What is The Paramount Theatre and when was it built?

The Paramount Theatre is a historic performing arts venue in downtown Austin that was built in 1915. Over its long history, it has served as a vaudeville house, a movie palace, and a multifaceted performing arts venue.

Where is the theatre located?

The Paramount Theatre is located at 713 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701, situated between 7th and 8th Streets in downtown Austin.

What is the seating capacity of the theatre?

The Paramount Theatre currently has a seating capacity of 1,273 people.

How much does parking cost for a show?

Parking for most shows is $11 if you purchase an exit voucher at the bar or Box Office before the show. This parking is valid from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM Monday through Friday, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Are there any unique historic features still inside the theatre?

Yes, the theatre still uses its original "hemp house" system of ropes and sandbags for stage effects, as well as its original hand-painted stage curtain.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

The Paramount Theatre in Austin

What to know

Located at 713 Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, the Paramount Theatre is a historic four-story classical revival style structure. Built in 1915 by Austin native Ernest Nalle and designed by architect John Eberson, the venue was originally conceived under the name Gaiety. It officially opened its doors on October 11, 1915, as the Majestic Theatre, serving as Austin’s premier vaudeville stage on the Interstate Vaudeville Circuit. On that historic opening night, the theatre sold 1,000 seats, with most tickets priced at just 25 cents. Over its century-long history, the theatre has evolved from a vaudeville house to a grand movie palace, and finally into a multifaceted performing arts venue. It is one of only about 20 theatres in the United States that are over 100 years old and still actively in use. Recognized for its architectural and cultural significance, the Paramount was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 23, 1976. The original construction cost $150,000, encompassed over 500,000 cubic feet, and initially seated 1,316 people. Today, it operates with a capacity of 1,273. Remarkably, the Paramount retains its rare, original 'hemp-house' system, which utilizes a traditional network of ropes and sandbags for stage effects. Both this historic system and the theatre's original hand-painted stage curtain are still in active use today. The venue continues to serve as the artistic heartbeat of downtown Austin, hosting a busy annual schedule that includes over 100 film screenings and more than 200 events, contributing to more than 250 performances each year. It even remains a hub for modern pop culture, hosting notable events such as the first public discussion panel for the revival of the Texas-based animated series King of the Hill in May 2025.

Visitor tips

The box office is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
If attending a show, you can purchase an $11 parking exit voucher at the bar or box office before the performance.
Show parking is valid from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
The main parking garage is located one block south, with its entrance on 7th Street between Congress Avenue and Colorado Street.

Nearby context

The Paramount Theatre sits prominently on Congress Avenue between 7th and 8th Streets, a bustling corridor in the heart of downtown Austin. After admiring the theatre's historic facade, visitors can explore the vibrant local nightlife just steps away. Tucked nearby are intimate, sophisticated spots like the cozy cocktail bar Small Victory and the exclusive, hidden lounge Here Nor There, making this block a perfect starting point for an evening out in the city.