The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Art Center

The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center is a historic landmark in Lexington, Kentucky's East End, originally opened in 1948 as the city's premier Black entertainment venue. During the segregation era it served as a vital stop on the Chitlin' Circuit, hosting legends including Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, James Brown, B.B. King, Duke Ellington, and many others. Revitalized and reopened, the Lyric continues its mission to uplift and empower the community through arts, education, and engaging programs. Today the venue offers a range of rentable spaces suited to concerts, galas, weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, film screenings, and more. The proscenium Theatre seats 525 guests and features a full stage, dynamic lighting, concert sound, and movie screen capability. A versatile Multipurpose Event Space accommodates up to 200 seated guests with advanced sound, lighting, and video. Additional options include the Art Gallery — a 3,000-square-foot exhibition space ideal for intimate receptions — plus a Courtyard, a Cultural Center Library, a Multimedia Studio, and a Video Conference Board Room. All facilities are wheelchair accessible, and free parking is available on site.