Seattle has been one of America’s leading cities for the creative arts for longer than many may realize. Preserved performing arts venues serve as continuous reminders of Seattle’s deep history and involvement in the theater. Here are five historic Seattle venues that still function today within the abundance of theater in and around the city.

1. The Paramount Theater

Paramount-History-2 — Photo Credit: Paramount Theater

The Paramount Theater opened in 1928 as a movie palace. It was regarded as one of the most opulent places to screen films in the region. Now, the Paramount hosts Broadway shows, music concerts, live comedy, and a number of other special events.

2. The Melrose Market Studios

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Located in the historic Melrose Market on the edge of Capitol Hill, the Melrose Market Studios were built in 1927. After their state-of-the-art renovation in 2010, the studios became a hotspot for hosting large meetings, parties, and weddings. If you’re looking for a spacious and historic spot for your next endeavor, be sure to contact this popular space well in advance.

3. The Neptune Theatre

Neptune-History-1 — Image Credit: Neptune Theatre

The Neptune opened in Seattle in 1921 as the U-Neptune, a hip movie theater. After a long history in which it went through multiple leases, it most recently went through a dramatic renovation in 2011. The Neptune Theatre still maintains it’s old fashioned charm yet hosts fresh performances from both locally and nationally renowned artists.

4. The Rendezvous

Having opened in 1927 in the midst of prohibition, The Rendezvous functioned as a restaurant with a secret basement speakeasy. It also screened movies and was a part of Film Row, a stretch along First and Second Avenue where the branches of a few major Hollywood studios who rent their creations to a handful of intimate spaces. You can currently see The Poetry Brothel at this beautifully preserved multipurpose space.

5. The Moore Theatre

The Moore Theatre is the oldest operating theater in Seattle, having opened in 1907. The beloved space was a premiere spot in the Golden Age for the Seattle elite to mingle and see live theater and music. Over the years, the Moore has hosted a number of major events, including the first seasons of the Seattle Symphony and the Seattle International Film Festival.

Have you recently attended an event at one of these historic spots? Show us a pic on Instagram @TodayTix!

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