Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center

The Lyric Theatre opened in 1948, originally built as a movie-house in the Art Deco style. It quickly became a cultural icon and fostered the height of entertainment for Lexington's African American community. It hosted movies, fashion shows, vaudeville acts, local concerts, and pageants, and was Lexington's center stage for Jazz, Soul, and R&B music in 1950s. Notable performers include BB King, Wyonnie Harris, Mercer Ellington, and Billy Brown. The Lyric also hosted Count Bassie and Ray Charles. A variety of small, Black-owned businesses flourished around the Lyric Theatre.