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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Millions needed to renovate Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre

The ornate lobby of the Tivoli Theater serves as a stage for the Thursday morning press conference at the Tivoli.
The ornate lobby of the Tivoli Theater serves as a stage for the Thursday morning press conference at the Tivoli. The ornate lobby of the Tivoli Theater serves as a stage for the Thursday morning press conference at the Tivoli.

The Tivoli Theatre is well-loved for its 1920s-era charm: the grandeur of the two-story lobby, the rich carpeting and ornate balconies.

But the old theater is tired. Paint is curling off the walls. Chunks of plaster are falling off the ceiling. And duct tape is the only thing keeping some pieces of carpet from unraveling.

Local officials are hoping a new nonprofit organization can help fix some of these problems, both at the Tivoli and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium.

Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke wants to turn management of the two theaters over to a private foundation, which he thinks will promote more shows and events at the underutilized spaces.