Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts

Frauenthal Center is a performance venue in downtown Muskegon with a main theater and smaller theaters for different types of shows. It also includes a ballroom, lounge areas, and office spaces available for rental.

The building opened in 1929 as a movie theater and was Muskegon's first venue built for talking pictures. A major restoration in the 1990s returned the space to its original character while adapting it for modern use.

The center hosts the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra regularly and draws crowds for major annual events that matter to the community. Local groups and touring artists both use the spaces throughout the year.

The venue is easy to reach from downtown and has parking on site with multiple entrances for different events. Visitors should check if certain areas are accessible during large events or if different entrance rules apply.

The organ in the main hall is the original from 1929 and still playable, making it a rare example of preserved movie theater equipment from that era. The Spanish Renaissance decorative details are unusual for a small American city and add distinctive character to the interior.

Location: Muskegon

Inception: 1929

Address: 425 West Western Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49440-1101

Website: https://frauenthal.org

GPS coordinates: 43.23490,-86.25320

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03