Kentucky Theatre

An amazing theatre and historical landmark in Lexington, the Kentucky Theatre is one of my favorite places to watch movies. I've been plenty of times and it's always a great experience. The interior is beautiful and has an elegant vintage vibe. Even the entrance has an old school marquee that really sets the stage for the type of theater it is. The screening rooms are always clean and the seating is pretty standard but the halls themselves look amazing. The screen and sound are just as good as any modern theater. The last movie I saw here was Mickey 17 in their main theatre hall and I loved it. They have plenty of concessions and the staff are super friendly. The pricing is pretty good considering what most theaters charge nowadays. I’m already looking forward to my next visit. Overall its an amazing place and a must see if you're visiting Lexington.

This theatre is a wonderful experience, and it features some qualities and vibes that you do not get from your average theatre nowadays. Me and my friends went to the theatre during the equinox jazz festival, so we got to experience the theatre in a different way than most people experience it with. Focusing on the building alone, is it easy to tell that this theatre is special with its old-timey vibes and more vintage architecture. The main theatre is definitely the highlight of the building, as it is very large, has great acoustics, and is very visually appealing. Entering the building and navigating around was very straightforward, and the staff were helpful in guiding me throughout. Buying food and drinks was also an easy process, and everyone was kind during the times that I went. This theatre just elicits a good feeling while you’re inside and enjoying whatever it is that you’re watching.

Staff & volunteers were really nice & place had a beautiful antiqued feng shui attitude that was gorgeous. We saw Tommy Emanuel & he was beyond fabulous!!!! Out of this world mind blowing talent!!!! Hands down best guitar player in the world 🌍 🎸

Travel here from Corbin about once a month and it’s sooo worth it! Can be very busy at times but that’s expected. I’ve learned to come a little earlier than I would my local theater cause the concession line can get long. But the workers are amazing and the lines always go super quick! Just happy to have somewhere like this to go and act pretentious 😭 Anyways beautiful theater and great service!! Love it <3

The quintessential theater! This gem is 102 years old! It’s worth visiting just for the ambiance & architectural beauty! The employees are extremely kind and enjoy their job. There’s plenty of seats & they are very comfortable. Make sure you buy some delicious buttery popcorn to go with your movie. Kick back & enjoy this experience. It’s a precious place!

Amazing place with great architecture. The owner was so sweet to me and my friend let us see inside of cinema halls. That’s so beautiful and made in different styles. I liked the Italian village style. Thank you for being so hospitable. At this July I will visit with my friend again for his birthday. That would be so special.

Saw Blade Runner there today and its been my favorite movie for over a decade. This theatre did it justice! The acoustics were like a choir with how good they sounded! If you haven't been there definitely pay this theatre a visit. Awesome staff and truly beautiful to the art of film!

Enjoyable visit was had. The interior is spectacular and the staff was fantastic. Fred is warm and friendly host who has his own bobblehead. $1.50 refills on the popcorn. Resonable prices for concessions, merch and movies. Support your local organizations. Definitely recommend a visit when you're in the vicinity.

We were here for the A Kentucky Evening with William Shatner. A screening of the documentary of "William Shatner: You can call me Bill". This was a promotional event by Legion M, which is the world's first fan owned entertainment company.The feature was the documentary, directed by Alexandre O. Philippe will give fans a glimpse into the legendary actor's life and career in the entertainment industry. The event will also featured a live hour-long Q&A session with Shatner. Shatner was humorour, insightful and compassionate in this wonderful tributate to the man. He is a inspiratation, demostrating a unquie zest for life grounded in his personal philosphy of "living in the now." The event was emceed by Doug and Lyssa High by ABC 36 News. Kentucky Theater is always our first choice for seeing movies in Lexington. The seats are not ultra plush and reclining, but they are comfortable. The overall theater experience is great. The staff is always so accomdating and willing to help resolve any issues. A true tresure, that is a prime event venue.

This is an historic old school theater with two large theaters, more like performing arts auditoriums. There is a giant concession area in the front lobby. It was fun to go to a movie here and also support this fine old establishment. Parking is available a block away on a side street in a lot if you can't find it on the street out front. If I get to go here again I'd try to sit center but not in the front row. P. S. I loved the Barbie movie, and I've seen it twice so far.

We love the Kentucky Theatre! Such a beautiful place with classic vintage vibes! Highly recommend!

I was surprised to find this theater showing a niche art house kind of movie. I thought the building might have been for stage shows rather than films, because I've had a couple of instances where I wanted to see niche movies and had to go to Cincinnati to find a theater that was showing them. But at least some unique options are on display here. The building is retro and the main theater quite massive, though the screen itself actually looks kind of small by comparison. I doubt the seats are full often given the nature of their business, though the bathrooms were as they were not big by comparison. But all these things drift away if you find something worth watching, which is not easily done these days.

