Chenery Auditorium

The auditorium at "old" Kalamazoo Central High School was officially dedicated in 1924 and was one of the largest high school auditoriums in the state. Always known for its superior acoustics, the auditorium has hosted many school and community events, including big-name artists Glenn Miller, the Kingston Trio, Bob Hope, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others.

The auditorium was refurbished in 1960. It was painted, given new upholstered seats and the beautiful Austrian crystal chandeliers were installed. Stage rigging, a new floor and draperies rounded out the 1960 work. Futher rigging improvements were made in 1991, along with the installation of a state-of-the-art lighting system.

In 1973 the Auditorium was renamed for Howard Chenery, the school's drama teacher for 38 years beginning in 1923.

Most recently, in 1997 the auditorium was again painted and
the seating replaced. This last renovation reduced the seating capacity from 2500 to 1900 to provide greater seating comfort for the patrons.
Currently, the auditorium is busy over 200 days a year
bringing the finest in family entertainment to the Kalamazoo community.

Howard Chenery Auditorium
714 S. Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone (269) 337-0440

To Chenery Auditorium

From I-94:
Take the WESTNEDGE AVE NORTH exit, exit #76B
Continue on S WESTNEDGE AVE about 2.5 miles
Continue on S PARK ST about 1 mile
Turn Left on W VINE STREET
Continue one block, then Cross S WESTNEDGE AVE
Turn Right into parking lot behind building
Enter building through S WESTNEDGE AVE entrance doors

From U.S. 131:
Take the M-43 EAST exit toward KALAMAZOO, exit #38A
Continue on M-43 W MAIN STREET about 3.5 miles
Turn Right on S WESTNEDGE AVE
Continue on S WESTNEDGE AVE about .5 miles
Turn Right on DUTTON STREET
Continue directly into parking lot behind building
Enter building through S WESTNEDGE AVE entrance doors