tivoli theatre downers grove

I booked tickets to a concert but was unsure of what kind of venue the Tivoli would be. It was fantastic, great sound, good seats, great viewing lines and plenty of places serving drinks. Now want to go back for a movie

This is the best theater in the western suburbs. It has everything going for it - low ticket price, not a multiplex, just one big screen movie, excellent sound system, good popcorn, on weekends there is a gentleman who plays an organ, friendly people and someone hands out peppermints as you leave. Love it, love it, love it.

Very small, take all of 2 hours for the whole tour, but it does give you a very nice slice of early America with great tour guides that don't just go off scripts, they actually know what they are talking about.

Going to the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove is like taking a step--make that a few steps--back into time. In fact, the theatre is like a time capsule. Opened in 1928, it was the first theatre in the Chicago area to begin running movies with sound. Are you listening, Al Jolson? And it is one of the few old movie palaces that hasn't been broken up into three or four smaller theaters. Patrons still marvel over the chandelier-adorned interior that resembles a French Renaissance-style theater and the value-priced movie tickets. With a capacity of 1,012 seats, it was the second theater in the United States to open with sound movies. There have been several renovations since Willis Johnson purchased the property in 1976. In 1980, the screen was moved to allow for live entertainment to appear on the stage. A Barton organ from the Rialto Theatre in Champaign was installed and the sound system was upgraded. In 1996, during an eight-month project, the decorative elements in the auditorium were repainted. Other improvements were restrooms, carpeting, new seats and a new state-of-the-art sound system Today, the Tivoli shows recent films at a bargain price seven days a week. Several performing arts groups, including the West Towns Chorus and the After Hours Film Society and the Tivoli Stage Crew, use the theater. Among the upcoming movies are Fail Safe, Dr. Strangelove and The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming. A special event that is sure to attract a full house is an evening with actor John Mahoney. The Tivoli was the first old-time theater that the Johnson family renovated as part of their Classic Cinemas business. Other theaters the Johnsons' Downers Grove-based company has restored are the Lindo in Freeport, the York in Elmhurst, the Lake in Oak Park, the Woodstock in Woodstock and the Paramount in Kankakee.

There is nothing i disliked it was great the old time stuff.The town was very quint with all the restaurants and little shops

I have been going to this theatre for the past 60 years and will continue to do so as it is one of the few old palaces that have been retained and maintained in its original form and not broken up into smaller theaters. It still features the mighty Wurlitzer organ before each opening show and the lobby and decor represents it's original state. Only the seats have been totally updated for comfort.

Tivoli was the first theater in Chicagoland to play movies with sound, opened in 1928. And on Friday nights, you can hear an organist play before the show. The prices are discounted and is a great option before going out for dinner or ice cream in the downtown area, especially on Friday nights during the summer for the auto show.

Just the right amount of seats in a restored back to it's original nostalgic feel. Great Speakers too.

Always clean and well kept. Organ entertainment is first class, especially the final wave as the organ and organist sink into the stage at conclusion.Staff always helpful and happy. Makes one think of how shows were when we were kids

Gorgeous theater with organist which who when finished playing the organ sinks into the orchestra pit. Classic Cinemas theater will host Monday night After Hours Society movies which are a special price to members. Parking can get crowded for highly anticipated shows. Places to eat or grab a drink are nearby. There is a parking garage just south of the tracks if you don't mind a little walk, this is nice in warm weather. After drinks and popcorn are purchased refills are free. They will often host special book signing guests. I went to one where Julie Andrews came many years back, this November 11, 2014 John Cleese is scheduled to appear. In winter a presentation of the Nutcracker ballet live is hosted.

Like the old theatre atmosphere, reasonable prices and comfy seating. Good popcorn (free refills) too.

The weekend pre movie organ concerts are great and the 20s vaudeville interior takes you back in time. The sound system is Klipsch and is top notch. The popcorn is made on site and is always fresh. With it's totally restored interior, it's a very nice experience. Parking can be a bit difficult, so arrive early and hear the music prior to the movie.

Been going here for many years. This was the 2nd theater in US to show talking movies. It was restored several years back. Only old movie theater in area that has not been cut up in small theaters. Only $5 and organist plays Fridays and Saturday. A real treat.

The Tivoli is in the heart of downtown Downers Grove and has a main street type of feel to it. My kids love going to the Tivoli.

We have been going to the tivoli theater for years, partly due to the value (second run movies at a low price, sometimes the movies are still playing at the first run theaters) and partly due to the atmosphere. This theater is an old time updated with current movie technology. The concessions include freshly popped corn and free refills on drinks and popcorn. Check out their website for special events. One extra special treat: an organist performing live music before the shows. And he doesn't just play typical organ music......think the Beatles and such! So much fun! Think about having dinner at the Lemon Tree on the other side of the tracks.