A beautiful theatre! Staff was very friendly, popcorn was delicious. We loved this theatre and will continue to return!

Okay... easily one of the coolest local movie theaters I've been to!! We came here when Greg Sistero was hosting a screening for The Room (Ya know, the best worst movie ever made?) and that was quite an event to experience with a full audience. This theater is gorgeous and I couldn't stop mentioning that. It has that vintage feel, with the giant marquee out front and has interior on the inside that makes you feel like you are about to see a Broadway show. There is also a stage in front of the movie screen, so not sure if they do staged performances here. This place is lovely! I'd be excited to see another movie here.

Really nice place! The brightly lit marquee is a classic move. They have posters plastered up in that old fashioned way. Super cute when you walk in, lots of visuals of old movies on the mirrors. One decal of Casablanca and one of the Bride of Frankenstein. Their rotation of movies - I appreciate that they offer unique and foreign ones. Not for me, but cool! We went when they were showing Carrie. The staff is chill. We came super early and we got to sit in the lobby. Once it came time to get snacks, it was easy and straightforward. They have a glass display of all the candies they have and the old popcorn machine. They give you a LOT for your money with the offer to butter it. Seat wise - the auditoriums are HUGE. You choose your own seat. Coming early, we were able to get in a good row. The trailers they show are kind of a mix between stuff that would've shown alongside the movie you're watching at the time period and new stuff they're showing at the Theatre. Overall, the movie quality is about the same as going to any other place. It's worth going to for the historical value. Great experience!

Fred is the best! So much more to do than movies. Many music acts and ballet as well as art. Beer and wine with concessions are very affordable.

A Lexington staple. Walking into the Kentucky Theatre is like stepping back in time. There's a concessions area with popcorn, of course, and an alcohol selection. The theatre itself is large with plenty of seats and beautiful architecture. Limited releases, independent films and specialty movies are typically shown here. We enjoyed the classic Halloween. It transformed the movie to see it in a theatre setting. The experience was wonderful. Everyone should check out this Lexington site.

You can't help but feel a little bit fancier when seeing a movie at the Kentucky Theater. When you first walk in the ornately designed lobby, you immediately are transported into a different time period. Though the screens here may not be as big, your movie-going experience beats going to any cine-mega-max new movie theater hands down. Ticket prices are comparable to most theaters in KY (if not a smidge cheaper) and concessions are priced more reasonably as well. I really like that The Kentucky will feature some great indie gems that I would never have discovered otherwise. There are only two theaters here, so the movies played and show times are more limited. However, there is plenty of seating!

My favorite place to see a movie ever, and they always have the best movies around, which usually cant be found elsewhere in Lex. Friendly staff, and the theater and bathrooms are always clean. Love this place, and I always know there will be something worth seeing there.

If you love Applebee's and TGIFs, then head to the mall and go see some version of Star Wars there. However, if you are a not a chain follower and wanna go to the coolest movie theater in Lexington, then head to the Kentucky. First of all, it's a ginormous theater with a full stage and an actual working organ. A lot of times an organist will play awhile before the trailers start, which adds to the ambiance. The theater still reflects the old timey origins with grand decor and chandeliers. There is actually a smaller theater as well. It's decorated like an Italian villa and includes an art gallery in its lobby. Local artists are displayed there. Fred is the manager/owner and has been recognized by the mayor because of his hospitality and his addition to the local culture. Fred has been at the Kentucky since I was a little girl and I'm old as dirt, so there you have it. If there's a movie you want to see and it hasn't been around, tell Fred and he might just get it for you. He's usually helping with popcorn and so he's very accessible. You can also ask him about a movie and he will give you an honest review as well as tell you what he's heard his customers say about it. Everybody in Lexington loves Fred. Seriously, just ask! For the past 1,000 years, every summer on every Wednesday, the Kentucky shows classic movies. They often sell out so go early. Breakfast at Tiffany's, Casablanca, Wizard of Oz (always a few kids shows thrown into the mix) - you can get a printed calendar late spring so that you can see what's coming up. The Kentucky does run some "block busters", but also some interesting smaller run shows. I've gone when I hadn't heard of a particular movie and I've never been disappointed. Fred has good taste. Oh! I almost forgot! Midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show! Ta-da! I used to go with my friends when I was in high school and throw all the props and sing along! So fun! They still show it from time to time, so check the calendar. Bonus- they serve fancy chocolate, Jordan almonds and also cocktails! Yay you!

