The Asheville Masonic Temple

I attended the Big Fake Wedding and the Rocky Horror Picture Show here and Asheville has a gem in the Asheville Masonic Temple as a wedding venue and as a live theater. I think we’re going to rent it for my brides big x0 birthday party. The event planner was very easy to talk to and had some good ideas for caterers and decorations. The sunset over the mountains off that balcony was stunning before the Rocky Horror show.

Now THIS is an interesting choice in venues and historical buildings.
The Asheville Masonic temple was constructed in 1913, and is a work of art. It breathes history with each step you take through it. From the high vaulted ceilings in the entry way, to the photos of past lodge masters, to the classic elevator that needs an operator to handle it… it’s classic, dignified.
The Masonic Temple has recently begun allowing weddings and events held in its walls to serve beer and wine, which opens this space as a new (old) space for special events and of course, weddings!
There’s an incredible theater at the top of the building, with hand painted back drops that are nearly as old as the building. They’re enchanting.
There’s a large veranda that’s perfect for a pre-​dinner cocktail hour.
The dining area downstairs is massive, and can handle more than the fair share of guests while they dine on items prepared in the large catering kitchen connected directly to it. Hardwood floors also serve as a perfect dance floor as the evening warms up.
What may really set the Masonic Temple apart from other downtown event and wedding venues is its MASSIVE parking lot. Okay, it’s not Walmart size, but the fact is, there’s actually a parking lot that serves this building, and downtown, that’s a rarity.
If you’re out for more of a sightseeing venture tours of this historic building are also available, and they’ll take you through the entire building. Even into the main meeting place where the Masons hold their ceremonies. It’s exciting. Definitely something you should check out.

I had no idea this place was going to be as cool as it was, on the inside. The usual irony with Freemasonry is that these devotees of sacred architecture and geometry meet so often in shabby anonymous buildings with plate glass windows and acoustic ceiling tiles. No such irony here, friends.
This particular Masonic Temple is a glorious celebration of detail and craftsmanship. Even the fuse box is beautiful, sitting in plain sight in a glass box in the stairwell, like a lost Joseph Cornell piece. Each doorknob is emblazoned with symbolism in bas relief. The ceiling is expansive, with groined arches recalling classic cathedrals. The original elevator is working, although I think most Americans don’t know how to use old-​style elevators anymore. The staircase is wide, and recalls the «I don’t give a damn» set from Gone With the Wind.
The real treasure is the 3^rd floor theater. A round, domed room with a curving balcony, painted in dusky pink, chalk blue, and gilt. The acoustics are great, considering the age of the building. The star of the theater is the gorgeous backdrops. So ridiculously gorgeous, they risk upstaging whomever’s performing. I’ve heard folklore (unsubstantiated, but believable) that these backdrops, themselves, are worth millions of dollars on today’s market. Layer upon layer of hand-​cut, hand-​painted detail, that catches the light in amazing, dramatic ways. If you’ve ever been to the cyclorama in Atlanta, you might recognize a similar style, although the subject matter here isn’t military stuff – it’s romantic, pastoral, mystical.
If you ever get a chance to go to anything at the Masonic Temple, go. Just go. Drop everything and go. Find a babysitter. Cancel your appointments. Go. Especially if you know the event will take place on the 3^rd floor. You will be mindblown with awesomeness.