Meadow Brook – Rochester Hills, MI

Meadow Brook, in Rochester Hills MI, is the former Matilda Dodge Wilson Estate. What was once a 320 acre farm estate used as a weekend country retreat for the Dodge/Wilson family, and later expanded to 1,500 acres and several residences, is currently home to Meadow Brook Music Festival, Meadow Brook Theatre, Meadow Brook Hall and Oakland University.

Meadow Brook Music Festival is a popular “Open Air” venue held during July, August and September, featuring comedians, rock and country music and laser shows. Some of the scheduled performers are: Weird Al Yankovic, Bob Dylan, Chris Isaak, Demetri Martin and the Cast of Beetlemania to name a few. The tickets range from $10.00 to $29.50 for lawn, and $19.50 to $64.00 for pavilion, depending on performer. The performances are usually Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8:00 PM.

Meadow Brook Theater, known as “Michigan’s Answer to Broadway” will be entering its 46^th season in October. It is located in Wilson Hall on the campus of Oakland University. The season runs from October through June. From the powerful “Mary Stuart” and “Something Wicked Comes My Way,” to the award-winning music from “My Hometown” and “Xanadu”, there is something for everyone. Tickets range from $24.00 to $39.00.  There is a children’s’ series on Saturday afternoon, reasonably priced at $10.00 and $15.00. This is a wonderful way to introduce children to the magic of theatre.

Meadow Brook Hall was built in 1928-1929 with the fortune left to Matilda Dodge by her first husband John F. Dodge, co-founder of Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company. This fortune not only built one of America’s finest estates, it also supported numerous Detroit charities and organizations, and made possible the founding of Oakland University.

Meadow Brook Hall was built during a time when wealthy American industrialists pursued rural life in beautiful settings. It is known as one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in America. It is renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale of 88,000 square feet. It was inspired by the country manor homes in England and built at a cost of nearly $4 million.

It has been carefully preserved with its original family furnishings and art. There are 110 rooms elaborately detailed with carved wood and stone, ornate plaster ceilings, tiffany stained glass, crystal and art glass lighting fixtures and gold-plated bathroom fittings. It was fully electric with central heat, two elevators, four kitchens and a full size home theatre.

The exterior combines various textures and patterns using American materials of brick, sandstone, wood timbers and clay shingle roof tiles. The house also features 39 uniquely designed brick chimneys that distinguish its picturesque roofline.

In 1957, the residence, its collections, 1,500 acres and $2 million were donated to found what would become Oakland University. Meadow Brook Hall was opened to the public in 1971, four years after Matilda’s death.

Meadow Brook Hall is listed on both the national and state registries of historic properties.

WEDDINGS AT MEADOW BROOK HALL

Weddings at Meadow Brook are guaranteed to be like no other event ever experienced. All the details are taken care of by an efficient and capable staff. The spectacular indoor and outdoor settings, four-star cuisine and world-class service are guaranteed to create a memorable experience. Guests may opt for an informal tour of the home so they can see up close and personal how the automotive aristocracy lived. For scheduling weddings and special events, contact the Event Management Office at (248) 364-6200, Ext. 2.

DAILY AND SPECIAL TOURS AT MEADOW BROOK HALL

Daily tours are arranged at the Museum Shop; they are offered at 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors 62 and older; children under 12 enter free.

The Holiday Walk during the Christmas season is $12.00 for adults; children under 12 enter free. Lunch and tours during the Christmas season are available at $30.00.

Corporate events and meetings can be scheduled by calling (248) 364-6263 or by visiting the website at www.meadowbrookhall.org