I LOVED THIS PLACE! First of all it's super old! Second of all it's like a step back in time. Third of all the acoustics are great inside each theater. Fourth of all, the snack bar prices are reasonable. Fifth of all they have pellet ice! Yes please! Sixth of all the soda refills are only .50cent! Seventh of all the ticket prices are very reasonable. Eighth of all the seats are very comfortable. Ninth of all the place is clean and the floors not sticky. Tenth of all the movie selections are a mix of oldies, independent, and documentary. They have alcohol there for those that can't handle life without it. I didn't notice a military discount. The staff was super nice.

This place is great and they serve beer!! I remember seeing MILK here. The prices are very reasonable and I love the interior of the place, very nostalgic.

Went and saw La La Land here tonight and the venue is perfection. Both the ticket prices and concession prices are surprisingly affordable and the seats are very comfy. I love that you can get a beer here and also an Ale 8. My favorite part of this theater is the aesthetic. Everything from the stained glass ceilings to the ornate designs on the wall, it's really quite a beautiful and well kept building. Even though there is all of this it never once took my attention away from the movie. The only thing that this theater could improve on is their sound system but aside from that this is my new theater of choice. They only show one to maybe two different movies at once but I will definitely be coming back.

This is a beautiful old theater. A classic movie house like the ones that used to be everywhere but hardly exist anymore. It seems that most of the classic movie houses converted to porn in the 1970s. Afterward, they were either demolished or carved into multiplexes. Not the Kentucky! There are some concessions to modernity (newer seating, energy efficient lighting, etc.), but the Kentucky still has the look and feel of a grand old movie house. The Kentucky Theater mostly shows limited run films and classics. If you want to try something that isn't mass-marketed, this is the place to do it. The concession stand of the Kentucky is nice. The staff are friendly. The stand offers the usual fare (popcorn, candy, soft drinks), all at lower prices than your neighborhood multiplex. Along with that, they offer beer, wine and cocktails! The prices of those items are premium, but from what I could see, so were the products. I am thrilled that The Kentucky Theater is here!

I was very surprised by this place. It is definitely a local treasure. I went over the summer during their throwback movies. They had live music before hand and the concession stand was more affordable than the usual movie theaters.

Want to see a movie, but also want date night to feel a little different and special? See an independent film (or a cult classic; my husband & I recently saw Amelie) at the Kentucky Theatre! It's downtown, but there's plenty of parking nearby. The theater itself is lovely, with gorgeous domes & lattice work. There's comfortable classic theater seating (yes, you have to sacrifice the cushy recliners that you can find at other theaters, but it's worth it). Need popcorn or candy? No problem. Alcohol? That's available too. And the prices are lower than other theaters.

Those of us who had to live without it during those long dark days when it was shuttered post Fire will never take it for granted again!

I love this theater. I love the movies they choose to show - you won't see Transformers or Scary Movie 15 here but you will see something beautiful, something thought-provoking, or - my personal favorite - something old that needs to be seen again on a big screen. The Kentucky's classic movie series is one of the things I most enjoy about summers in Lexington, and if you think people aren't interested in seeing Mary Poppins for the 50th time, just try getting a ticket! I even love the concession options...Lindt and Ghirardelli chocolate bars, beer, wine, mixed drinks, and popcorn that they will be happy to put butter on for you. After a recent renovation, which left us with nice new seats and, thankfully, not a lot of other changes, it is even more enjoyable to see a film here, and parking is free in the lot behind the theater. Here's a tip: if you are coming for one of the classic movies, don't wait until the last minute to show up, like everyone else seems to do. The ticket line stretches waaaaayyyyy down the street and you may not get popcorn until after the movie has started....then you'll be climbing over people in the dark to get to your seat...which makes some people grumpy...and they may or may not "accidentally" trip you on your way by. I'm not naming names...guy with the fedora and the sweater vest...but some of us had dogs to feed between work and going out so give us a break! I love this theater :-)

Watching a movie at the Kentucky is a bit like traveling back in time: the theatre has been there seemingly forever and little has changed. There was a renovation back in the 90s, if I remember correctly, but the charm, character and overall experience of watching a movie has remained unchanged. The Kentucky is probably THE place in Lexington to see indie, alternative, movies. There is one large theatre that seats a couple of hundred (more or less). What I love about it is that you can sit practically in the front row and still not feel like you're on top of the movie. The seats are reasonably comfortable, and the concessions are dirt cheap. A large popcorn is a few bucks and refills are free! Perhaps the greatest thing about the Kentucky is all the other things it does: this is the spot for the long-running weekend midnight showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (acted out in all its glory) as well as a visiting concert series that brings pretty serious acts to the Bluegrass (more folk-y type stuff, but overall great shows), and, my favorite, in the summers they play old movies. I have a great memory of going to see Imitation of Life with my mother and youngest sister, sitting there, munching popcorn on a blazing hot summer day, feeling air-conditioned and loved. Be good to yourself: catch a flick at the Kentucky every chance you get. Ticket prices are average. Parking can be a bit of an annoyance before 6 p.m. (street), but after 6 you can park in the garage up the street for free.

