Tennessee Theatre

The South's most beautiful Theatre

The magnificent Tennessee Theatre first opened its doors on October 1, 1928, and was hailed as “the South’s most beautiful Theatre.” When the first patrons stepped inside downtown’s movie palace to see their favorite stars on the silver screen, they paid only 40 cents for matinees and 60 cents for evening shows (children paid only 10 and 15 cents).

Designed by Chicago architects Graven & Mayger, the Theatre has a Spanish-Moorish style interior that incorporates elements from all parts of the world: Czechoslovakian crystals in the French-style chandeliers, Italian terrazzo flooring in the Grand Lobby, and Asian influences in the carpet and drapery patterns. It was one of the first public places in Knoxville to have air-conditioning.

Its 95-year history includes highs and lows, from when movies reigned as the chosen form of entertainment to the decline and uncertain future of downtown. Periodic closings in the late 1970s gave way to glimpses of a brighter outlook when the Theatre was purchased in 1981 by James A. Dick. The Theatre then began its gradual shift in programming from a single-screen movie theater to a multi-use performing arts venue, which prolonged its existence but exaggerated its many shortcomings.

In 1996, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation, a non-profit organization, was founded with the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and operating the Theatre. The Foundation's Board of Directors was responsible for overseeing and raising funds for restoration and renovation of the building, which began in June, 2003. The former movie palace reopened on January 15, 2005 as a world-class performing arts center—the result of a $25.5 million renovation and restoration project funded through public and private donations.