Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center
300 E. 3rd Street,
Lexington,
KY
40508
300 E. 3rd Street,
Lexington,
KY
40508
1 person
favorited this theater
Showing 7 comments
The name of the theatre is currently the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. There are now 540 seats in the auditorium, an African American culture museum, a rotating gallery, and an additional multi-purpose room for events. They are also screening the Lyric Black Lens Film Series and Woodsongs, Old Time Radio Hour.
Lyric theatre history
According to the trade press and local paper, A. Edward Campbell opened the new Lyric Theatre on December 14, 1948 with a film and festivities to African American audiences likely on a 15-year lease. The booth had two Motiograph Model AA projectors, Motiongraph Mirrorphnic sound with Altec Lansing speakers, and Radiant Perfold screen. It also had a cry room. The theatre’s entertainment included second-run double features, first-run and second-run African American films including Sack Amusement titles, and live musical acts. It closed at the end of its 15-year lease awaiting its 21st Century redevelopment.
The Notable Kentucky African Americans Database says this of the Lyric Theatre (about 1/3 of the way down this web page under the heading “Early African American Theaters in Lexington, KY”):
Functions should also include: Movies (classic)
The Lyric Theatre officially opens tomorrow: View link
Here is an anti-renovation viewpoint:
http://tinyurl.com/cw4cw9