The Historic Lyric

The Historic Lyric The Lyric is your home for culture, creativity, and community, hosting performances, exhibitions, education, and events. Vibrant. Alive.

A historic theater, art gallery, and cultural hub, we’re here to inspire and connect. The place to be and be seen. Between 1948 and 1963, the Lyric Theatre was a thriving entertainment centerpiece for Lexington’s African-American families. Originally built as a movie house, the Lyric opened at the corner of Third and DeWeese Street (now Elm Tree Lane) in Lexington. And it quickly became a cultural

icon. Everyone has his or her favorite memory – the movies, fashion shows, vaudeville acts, local concerts, pageants – but during the ‘50s it was Jazz, Soul and R&B music that took center stage, with big-name acts like Ray Charles, Count Basie, B.B. King, Wynonie Harris, Billy Brown and Mercer Ellington. The new Lyric offers much more than a chance to relive history. Today, the Lyric hosts festivals, plays, concerts, musicals, and more. As well as our own programming, The Lyric is also a premiere renting venue for private events, conferences, concerts, and performances.

08/16/2026

We are wrapping our arms around our community today. Praying for the families who were deeply affected by this tragedy in our neighborhood. Sending love across our community with heavy hearts.

Hello Community! Your opinions matter and we want to hear from you ⬇️1. Based on what you knew about The Lyric before, w...
08/13/2026

Hello Community! Your opinions matter and we want to hear from you ⬇️

1. Based on what you knew about The Lyric before, what have been your favorite changes you’ve seen us make in the past 3 years?

2. What was your favorite Lyric event(s) you’ve attended most recently?

3. On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to recommend friends to visit our space and/or rent our space?

08/08/2026
We support! &Lexington Roots & Heritage Festival
08/04/2026

We support! &Lexington Roots & Heritage Festival

This Friday at the Lyric come see history!! Free event!
07/28/2026

This Friday at the Lyric come see history!! Free event!

Address

300 E Third Street
Lexington, KY
40508

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+18592802201

Website

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