Kentucky Theatre

The Kentucky Theatre is a familiar Landmark to generations of Lexingtonians. It's richly ornamented walls and glowing stained glass fixtures have hosted gala events and entertained overflowing crowds. They have also endured hard times and disasters, both natural and manmade. And so it stands today, a true palace of memories, a hall full of comedy, tragedy, drama, adventure, and just plain fun.

We hope you enjoy this brief look at her history and join us soon to continue the tradition by making some memories of your own.

The Builder, Lafayette Amusement Company, offered $20 in gold to name Lexington's "palatial new photoplay house". The winner, of course, was the "Kentucky."

The luxury, comfort, and elegance of hand painted murals, plush carpeting, indirect lighting, marble floors, and a "modern ventilation system" were among the features promoted to compete with other larger and already well-established theaters in town.

The opening program began with a musical overture played on the Wurlitzer Unit Orchestra organ. This was followed by an audience rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home" led by a city commissioner, while lyrics were projected on the screen. Governor Edwin P. Morrow delivered a dedication speech and then the movie program itself commenced: a short comedic parody of Valentino's The Sheik, a newsreel, and Norma Talmadge in a historical romance entitled The Eternal Flame.

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