My husband likes to regale me with stories of how he went on his first “date” at age 10 to the Kentucky Theatre. The parents conspired to make this happen and delivered the young couple to the doors of the movie house. I have no idea what the movie was, as I am usually busy rolling my eyes with as much energy as possible during the spinning of this particular yarn. But since today is his birthday, and the Kentucky Theatre’s birthday is this year, I thought I would celebrate both a handsome, historic building and a handsome, not quite historic man who likes to tell tall tales. Happy Birthday!
The facade of the circa 1922 Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Theatre truly is one of the most visually captivating buildings on Main Street in Lexington. Designed by the Louisville firm of Joseph and Joseph, construction on the three story brick building commenced in 1921. Stylistically, the facade combines elements of the flamboyant Beaux Arts style and Italian Renaissance, and succeeds in this marriage of historic motifs with a its orangey/salmon colored brick wall set off by glazed white tiles, and arches and garlands and cartouches galore.
Circa 1921 image of the Kentucky, from the Asa C. Chinn Downtown Lexington, Kentucky Photographic Collection.
The lease for the parcel stipulated that a “theater and business building” be constructed at a cost of at least $150,000. The movie palace more than fulfilled its promise. The interior was sumptuous- all marble, rich draperies, oil paintings, extensive lighting, and the Mighty Wurlizter organ, which cost $25,000.
A 1930s image of the interior.
The opening of the Kentucky was a major event – Governor Edwin P. Murow attended and spoke (and led the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home”). The first film showed was “The Eternal Flame” with Norma Tallmadge and Adolphe Menjou. The nearly 1,200 seat space was packed with people.
From the October 3, 1922 edition of The Lexington Herald.
The new theatre’s significance went far beyond Lexington. It was listed as one of the 10 best theaters in the country when it opened in 1922. In 1926, it was among the first 50 theaters in the country to install sound equipment for the “talkies.” The Kentucky became known for its innovation and elegance, although not for its equal access. Lacking a balcony, the theatre was soundly segregated and entertained white patrons only. The adjacent State Theater did have a balcony for African American patrons.
The Kentucky’s 8th Anniversary, interior of lobby. Image from the Lafayette Studios Collection at the University of Kentucky.
Like much of downtown, the Kentucky suffered during the 1960s. The suburbs sang their siren song and businesses listened. While farmland became shopping centers and subdivisions, urban renewal tried to eat downtown Lexington. (What urban renewal didn’t destroy, private developers took care of, well into the 21st century. One reason the Kentucky is so precious lies not just in its exquisite design and the fact that it is a fabulous place to see a movie, but in the fact that it survived. Most of Main Street did not.)
From the October 1, 1922 edition of The Lexington Leader.
A fire in 1987 caused heavy smoke and water damage to the Kentucky. The city of Lexington purchased the building in 1989 and began a renovation, and the theatre reopened in 1992.
The Kentucky at night in the 1930s. Image from the Lafayette Studios Collection at the University of Kentucky.
The Covid-19 Pandemic forced many theaters and cinemas to close – but I am happy to report that the Kentucky is open, with a great slate of movies, and a wonderful management team, the Friends of the Kentucky Theatre, a non-profit 501(c)(3).
So go enjoy a wonderful historic movie palace, eat some popcorn, and escape from reality for a while. I am looking forward to the Summer Classics series – and I might even take my husband out to see Star Wars…(Wednesday, June 8!)
Great article on a true Lexington gem!
I always wondered why it was side by side with the State? Was that to provide a theater with a balcony for black guests…which the Kentucky lacked? First movie I saw here was Lawrnce Oliver in Henry V… 1947 or 48?
In my childhood and teenage years it was exciting to go see new movies almost every Saturday. Groups of friends would walk to town or ride a bus, go to the movies at the Kentucky and buy popcorn and candy, see good movies and all of that cost less than a dollar. The Kentucky is a beautiful theatre with the
bright colors! Such a friendly gentleman always greets people…Fred Mills!