Tennessee State Theater

Tennessee State Theater

Welcome to 'Knoxville's Great Entertainment Palace', the official state theater and the proud owner of the title 'the South's most beautiful theater'.

With humble beginnings in 1928, this movie palace started out with 40 cent matinees and 60 cent evening shows. The theater displayed popular musical and theater acts, a tradition they have carried on until today. Your group will see jazz concerts, classic movies, popular musicals, holiday shows, or special theater acts while here, with a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy.

You won't only enjoy the entertainment, though, you will also enjoy a tour of the out-of-this-world gorgeous theater itself, the 1920's era theater restored to its original majesty in 2005. Upholding its historic presence on Gay Street through the years has earned the theater a spot on the National Register of Historic places, rightfully.

A private tour of the building (don't worry, this is where we come in with reservations) will show you the fantastic worldly decor influences, with such influences as the Checkslovokian crystals, French chandelier, Asian inspired drapery and carpet, and gorgeous Italian terrazzo. Explore famous Chicago architects Graven and Mayger's (1920's era) Spanish Moorish architectural theme on the outside, a big feature being the domed auditorium ceiling you will see first, probably.