I have viewed many different ones myself there ever since I was a kid. There's really not a bad seat in the house as far as viewing a performance, but some of the seats in the balcony don't have too much leg room. You have to remember this theater dates back to 1921 so I guess most people were of smaller size and stature back then as they say.
Although, the theater is almost 100 years old, it has been fully renovated in recent years so everything is in excellent condition. The acoustics are superb for this venue as well. It also contains a famous Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that is still in use today. It just celebrated its 90th birthday as it was installed in 1924.
A very classy and beautiful theater, I highly recommend attending a performance if at all possible here if you are able. It's worth checking out without attending a performance if you are in town for a short visit. Just be sure to call ahead to see if it is open for visitors.
Although, the theater is almost 100 years old, it has been fully renovated in recent years so everything is in excellent condition. The acoustics are superb for this venue as well. It also contains a famous Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that is still in use today. It just celebrated its 90th birthday as it was installed in 1924.
A very classy and beautiful theater, I highly recommend attending a performance if at all possible here if you are able. It's worth checking out without attending a performance if you are in town for a short visit. Just be sure to call ahead to see if it is open for visitors.
Written August 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LuluZulu62
34 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We went to the King Beautiful Musical. Evening was almost ruined by the women nxt to us who was so drunk she passed out n then got sick.
Within mere mintues the volunteers were there, and moved us while escorting the woman out.
Everyone stepped in and moved us to new seats, as well as others near us.
They saved our evening and we were so grateful and impressed. This is a beautiful venue - but the real thing that makes it amazing are all the people who work there.
Within mere mintues the volunteers were there, and moved us while escorting the woman out.
Everyone stepped in and moved us to new seats, as well as others near us.
They saved our evening and we were so grateful and impressed. This is a beautiful venue - but the real thing that makes it amazing are all the people who work there.
Written December 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred B
Atlanta, GA114 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
We had occasion to visit this gem to attend the production of The Reluctant Convert which details the life story of CS Lewis. This amazing one man show with Max McLean was simply fabulous and the intimacy of this theater made it a real treat from anywhere in the seating area. The theater offers the opulence of a grand era performance venue with up close seating options. The restroom facilities are a bit dated and located down a long set of stairs. Otherwise, this is a must visit theater with parking available nearby on both the street and a parking garage.
Written May 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are jeans and trainers acceptable for the bowie tribute night
Written February 22, 2020
I would say yes.
Written February 29, 2020
We dressed up only because we wanted to as part of our date, but we saw other people there in everything from evening gowns to blue jeans and khakis. I suggest you dress as you wish, but no shorts and tank tops. Although the place can qualify as business casual for sure, and does needs further repairs, it still projects a wonderful sense of elegance that we love. Dressing up a bit helped us to appreciate that part of it.
Written December 23, 2019
being an old theatre is part of its charm. It is ornately decorated and an historic landmark. The loge center is, of course, the best seat.
Written June 2, 2019
137200
Brisbane, Australia
I was told there is a large parking area near the Tivoli. Am I right. Thankyou
Written July 21, 2018
There are several parking lots near the Tovoli, none of them large. Go early. Parking is an issue Chattanooga wrestles with.
Written July 21, 2018
My husband and I are attending a program Sept. 9, 2017. He is in a manual wheelchair. Are there close places to park that would be good for us?
Written June 22, 2017
Call the Tivoli. They will direct you where to park. Area is very safe to walk to parking. I do not know about the gun permit rule but you can ask when you call the Tivoli. Wine is served; not sure about beer as I do not drink either of them.
Written June 22, 2017
Is the area safe at night to walk to parking lot? Also is permitted gun carring allowed?
Written April 18, 2017
We've walked the area at night but have never really felt unsafe. Some portions of downtown are rather dark, and deserted, and there are ALWAYS a few characters on the street which fall under the following categories: homeless, crazy, ramblers, beggars, shouters, shaggy, dirty, lost, wanderers, etc. Whether one "feels" unsafe in such circumstances, and/or surrounded with such characters, depends on the individual.
In Tennessee carrying a hand-gun is allowed by law:
T.C.A. § 39-17-1351[1] Permits are "shall-issue". Concealed or open carry of a handgun is allowed with permit. *Loaded long gun carry in public is generally illegal, with exceptions for activities such as hunting in approved areas. Unloaded long gun carry is not prohibited.
Not sure about the theater, but this law may, or may not apply, since they serve alcohol:
(T.C.A. § 39-17-1321 It is illegal for anyone to possess a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance. It is lawful to possess a firearm on the premises of a public place where alcoholic beverages are served as long as such individual is not consuming alcoholic beverages. The allowable BAC for a handgun carry permit holder in public possession of a loaded firearm is exactly 0.0%, zero tolerance. Blood tests can establish intoxication by narcotics. Peaceable journey laws apply, and if an HCP holder has a drink, it is allowable to unload the firearm and lock it in the trunk of the vehicle, provided that the driver is under 0.08% BAC.)
Written April 19, 2017
rndessiekelly
Williamsburg, Kentucky
where is the parking for the Tivoli theater
Written January 20, 2017
Yes, the options are to park on the street in metered spaces or there is a lot behind the Tivoli and at the Republic Bldg. and also right across the street. Behind the Tivoli is usually easier if you don't find a street space. I think parking is usually starting at $10 in lots, you can use credit cards at most of the meters in that area. Minimum $2.00 I think.
Written February 18, 2017
Someone would like to know if beer and wine are served? I know I have been there and had it both with and without, what is the criteria?
Written January 13, 2017
They now serve beer and wine at the Tivoli and the Memorial Auditorium.
Written January 13, 2017
Actually, it depends on the event. I believe I have seen wine served at the symphony productions, but not at The Nutcracker, but maybe that changed. I also think after intermission they close it down.
Written January 13, 2017
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