Paramount Theater History
Built in 1915, the Paramount Theatre has been entertaining Austin residents for over 100 years. Initially intended for vaudeville acts, the theatre hosts plays, musicians, comedians, and feature films. Originally named The Majestic, the theatre once gave a platform to prominent vaudeville acts like the Marx Brothers, Katherine Hepburn, and Harry Houdini. Imagine downtown Austin in the early 1900s when Congress Avenue was a wide dirt road stirred up by horse-drawn carriages. The flood of 1900, which washed away the power plant that generated the electricity for the streetcars delivering passengers to their downtown destinations, temporarily forced the cars to be pulled by mules. The main street in the capital city was one of the first to be paved in 1905 to accommodate the growing number of automobiles–the primary mode of transportation by the end of the 1920s. The theatre later began showing films to compete with the growing number of movie houses, premiering movies like Batman in 1966. Explore this historic venue’s first 100 years.
Just walking down Congress is so much fun anytime of the year. Hope you enjoy this landmark and happy hunting.