Preserving History, Celebrating Culture: The Remarkable Story of the Lyric Theatre
Our Mission: The mission of the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center is to preserve, promote, present, and celebrate diverse cultures through artistic presentations of the highest quality, educational programming and outreach, film, and opportunities for community inclusion.
Our Vision: Celebrating African American cultural heritage through diverse artistic expressions. At the Lyric Theatre, we are committed to providing cultural education, delivering high-quality artistic experiences, and fostering community engagement. Through our programs and events, we aim to promote the artistic experience as a vital dimension of individual growth and community life.
Revived after nearly half a century of inactivity since its closure in 1963, and reopened in 2009. The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center is committed to both celebrating its rich history and fostering the growth of Lexington & Bluegrass community.
The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, nestled in Lexington, Kentucky, is a beacon of history and community service. It serves as a dynamic center for artistic creativity and cultural interaction, deeply rooted in its rich historical legacy.
A Grand Opening: The Place To See & Be Seen
1948
Originally built as a movie house, the Lyric opened at the corner of Third and DeWeese Street, now Elm Tree Lane, in Lexington, quickly becoming a cultural icon.
More Than A Theatre, A Place For The Community to Thrive
1950
From movies to fashion shows to Vaudeville acts, local concerts, and pageants, The Lyric became more than a movie house; it became a place for the upliftment of African American culture.
The Lyric Theatre: The Magic Of Music
1954
Jazz, Soul, and R&B music took center stage, with big-name acts like Ray Charles and Count Basie. Soulful sounds filled the theatre with notable performers, including B.B. King and Wyonie Harris, who wrote Good Rockin’ Tonight, recorded by Elvis Presley and Mercer, among others.
A Place Where Community Lives And Uplifts
1956
Entertainment was not the only draw to this community theatre. Numerous small black-owned businesses, from clothing stores to ice cream shops, were launched in and around the theatre.
Returning To Its Roots
1962
Before closing in 1963, the Lyric returned to its roots as a movie house. The features included horror films, black cowboy movies, and Saturday morning cartoons.
Dormancy & Rebirth
1963 – 1990
After closing, the face of the Lyric decayed, but the memory and legacy of it lived on through patrons, supporters, and neighbors. Over time the Lyric Theatre’s closing sparked conversation from community members about rebirthing the old Lyric Theatre.
The Start Of A Rebirth
1990
In the early 1990s, the project was finally embraced, with politicians and community members gathered to start a discussion on how the Lyric could be reborn.
Rebirth Of The Lyric Theatre
2005
In 2005, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government acquired the Lyric Theatre and the Lyric Task Force was appointed. The Lyric Task Force’s goal was to garner support and hear out ideas on what the community and neighbors wanted in the new facility, with hopes, goals, and wishes of all taken into consideration.
Rebirth Continued
2006 – 2010
The conceptual design to renovate and expand the building was approved by the county. With the dreams and aspirations of the community and the vision of the new facility now in the right hands, the Lyric was now ready to be reborn.
The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Returns
2010
With the input and desires of the community and the expertise of the professional, political, and business communities, the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center officially reopened its doors October 28, 2010. The mission at the time was to preserve, promote, present, and celebrate diverse cultures. There is a special emphasis on African American cultural heritage through artistic presentations of the highest quality, educational programming, outreach, film, and opportunities for community inclusion.
The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center Now
2010 – Present
Since the grand reopening, programming has expanded and evolved to provide an ongoing and exciting schedule of high-quality exhibits. Included are concerts, performances, films, and plays, as well as creative youth arts education programs. Alongside programming, the Lyric works with countless individuals, businesses, and nonprofits through partnerships or rentals.
Preserve the Legacy: Share Your Memories with the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center
The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center is actively seeking historical records and memories of events that took place at the original Lyric. We are eager to enrich our archives with more stories, photographs, and articles from the past.
If you, or someone you know, have any such memories or materials and would be willing to share, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please reach out to us at (859) 280-2201, or send an email to marketing@lexingtonlyric.com. Your contributions are invaluable in preserving the rich history of the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center.
Meet Our Team
Passionate individuals dedicated to our mission
CHRISTIAN ADAIR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHARLES RICE
ARTS & MARKETING DIRECTOR
PIERRE PETIT-FRERE
EVENT ASSISTANT
Raham Burton
EVENT ASSISTANT
LYRIC THEATRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Passionate individuals dedicated to our mission
Percy Thomas
BOARD CHAIR
CARRINGTON WALKER
VICE-CHAIR
WALLACE BARBER
TREASURER
PAT TATUM
BOARD MEMBER
PAULA CAMPBELL-RUDD
BOARD MEMBER
OBIE TAYLOR
BOARD MEMBER
LLOYD ALVERSON
BOARD MEMBER
GEORGE A. BROWN JR.
BOARD MEMBER
TIFFANY DANIELS
BOARD MEMBER
SEON JACKSON
Board Member
TAYNA FOGLE
Board Member
CHRIS FORD
Board Member
CAROLN DUNN
Board Member
Volunteers at the Heart of The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center.
The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center owes its success to the unwavering support of our dedicated volunteers, who are truly the foundation of our organization. The realization of The Lyric’s mission was made possible through the collective belief and assistance of many, and it is the ongoing dedication of our volunteers and community members that continues to drive our institution’s prosperity. Our volunteers play a crucial role in delivering the educational, welcoming, and engaging experience that The Lyric is committed to providing. They have the flexibility to contribute as much or as little time as they desire to the various programs at The Lyric.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME
Community Stories
Discover what people are saying about the Lyric Theatre
