Paramount Arts Center

The Paramount Arts Center is a historic Art Deco theater in Ashland, Kentucky, that has anchored the city's cultural life since opening on September 5, 1931. Designed by Rapp and Rapp — the firm behind Chicago's renowned Chicago Theatre — the building was conceived as one of Paramount Publix Corporation's model movie houses for the talking-picture era. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it stands as a contributing property to the Ashland Commercial Historic District, with an interior distinguished by Egyptian Revival detailing in oxblood red, gold, silver, and bronze. The nonprofit organization operates as a full-service performing arts venue, hosting concerts, Broadway productions, symphonies, ballets, film screenings, and community celebrations for an attendance of approximately 250,000 visitors each year. The intimate auditorium seats 1,417 across orchestra and balcony levels, creating direct sightlines and close acoustics between performers and guests. For private events, the Paramount offers several rental options. The theatre auditorium accommodates up to 1,400 guests for ceremonies, galas, and large gatherings. The Marquee Room provides a smaller setting suited for luncheons, showers, anniversaries, and business meetings, while the Banquet Hall in the Paramount Annex — connected to the main building — handles larger receptions. Outside caterers are permitted with prior approval, and the venue's in-house sound and lighting systems are available for rentals.