The Griswold

The Griswold Auditorium is a historic performance venue and event center built in 1929 through a $100,000 bequest from lumber baroness Marilla Griswold. Her dream was to provide a place for the Allegan community to come together, experience a variety of entertainment and most of all, enjoy themselves.

The 600-seat auditorium, with a stage lit up under the word of William Shakespeare; "All The World's A Stage," looks much the same as it did in 1929 and serves as the home of Michigan's oldest theatre company, the Allegan Community Players. The dark wood moldings, open floor plans, and numerous multi-pane windows reflect the classic Arts & Crafts or Craftsman architecture.

While smaller than Marilla Griswold hoped, the facility has met her dream and original purpose of a setting for community functions and host a variety of events year round.  


The Griswold Auditorium is truly a one of a kind building.

The Griswold is currently owned and operated by the City of Allegan where they, along with Downtown Allegan, host concerts and many other forms of entertainment throughout the year.

A snippet of

Marilla Griswold’s

Last Will and Testament

“All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts…”

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE