Paramount Theater (Austin, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Paramount Theater
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Paramount Theater from the south
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | Austin, Minnesota |
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| Built | 1929 |
| Architect | Ellerbe & Company |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86002906 |
| Added to NRHP | October 23, 1986 |
The Paramount Theatre is a special building in Austin, Minnesota. It opened in 1929 and was the first big movie theater in town. Back then, it could hold 914 people! It also had a small stage and a place for musicians.
This theater was built by Wagner Construction. It was designed to look like an "atmospheric theater." This means it felt like you were watching a movie outdoors under the stars.
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A Look Inside the Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre was designed by a company called Ellerbe & Co. from Minneapolis. It was built on the spot where another theater, the Park Theatre, used to be. The Park Theatre was sadly destroyed by a tornado in 1928.
Unique Spanish Design
The theater's design makes you feel like you're in a Spanish villa. The ceiling in the lobby was painted with cool pictures. You can see dogs, winged creatures, and Spanish patterns. The outside of the building also has a beautiful Spanish style.
Movies and Shows Through the Years
The Paramount Theatre was a busy place in the 1930s and 1940s. It showed both movies and live performances. Imagine going to the movies back in 1929! A ticket for kids cost only 10 cents, and adults paid 50 cents.
From Movies to More
The theater showed new movies until 1975. But then, television became popular, and new cinemas opened in malls. This made many old movie theaters close. The very last movie shown at the Paramount was The Godfather Part II.
After closing as a movie theater, the building was used for different things. It was a dance club, a teen hangout without alcohol, and even a comedy club.
Bringing the Paramount Back to Life
In 1992, a group called the Austin Area Commission for the Arts was created. Their goal was to buy the theater and make it beautiful again. They wanted to bring back its original grand look.
Community Effort and Restoration
Many volunteers and people who donated money helped with the restoration. The Minnesota Historical Society also gave their support. They fixed the plaster and stone walls. They also put in new seats for everyone.
A stone spire on the building had been hit by lightning in the 1940s. This was also carefully repaired. A local company, Precision Signs LLC, even recreated the original sign for the front of the theater. They used old photos to make it look just right.
The Paramount Today
Today, the Paramount Theatre can seat 622 people. It's one of only four theaters like it in Minnesota that are still used as a theater. It has a full schedule of events all year long.
What You Can See Now
The theater hosts over 30 live shows each year. They also show movies every week. Many groups work with the Paramount, like Matchbox Children's Theatre and the Austin Symphony Orchestra. It's a wonderful place for arts and entertainment in Austin!
