Tennessee-theatre-entrance
Tennessee Theatre
Welcome to the Tennessee Theatre, the 1920s era movie palace located in the historic Burwell Building in downtown Knoxville. This early 19th century (1928) hall has been restored to its former colorful grandeur and glory and today plays host to many local and international musical and theater acts, such as the two local groups Knoxville Opera House and Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. At this theater, your group will find everything from classical music and Broadway shows to vintage films, dance, and popular music from today and yesterday! Currently, the theatre is hosting such acts as the Beach Boys, Foreigner, a Downton Abbey Finale Reception, and the Symphony Orchestra.
The comprehensive restoration on this downtown theater has been a catalyst for the revitalization of 21st century Knoxville in general and has changed the face of entertainment for the city, as you will learn in a theater tour or by buying the Jack Neely book on the theatre's history. This theater is considered one of the South’s most beautiful theatres, if not the most beautiful. The 80-year history of this building goes back to a time when Chicago architects Graven and Mayger designed the 60 cent movie palace, incorporating many international features such as the Czechoslovakian crystals, French style chandeliers, Italian terrazzo flooring, and Asian influenced carpeting. All together these elements create a truly world-class performing arts center, and today the Tennessee Theatre is the official state theater as well as a member of the National Register of Historic Places.
