Exhibits Development Group (EDG), the new operator of the historic Chateau Theatre in Rochester, is offering the community four opportunities to explore the history of the Fab Four — free of charge.

They are calling it “Chateau on Us,” and it’s happening the next four Mondays, beginning December 16. The free admission days are being made possible with support from Destination Medical Center.

The recently-renovated Chateau is currently featuring The Magical History Tour: A Beatles Memorabilia Exhibition, considered to be one of the greatest collections of Beatles’ artifacts, photographs, and interactive experiences ever assembled under one roof. The exhibition runs through March 1, 2020.

“Our goal at Chateau is to create a premier art and culture destination that celebrates creativity, inclusivity and culture,” says Amy Noble Seitz, founder and CEO of EDG. “We are thrilled to launch Chateau on Us with the support of Destination Medical Center and open our doors to welcome all residents and visitors to experience the inaugural exhibition and explore our vision for the Chateau.”

The “Chateau on Us” free admission days are December 16, 23, 30, 2019 and January 6, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are not required in advance.

ABout the exhibition

The Magical History Tour: A Beatles Memorabilia Exhibition is a robust artifact and photography exhibition supported by rich environments and interactive experiences.

Through an experience from the band’s perspective, the exhibition tells the story of the Beatles, from the beginning when the group was formed, through the end when Fab Four separated, and into their solo careers.

Beginnings, Influences and Life in Liverpool

The first gallery of the exhibition begins with the influence of American music on John, Paul, George and Ringo when they are just kids. Guests find the musicians’ first meeting places and first performance. Within this gallery, visitors see the original drum set of the Quarry Men, hear music from the 1950s and early 1960s, and step into the most accurate reproduction of the Cavern Club in existence.

Life on the Road

The exhibition’s second gallery is all about the Beatles touring as a professional music group and the commercialism associated with being a big name in pop music. Visitors have the opportunity to see rare photographs of the Beatles’ tour from 1964 to 1966, many on display for the first time, alongside a plethora of memorabilia from that time period.

Innovation in the Studio

Through a 1960s sound studio interactive and fully immersive audio experience, visitors become familiar with the Beatles’ innovative work in the studio and how their producer, George Martin, supported this direction. In addition to the interactives which portray the Beatles’ innovative techniques, this gallery includes George Martin’s clavichord and portable reel to reel, which he used to listen to Beatles’ demo tapes among many others.

The Decade of the Break-up

The final gallery includes dozens of artifacts from the Beatles’ individual projects after the Beatles dissolved in 1970; including John Lennon’s juke box, the legal document dissolving the Beatles as an entity (a.k.a. “The Break-up Letter”), clothing from the Beatles, personal items used in concert, and the album signed by John Lennon for his eventual assassin.

Exhibition developed by Exhibits Development Group in collaboration with Peter Miniaci & Associates. The Magical History Tour: A Beatles Memorabilia Exhibition is not endorsed by, sponsored by, associated with, or otherwise affiliated with The Beatles, Apple Corps Ltd., or any member of The Beatles or their representatives.

Hours: Monday through Friday 8 AM-8 PM; Saturday 10 AM-7 PM; Sunday 11 AM-6 PM (last exhibit entry is one hour prior to closing each day)

Where: 15 1st Street Southwest (next to Peace Plaza) in Rochester

Cost (outside of the free Mondays): $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and military, $8 for youth (18 and under), free for children 6 and younger

More information can be found at www.chateaurochester.com.

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