Paramount Theatre

1621 Glenarm Place
Denver CO 80202

Phone: 303-623-0106

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Description:
About Us:

Built by Temple Buell for Publix Theatres in 1930, the Paramount Theatre instantly surpassed the standards set by the dozens of theatres that lined the streets of Denver and is the only local theatre of its generation to maintain its original dignity and glamour. It is significant not only as an excellent illustration of Art Deco design and craftsmanship, and a tribute to an architect who made considerable contributions to the Denver region, but as a unique reflection of a broad social and cultural phenomenon that prevailed in the early decades of the 20th century in Denver and the entire nation.

By the mid-1920s, movie houses had become America’s primary social gathering places and amusement centers. The “theatres for the common man” entertained millions in the ’20s as much for their own fantastic splendor as for the fantasies presented on their stages and screens. The Paramount Theatre was no exception. On Aug. 29, 1930, an estimated crowd of 20,000 gathered in the streets of Denver to celebrate the Grand Opening showing of “Let’s Go Native,” rivaling the attendance and excitement previously generated only by Hollywood premieres. The rave reviews and widespread public awe immediately established the Paramount Theatre as the foremost movie house in Denver.

The glamorous atmosphere was, and is, heightened by the original architectural and design elements. Buell built several important buildings in the region and is credited for founding the “Western style” of architecture. Despite his many successes, Buell claimed the Paramount as the finest example of his work.

The theatre is an unrivaled testament to Art Deco design and the craftsmanship of the era. The facade, with pre-cast concrete blocks enhanced by glazed terra cotta moldings, offers a striking contrast to the rusticated stone of surrounding buildings. It also reflects a popular design device of the period: Terra cotta decorative elements create the illusion of extra height for the three-story building. The ornate details above the windows and on the sills showcase a recurrent interior motif of rosettes, leaves, feathers and fiddle-head ferns. Green-tinged black marble at the street level and above each window give contrast and more drama to the exterior elements.