Happy 100th Birthday
Big addition to iconic Austin building brings new look to Congress Avenue
The Paramount Theatre has been a downtown Austin institution since opening in October 1915. But for more than half of its reign, the 100-year-old Paramount has been missing its crown jewel: a stunning, 48-foot blade featuring its name in bright lights.
It's a mystery that has plagued the Paramount for 52 years. Originally erected in 1930 when Paramount Pictures bought the theater (and its name changed to what we know today), the blade was removed in 1963 for renovations never to be seen again.
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Paramount commissioned Wagner Sign Company in Ohio to recreate the blade. The new blade now stands tall with the theater, complete with 1,386 buzzing lights bulbs in all the original colors. Now it's time to plug it in.
The official lighting ceremony for the new blade takes place Wednesday evening during the Paramount's centennial celebration. The celebration kicks off at 6 pm with complimentary drinks and live tunes from New Breed Brass Band. Afterward, Patty Griffin will perform to a sold-out crowd at the legendary theater.
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For more information on Wednesday's relighting ceremony, head over to the Paramount Theatre website.