For nearly a hundred years, a palace of entertainment in downtown Knoxville has welcomed guests to enjoy the stars of the stage and screen. While dazzling the audience with their performances, these stars also had to shine that much brighter to contend with the opulent grandeur of the venue itself: the Tennessee Theatre.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and honored as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee, today’s Tennessee Theatre has something for everyone: classical music, vintage films, dance, Broadway, and stellar performances by today’s hottest musicians and yesterday’s favorites.

This place is spectacular. It was built in the roaring 20’s, and it certainly feels like it. This Spanish-Moorish style transports you into different realms as soon as you walk through the doors. It’s a grand tour of visual delight. The details are amazing! Czechoslovakian crystals in the French-style chandeliers, Italian terrazzo flooring in the Grand Lobby, and Asian influences in the carpet and drapery patterns. It is truly a feast for the eyes.

Then there’s the theatre itself. This 4,100-square-foot stage presides over 1,647 seats – each with a view of the theatrical magic. What began as a home for movies and vaudeville acts transformed at the turn of the century into a home for musical superstars and major Broadway touring productions.

The Tennessee is also accessible for weekday fun, with Mighty Musical Mondays at noon when you can take in concerts with the Mighty Wurlitzer for free! What began as accompaniment for silent films turned into an attraction all its own, and today it’s a draw not to be missed.

After 14 months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tennessee Theatre is welcoming audiences again. With nearly a hundred years of history, this place has quite the story to tell. So, get your ticket today for a magical journey to a gorgeous destination. The Tennessee Theatre is located at 604 S. Gay St. in Knoxville, Tenn., and you can find it online at TennesseeTheatre.com. Your weekend is waiting on the Ingles Open Road.

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