Built in 1931 and restored to its original splendor in 1991, the Paramount continues to grow as the Mountain Empire's premier performing arts center. Here audiences share passion and drama, laughter and tears, majesty in motion, joy in music, pride in learning... and memories.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Paramount is an excellent example of the art deco motion picture palaces built in the late 1920's and early 30's. The restoration retained the Paramount's opulent, richly embellished interior. The original Venetian-styled murals and the art deco ambience were faithfully recreated. The auditorium holds 756. You'll feel as though you are a part of the  performance from every seat in the theatre.

With continued progress for  The Paramount Center comes a rejuvenated appreciation for the performing arts in the Mountain Empire and beyond. Our audiences are afforded a grand setting; from  the Wurlitzer organ to Broadway productions and children's plays, from big band  and symphony to ballet and clogging, from children's choruses and concert choirs to mountain music and rock & roll.

Home Companies

The Paramount's "Home  Companies" including Theatre Bristol, presenting extraordinary theatre and  educational outreach; The Piedmont Chapter of the Theatre Organ Society who  restored, maintains and entertains on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ; the accomplished Bristol Ballet Company and the expressive voices of the Bristol Concert Choir. Additionally, visiting lectures, music, dance, films and shows  complete the goal of having "something for everyone."

Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

A major change to the  original structure widened the Theatre's old 12-foot-deep stage to 36 feet, and created fly space above the stage to house curtains, lighting and scenery, rehearsal rooms and scene shops. An orchestra pit was constructed at the front of the stage. The pit includes a hydraulic lift to raise the theatre's Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ to stage level.

Rent the Paramount Center for the Arts

The Paramount Center for the Arts can be rented to businesses, groups or individuals based on availability. The Paramount Center for the Arts, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation which maintains The Paramount Theatre. The facility is located at 518 State Street, Bristol, TN and has a maximum seating capacity of 750 persons.

Renting Liability Waiver. The renter shall acknowledge that the Paramount Center for the Arts is not responsible for any liability in the event of illness or injury to any person or damage to any property during the period of the rental agreement.

Liability Insurance Certification. The Paramount Center for the Arts requires each renter to obtain a liability insurance policy in the minimum amount of $1,000,000. A certificate of insurance must be submitted to the theatre at least five business days before the rental date.

Phone Numbers for Inquires

Our phone number is 423-274-8920 and our fax number is 423-274-8937

E-Mail for Inquires

Click Here to E-Mail the Paramount Center

Ticket Purchase

Tickets may be purchased on-line or by telephone Tue - Fri 9.00 to 5.00 p.m. or at etix.com using VISA, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. (Please note: we do not mail tickets)

Would you like to volunteer

We need ushers, ticket-takers, and program distributors.