The Paramount

During the roaring 1920s, Paramount Pictures in Hollywood endeavored to build what were then called “movie palaces” in every major city in the country, including Seattle. After 3 million dollars worth of construction, the Paramount Theatre opened in 1928. It was one of the most opulent pieces of architecture Seattle had ever seen. Unfortunately, as suburban movie theatres began to grow in popularity, the prominence of movie palaces began to diminish. The theatre struggled, closing and reopening several times over many years. Until, happily, Ida Cole at Microsoft decided to do something. She started the Seattle Landmark Association, now the Seattle Theatre Group, which purchased, refurbished, restored and renewed the venue. Today the theatre hosts a wonderful cross-section of Broadway shows, chart-topping musical artists and renowned performers of every type — it's glowing sign (recently replaced by a modern replica of the original) is a true beacon for the arts in the Emerald City.

Fun Fact: The Paramount once hosted a Star Trek convention.