Review Highlights
“I would definitely recommend seeing a show if you are just in town for the weekend - it is a really neat, old theatre on the inside and a cool experience for anyone.” in 3 reviews
“Most recently was the Book of Mormon.” in 3 reviews
“Before my Mom and I saw Woodstock to celebrate its anniversary, an organ player wowed the crowd.” in 2 reviews
Location & Hours
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Amenities and More
About the Business
From 1920s "picture palace" to community showplace for the 21st century, the Tivoli Theatre still offers Chattanoogans the finest in entertainment and cultural events. The Tivoli is the home of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association, and also welcomes a wide variety of touring companies each year. With offerings from blues to bluegrass and classical to country, plus dance, opera and the best of Broadway, the Tivoli is at the center of Chattanooga's cultural life. Its elegance and intimacy have made it a favorite of audiences and performers alike, including Jason Isbell, Ben Harper, John Prine, and more.
Ask the Community
Q:
Do people get dressed up for the cso an ballet such as the nutcracker?
A:
Yes, people get dressed up. Especially when it's the Nutcracker or a special holiday program.
Donnelly J.6 years ago
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
34 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
- Feb 21, 2019
I've been to the Tivoli several times in my lifetime. The 1st was a special showing of Casablanca, maybe the 30th or 35th anniversary of the iconic film. Most recently was the Book of Mormon.
The show was fantastic. Excited that Chattanooga is now drawing Broadway tours, and I believe a big reason is the Tivoli.
There is not a bad seat in the house. I was in the orchestra center left for BoM. It was the balcony for Dave Chapelle. There is NOT a bad seat in the place.
Fabulous venue.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Dec 15, 2019
Went to see Dave Chappell on 12/12. There were two shows, one at 7 and one at 10! I hadn't been to the Tivoli since grade school! But the show was great!! Just a tip for the owners, they should really considering moving where they position the mic. It was far enough back so that the people at the top could see the comedian. I was on maybe the 3rd row up in the balcony and had to lean up a bit to see the comedian. The Tivoli is so pretty. The bartender was also nice and made good drinks
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Feb 18, 2020Updated review
Here for Woodstock the movie tonight!Cannot say enough about this incredible place. Go. Best experience ever. Check out Broadway Season 2019. We are so lucky to have this gem here in Chattanooga. A***
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Jul 13, 2019Previous reviewHere for Woodstock the movie tonight!Cannot say enough about this incredible place. Go. Best experience ever. Check out Broadway Season 2019. We are so lucky to have this gem here in Chattanooga. A***
Jul 6, 2019Previous reviewHere for Woodstock the movie tonight!! Cannot say enough about this incredible place. Go. Best experience ever. Check out Broadway Season 2019. We are so lucky to have this gem here in Chattanooga. A***
- Pat O.Chattanooga, TN1814Jan 15, 2022
I've been to both the Chestnut St and Walker Tivoli theaters for concerts and I like the intimate nature and character of the buildings
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jeffrey M.Durham, NC1375396978Jan 12, 2020
This place is definitely a Chattanooga, TN treasure for certain. Excellent location for concerts, plays, and more. The Tivoli as it is known by "we" locals is registered as a landmark with the national historical society, the design and layout is definitely "one of a kind." Acoustic quality is beyond compare.
I certainly came to see one of my favourite Jazz saxophone player, Kenny G. His performance was nothing less than Amazing! The sounds were great and it carried well throughout the building. I sat up in the balcony area, note that it is straight up. Seats up in the balcony are great, from how the room is designed, there are no bad seats.
As always, I really enjoyed my time here, and would go back to another concert, or show, or play here. As for Kenny G performance, if he ever comes back to the area, definitely not missing out on the concert.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Rusty B.Cleveland, TN484188339Nov 25, 2019
The Historic Tivoli Theater, what a great venue for a concert or a ballet.
My wife and I have been here for several events over the last couple of years and we sit back and look up and admire the beautiful architecture. We do get a little sad when looking at the paint that's leaking off the walls but at the same time it adds character.
Before you come for a concert please remember to bring some ear plugs. The Tivoli isn't your typical concert venue. The stage is closer to you than you realize which means the speakers are closer to your ears. The sound level quickly reaches a point that makes it almost unbearable to sit and enjoy.
As far as seating goes, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. No matter where you pick, you're sure to have a great view.
Be aware that the main restroom is down a pretty substantial flight of stairs. I don't drink and it's hard getting up and down them. If you drink, be careful. If you fall, it's a long way down.
Be sure to check out their website and make it a point to check out a concert or performance Your funds help keep her alive.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Mar 1, 2020
What a beautiful and well ran establishment. My husband and I went to see Downton abbey at the tivoli and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The staff are wonderful and they have wine/beer/popcorns/snacks so all over win :) My only negative is that there are no cup holders in the seats but it's an old theatre and absolutely beautiful and full of charm.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Feb 1, 2020
I've lived in Chattanooga almost three years now and have been to three shows at the Tivoli. The first was Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. My first live ballet, and while the dancing was good, the scenery and costumes were gaudy. I prefer something more traditional when it comes to the Nutcracker. The second was more recent and was Les Miserables. As a theatre geek, I wasn't expecting much having seen it on Broadway and knowing the size of the Tivoli couldn't accommodate the grand sets of the NY production, but I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked and the genius of the design adaptation for the smaller stage. The overall quality of the production was great. My friend and I sat in the second row of the loge, however, and the lighting rigs on the front of the loge did interfere with seeing some of the action downstage. I think sitting in the front row would make it even harder to see so be warned if buying loge tickets. Tonight I got back from the opening of CATS. It was my 6th time seeing it (1st not at it's original home at the Winter Garden in NYC). The production and cast were absolutely PHENOMENAL!! I had a right center balcony, row A seat and it was perfect for this show. The sound quality of the live orchestra was incredible. As for the theatre itself, it's absolutely beautiful with amazing architecture and detail. However, I'm only giving it 4 stars (and considered 3) because it seriously needs some restoration. There is major paint flaking, especially on the ceilings, and I worry with the sound and vibration that it's going to flake off and fall on people. I don't know if the issues go beyond paint to plaster or structure but if the Tivoli wants to keep drawing in quality shows and audiences, something needs to be done about the appearance.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Donnelly J.Chattanooga, TN438867Dec 18, 2016
I've only gone to this theatre for the "Home For The Holidays" Christmas music program by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. Both times I truly enjoyed the experience. Great selection of Christmas pieces and usually a singalong of Christmas songs during the program. Santa always makes an appearance as well.
The theatre appears to have a lot of its original construction - signage, tight seating, architecture, and such. It could use some updating, but works okay for what it is. Nice thing is that there isn't really a bad seat in the house. Pretty much any seat has a decent view of the stage.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0