Since its inception in 1915, The Paramount Theatre has established roots in Austin as a safe haven for community members from all walks of life and interests. While the theatre has seen many changes in physical attributes and ownership, its presence as a community staple has remained strong throughout the decades.

How we got here

Jim Ritts, CEO and executive director of nonprofit Austin Theatre Alliance—which operates the theatre—said the milestone is an accomplishment for theatres nationwide, not just the local Austin community. He said it’s rare for a theatre to operate for over 100 consecutive years and remain in their same location without closing.

“Us having been here since 1915, it means when we opened, we were in the middle of World War I,” Ritts said. “We survived the Spanish flu which killed tens of millions of people all over the world and we came back from World War II, and obviously this last bit of the pandemic. We have always been there for the community to be able to come together.”

The theatre’s stage has crossed paths with artists from far and wide including industry stars such as Willie Nelson and Miles David to figures like Barack Obama and Harry Houdini.
Paramount Theatre first opened in 1915 and seated 1,316 guests. (Courtesy Paramount Theatre/Photo by Roger Ho)
Paramount Theatre first opened in 1915 and seated 1,316 guests. (Courtesy Paramount Theatre/Photo by Roger Ho)
The impact


The theatre is home to various annual events including South by Southwest Conference and Festivals, Austin Film Festival, ATX Television Festival and Moontower Comedy Festival.

In addition to these larger-scale events, community members can find all sorts of entertainment hosted at the theatre from live podcasts and comedy to special movie screenings and musical concerts.
The theatre has remained in its same location on South Congress since it first opened. (Courtesy Paramount Theatre/Photo by Rachel Parker)
The theatre has remained in its same location on Congress Avenue since it first opened. (Courtesy Paramount Theatre/Photo by Rachel Parker)
With strong roots tied to a multitude of Austin communities, the space has become known as a hub for individuals of all backgrounds to find connection. Ritts said he has come across people who call the theatre “Austin’s church” because of its reputation as a gathering place.

“They come together to be entertained, they come together to be to be informed, they come together to celebrate whether it's you know a first date, a marriage proposal, they've been married here, they've been eulogized here, they have been able to gather in a sense of community that I think is so incredibly important,” Ritts said.
The theatre has hosted various notable performers including Gary Clark Jr., Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. (Courtesy Paramount Theatre)
The theatre has hosted various notable performers including Gary Clark Jr., Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. (Courtesy Paramount Theatre)
Looking forward

As the theatre celebrates its 110th birthday, Ritts said he hopes the space will continue impacting the lives of audience members by providing entertainment, education and connection.


“Our mission is to inspire generations and that means to inspire them to think, to feel, to laugh, to cry, but in doing so we meet the objective of our theater which is to remind people of how extraordinary humans can be,” Ritts said.