Paramount Center

Paramount Center. A major performing arts, academic, and cinematic hub located in the Downtown Crossing district of Boston, Massachusetts. Owned and operated by Emerson College, the center revitalized the historic Paramount Theatre building, integrating it with a modern addition to create a state-of-the-art facility. It serves as a key venue for student productions, professional performances, film screenings, and public arts events, contributing significantly to Boston's cultural landscape.

History

The site's history is deeply rooted in Boston's entertainment past, centered on the original Paramount Theatre, which opened in 1932 as a flagship movie palace for the Paramount Pictures chain. Designed by the noted theatre architect Thomas W. Lamb, it was a prime example of Art Deco architecture and a major attraction during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Following decades of decline, the theatre closed in 1976 and the building fell into disuse and disrepair. In the early 2000s, Emerson College, seeking to expand its urban campus and preserve historic structures, acquired the property. A major redevelopment project, led by Elkus Manfredi Architects and supported by the Boston Redevelopment Authority, culminated in a grand reopening in 2010, seamlessly blending historic preservation with modern educational and performance needs.

Architecture

The architecture represents a sophisticated fusion of historic restoration and contemporary design. The meticulously restored facade and grand lobby of the original Paramount Theatre showcase classic Art Deco elements, including ornate plasterwork, geometric patterns, and the iconic vertical sign. The new annex, constructed behind and above the historic shell, features a sleek, glass-and-steel exterior that contrasts with and complements the old. Key interior spaces include the restored main theatre, which retains its original proscenium arch and decorative ceiling, and the new Bright Family Screening Room, a technically advanced cinema. The integration was carefully managed to meet modern building codes and accessibility standards while honoring the structure's legacy, a process involving collaboration with the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

Facilities and venues

The center houses a versatile array of facilities supporting performance, film, and education. The primary performance space is the 590-seat main stage, configured for theatre, dance, and music, equipped with modern lighting and sound systems. The 170-seat Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre provides a flexible, intimate environment for experimental works. For cinematic arts, the 200-seat Bright Family Screening Room is a top-tier venue for film festivals and digital presentations, often used by the Boston Society of Film Critics. Academic components include soundstage studios, rehearsal halls, television control rooms, and classrooms for Emerson College departments like the Department of Performing Arts and the Visual and Media Arts program. Additional spaces include a spacious lobby gallery for exhibitions and public gatherings.

Notable events and performances

The venue has hosted a wide spectrum of significant cultural events since its reopening. It serves as a primary stage for productions by Emerson's performing arts groups, such as the Emerson Stage company. Notable public programming has included engagements by the Boston Ballet, concerts presented by Celebrity Series of Boston, and comedy shows featuring alumni like Jay Leno. The screening rooms are a hub for film festivals, including the annual Boston International Film Festival and the Women in Comedy Festival. It has also been a venue for talks by prominent figures such as filmmaker Ken Burns, author Margaret Atwood, and journalist Anderson Cooper, alongside being a frequent location for the Boston Latino International Film Festival.

Management and operations

The center is owned and managed by Emerson College as an integral part of its urban campus and its mission to advance the arts and communication. Day-to-day operations are handled by the college's Office of the Arts and its professional staff, who oversee programming, venue scheduling, and technical production. The facility operates both as an academic resource for students and faculty and as a rental venue for external organizations like the Boston Children's Chorus and commercial producers. Its operation supports the economic and cultural vitality of the Downtown Crossing area and involves ongoing partnerships with city entities such as the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture to ensure its role as a accessible public asset.

Category:Buildings and structures in Boston Category:Performing arts centers in Massachusetts Category:Emerson College