The theatre houses the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, one of the few remaining in its original home in the world.
The building's interior decor includes 14 chandeliers, some of which feature original glass from the 1920s.
It was designed by the Chicago-based architectural firm Graven & Mayger.
The venue was Knoxville's first building to be air-conditioned, which was a major marketing draw during its 1928 opening.
The restoration process involved removing layers of paint to uncover the original 1928 color palette.
It transitioned from a movie palace to a multipurpose performing arts center following the 2001-2005 renovation.
The theatre is officially designated as the 'Official State Theatre of Tennessee' by the state legislature.
The Tennessee Theatre is a restored 1928 movie palace located in downtown Knoxville that serves as the official state theatre of Tennessee. Originally opened as a silent film house, the interior features a blend of Spanish Moorish, Italian Renaissance, and French Art Deco architectural styles. It is currently the primary performance venue for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and hosts Broadway touring productions. The structure underwent a major multi-million dollar restoration in the early 2000s to modernize technical systems while preserving its original Wurlitzer organ. The auditorium maintains its historic proscenium arch and intricate plasterwork details. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue operates as a non-profit organization focused on community arts programming. It remains the anchor institution for the revitalized Gay Street entertainment district.
The marquee lights on Gay Street during the evening or the grand lobby staircase.
Arrive early to view the lobby's historic architectural details and listen to the pre-show organ performances.
Check the official calendar in advance, as the venue is dark on days without scheduled performances.
Utilize the nearby public parking garages rather than searching for limited street parking.
Do not expect daily public tours; the building is generally accessible only to ticket holders during scheduled events.
The venue is closed to the public on days when there are no scheduled performances.
Business casual is standard for evening performances; avoid overly casual sportswear.
