History

The Past Opened in 1931, the Paramount Theatre was an Art Deco movie palace and the Ohio Valley’s first talking picture house. Renamed the Paramount Arts Center in 1972, it remains beautifully preserved today.

The Past

History of the Paramount Arts Center

Take a walk with us back in time to September 5, 1931. We are standing in line for opening night of the new movie house, the Paramount Theatre. After three years of planning and construction, the Paramount has the entire Ohio Valley alive with excitement! The theatre was originally designed to show silent films, made exclusively by Paramount Studios. However, during the early stages of planning, “talkies” arrived. A quick glance to either side of the stage will reveal the organ grills that were installed but never used. Ironically, the first film ever shown in the theatre was entitled “Silent,” yet it was a talking film.

The Paramount was one of the first transitional theatres built for “talking pictures” and was to be a model theatre for others around the country to showcase films produced by Paramount Studios. The Depression, however, soon changed the course of events for this wonderful lady. Paramount wanted to scrap the project altogether. The plans were picked up by an Ashland-based company with Paramount craftsmen providing the interior furnishings – and the building was then leased to Paramount Publix Corporation. Because of the change in plans, the original design was scaled back by one third. Had the depression not caused a redesign, the Paramount would actually be three times as large! In 2001, Mike Myers of Ashland reported that the original general contractor was Wade Gates of Ashland. Gates’ secretary, Marie Duncan, provided this information.

The resulting product was a prime example of the Art Deco style then in vogue. Artistic design of the theatre was the choice of master/consummate Theater Designers, Rapp and Rapp, who also designed the great Chicago Theater. This particular design was featured at the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1932. The Ashland Paramount provided seating for 1309 people and served the Ohio Valley area for several years as its one and only talking movie theatre.

Paramount Publix Corporation had original plans to build one “perfect movie house” in every state of the union. Fortunately, our theatre, as well as a few others were completed by Paramount before the Depression altered this plan. In addition to Ashland, Kentucky, there are Paramount theaters in Denver, Colorado; Aurora, Illinois; Oakland, California; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Abilene, Texas; Bristol, Tennessee; Seattle, Washington; Charlottesville, Virginia; Anderson, Indiana; Austin, Texas; and Springfield, Massachusetts. The Paramount in Hollywood was fully restored in 1991 and renamed El Capitan. As of early 2002, we know there is also a Paramount Theatre which still stands but is not in operation in Boston, MA.

The Paramount Theatre has been preserved and restored with many of its original fixtures and furnishings, so that as you walk through the brass entrance doors today, it would be as much the same as if you were there that September night in 1931. Renamed the Paramount Arts Center in 1972.

The Present Today, the Paramount serves as a regional outreach theatre, offering voice lessons, educational concerts, community theatre, and world-class entertainment.

The Present

1419 seats

95 years old.

Average of 200 events a year.

"This is our Paramount. This building stands as a beacon for creativity and entertainment for our region. The future is exciting, but that doesn’t mean we forget where we currently are. The Parmount Theater hosts a plethora of concerts throughout the year in varying genres, attempting to bring a little bit of everything musical to our tri-state area.

Along the same lines, The Paramount provides a concert venue for many local high school bands, orchestras, and community programs. Community theatre, local dance organizations, and over 52,000 students a year get to interact with our theater. This is an integral part of our organization and will continue to be for years to come.

Ashland is a beautiful city full of creative artists. We, here at The Paramount Theater, believe our building is a cultural hub for these individuals. Be that through theatrical, visual, or musical expression.

This theater, underneath its current management, will continue to be a resource for the tri-state. A place where entertainment meets creativity in a sustainable and positive ecosystem. That is, in essence, what The Paramount Theater is in the present."

Matt Hammond

Executive Director

Venuworks of Ashland

The Future Completed in fall 2027, the Paramount will launch a new chapter that strengthens arts, culture, and community in partnership with the Ashland Conference Center.

The Future

Take a walk with us into a defining moment for Ashland. With a 25 million dollar investment from the State of Kentucky, our city is building a state of the art conference center, one of the largest economic development projects in Ashland’s history. Designed to strengthen downtown, expand tourism, and open new doors for businesses and residents alike, this transformational project marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Purposefully planned to meet a long standing regional need, the conference center will position Ashland as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, and events. Located within a short drive of major metropolitan areas, the city is uniquely poised to attract state and regional gatherings while filling a critical gap between large urban venues and smaller rural facilities. The result will be year round economic activity, increased hotel stays, and renewed energy for local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Beyond economic impact, the conference center is envisioned as a cultural and community hub. From academic conferences and medical symposiums to art expos, festivals, and nonprofit events, the facility will serve as a platform for learning, creativity, and connection. By partnering with regional institutions, local organizations, and creative talent, Ashland is shaping a space that reflects the spirit and aspirations of its people.

As this project moves forward, transparency, collaboration, and community engagement remain central to its success. Together, we are building more than a conference center. We are investing in a future that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors for generations to come.