In the second basement level below the main auditorium is the 550-seat Crystal Ballroom, which is surrounded by balconies - Photo taken Jan. 14, 2025
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The crystal ballroom was once referred to as "unquestionably one of the most beautiful rooms in America".
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The 10,000 square-foot Crystal Ballroom, named after the 15-foot chandeliers, can hold up to 550 people and is often rented for weddings, meetings, and corporate events.
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A view at the ornate ceiling inside the crystal ballroom
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Candlelight atmosphere during a concert in the crystal ballroom
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Inside the Chrystal Lobby (Sub Basement) - Photo taken Jan. 22, 2025
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Inside the Chrystal Lobby (Sub Basement) - Photo taken Jan. 22, 2025
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Inside the Chrystal Lobby (Sub Basement) - Photo taken Jan. 22, 2025
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
A view at the Fountain Ballroom (~17,000 sf) - Photo taken Jan. 22, 2025
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
For a time, the Masonic Temple was a prime venue for showcasing automobiles, whether for special events or new model debuts. The 17,000 square-foot Fountain Ballroom (e.g. the 1959 Chevy dealers’ convention) and Drill Hall (e.g. in 1949 for the 50th anniversary of the Packard Motor Car Company) were the preferred spaces for these displays.
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The Fountain Ballroom’s early 2020s renovation restored its private entrance tunnel and foyer, while historically accurate crystal chandeliers and the original color scheme brought its classic elegance back to life.
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Entrance Lobby to Fountain Ballroom - Photo taken Jan. 22, 2025
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
The Fountain Ballroom’s early 2020s renovation restored its private entrance tunnel and foyer, while historically accurate crystal chandeliers and the original color scheme brought its classic elegance back to life.
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org
Photo (©) by Helmut Ziewers (www.ziewersphotography.com) of HistoricDetroit.org