Paramount Theater

215 E. Main Street,
Charlottesville, VA 22902

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Related Websites

The Paramount Theater (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Paramount-Publix

Architects: George W. Leslie Rapp

Firms: Rapp & Rapp

Functions: Movies, Performing Arts

Styles: French Renaissance, Greek Revival

Nearby Theaters

Paramount Theater

Opened in 1931 by the Paramount-Publix circuit, the 1,300 seat Paramount Theater survived two fire scares before closing in 1974.

In 1992, a nonprofit organization led by concerned citizens purchased the theater. After a $16 million dollar restoration, the Paramount re-opened December 15, 2004, as a 1,100 seat performing arts center, with films returning as part of its programming. On December 5, 2015, the 33ft long vertical (blade) sign was refurbished and reinstalled on the front of the building. It was lit for the first time since the 1960’s.

Contributed by Cinema Treasures

Recent comments (view all 14 comments)

Patsy
Patsy on February 1, 2008 at 4:16 pm

Tried to bring up the “ken mc” link posted on March 19, 2006, but no luck……thought it might show that entrance!

Patsy
Patsy on February 1, 2008 at 4:23 pm

I had trouble with the Webshots link, too. Does the photo show the former entrance with the ticket kios?

Giles
Giles on November 3, 2008 at 11:30 am

I don’t remember the theatre to be outfitted for surround sound, the screening of ‘Terra’ at this year’s Virginia Film Festival was impressive both visually and aurally.

Giles
Giles on November 12, 2010 at 9:48 pm

saw the Guy Pearce/Katie Holmes horror film ‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ at the Virginia Film Festival last Saturday at the Paramount – and wow, the presentation was Digital projection and the image was stunning, dark inky blacks, ultra-sharp and eye popping color – however the real treat was the amazing 5.1 soundmix. With the theatre being ultra wide, the surround speakers really threw the sound all around you, in the film, the tiny creatures that inhabit under the mansion, get loose and start running inside the walls, when they talk to the little girl their voices literally pop all around the audience, it was both creepy and very effective.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on December 21, 2010 at 6:08 pm

“REEFER MADNESS” plays on a Late Show and management warns in the Newspaper ad"management requests no drugs in the theatre.this protects everyone from the likihood of a drug bust".I have worked Hundreds of Midnight shows back in the real Midnight movie business,no ever thought to place such a warning in the movie ad". this on Dec.6 1972.

JackCoursey
JackCoursey on April 9, 2011 at 8:44 pm

Was this theatre ever equipped with an organ? Photos from 2011:
Facade, Rear of auditorium, Stage

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on April 11, 2011 at 11:23 am

Thanks for the photos Jack.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on December 19, 2016 at 10:30 pm

1959 photograph added, photo credit Ed Roseberry.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on June 24, 2017 at 8:08 pm

More vintage pics of the Paramount in this link.

http://uvamagazine.org/articles/ed_roseberrys_charlottesville

Mike (saps)
Mike (saps) on August 16, 2017 at 10:42 pm

Funeral service held here today for the victim of neo-nazi violence.

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