Located at 9th Avenue and Pine Street in the downtown core of Seattle, Washington, the Paramount Theatre is a historic 2,807-seat performing arts venue. Originally opened on March 1, 1928, as a grand movie palace constructed by Paramount Pictures, this landmark site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by the non-profit Seattle Theatre Group. You should visit this storied destination to experience one of the region's busiest entertainment hubs, hosting everything from Broadway musical theatre, dance, and comedy to live concerts, jazz, family engagements, and silent film screenings.
Architecturally designed by Rapp & Rapp alongside B. Marcus Priteca, the theater boasts remarkable features worth seeing during your trip. Look out front for the iconic replica sign lit with modern LED lights.
Inside, you can admire the original Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ—a rare 4 manual/21 rank Publix 1 style instrument, one of only three left, featured in the Trader Joe's Silent Movie Mondays series. The venue also made history as the first in the United States to install a convertible floor system that seamlessly transforms the main seating area into a ballroom, expanding capacity up to 3,000 for general admission concerts.
What to see at Paramount Theatre
- Historic 2,807-seat venue listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Features a rare original Publix 1 style Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ
- First U.S. venue built with a convertible ballroom floor system
- Iconic replica marquee sign illuminated with bright LED lights
- Hosts Broadway shows, concerts, dance, comedy, and silent films
Visiting tips
Attend a Trader Joe's Silent Movie Mondays screening to hear the venue's original Wurlitzer pipe organ played live by house organist Jim Riggs.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Monday evenings
How to get there & what’s nearby
Paramount Theatre is easy to reach on Seattle’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of Pop Culture and Seattle Art Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Seattle travel guide.
See the full Seattle travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.