This is a beautiful theater that retains all of the "Golden Age of Cinema" charm. They recently renovated one of the two theaters. I think that they should also consider renovating the restrooms as well, as they are sorely in need of it. I went to see a movie on Saturday night and the popcorn wasn't fresh. The concession prices are reasonable. A lot of people enjoy the fact that the KY Theatre serves alcohol. I love the summer classic series that they do every year. Watching the classics that you are familiar with on the big screen with a crowd of people around you laughing along with you is so different than watching them at home on the TV. The parking is either street parking or in the government lot nearby.

Physically, this place is beautiful, especially on the inside and in the individual theaters themselves (which makes sense, considering its deep history). The choices of films are good -definitely best in the area- and their special events are great, such as Summer Classics and the Rocky Horror Picture Show (especially the one for Halloween). The concessions are also good and fairly priced. They could perhaps get more new stuff in more often, but that's the only less than positive thing I have to say about it.

This wonderful old theatre might be the best place in Lexington to see a movie. The One World Film Festival, which begins on MLK day, runs until March, is a compilation of free movies. If you sign up for emails on the theatre website, you will be alerted to their showings, as well as regular run movies and special events. Go and enjoy!

Affordable, great atmosphere, and you can enjoy a good selection of movies with popcorn and a beer! The movie selection includes independent and a foreign movie or two. My only criticism of the theater would be it's conservative selection of movies... One would be exposed to a very censored look of the movie scene of today. I would recommend showing some of the more innovative and adventurous independent and foreign films!

Movies I love!,classic and wine with popcorn and Love the dark chocolates collection. AWESOME PLACE I really am on vacation now this is !!! Thankgoodness a place for grown UPS!!!! Yeah!!

Best theater in the area. Really good prices, and they usually have films you won't see anywhere around Lexington. It's super old so it makes you feel classy even if you're just watching the newest dumb action movie. Be careful during Halloween because Rocky Horror gets BONKERS.

This place is just fun! Enlightening and engaging! You also get drinks and a movie!! It's a great experience every time!

The Kentucky Theatre is a Lexington establishment. If you're into indie or foreign films, it's pretty much the only place to catch them. The Lexington Green Cinemark turned into an indie place, but the Kentucky Theatre feel is much better! In my memories the Kentucky is for recording Woodsongs Old-Time Country Radio Hour and midnight showings of Rocky Horror. (I remember driving down Main Street and ogling the trashy dress as a teen. Good times!) The Kentucky is a great place to catch films of every genre (except mainstream WHICH they also show), just watch which chair you get...not all in great shape. My favorite is their smaller theater to the left with stars in the ceiling.

While on vacation in Lexington, we went to the Kentucky Theater on Classic Movie Night and saw "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." What a great night. There was a guy playing the organ when we walked in. Then before the movie, everyone stood and sang "My Ole Kentucky Home." After that, a guy came out and gave us trivia about the movie. It was like a "blast to the past." What an enjoyable evening.

The best place to see a movie in Lexington. I'm a big fan of the beer and cocktail selection, as well as the reasonably priced concession items. The Summer Classics series is awesome. When's the last time you saw 'Double Indemnity" on the big screen in a circa 1922 movie theatre??

One of Lexington's gems... Best art house cinema in the region. I don't really need to say more... I wish there were more than 5 stars to give this place!

The Kentucky Theatre is a gem in downtown Lexington. While they may only have three or four films playing at a time, you can be sure that they will have the good limited release movies that you can't find at the super-gigantic-mondo-mega-cineplex elsewhere in town. There's plenty of seating, which might seem a bit old, but let's face it, you're in an older building with older digs. It feels comfortable though. The whole operation is fairly laid back and it's pretty easy to get around. You don't have to walk around the entire building to get to your theater. A final thing I can add, which others have touched upon, is the low cost. A matinee show only sets you back $5.50 and for another $5.50, you can get a small drink and popcorn (at the time of this writing). $11 for a solid movie experience? I couldn't be more satisfied. You'd pay more to go see a 3D movie, sans concessions. Check out the Kentucky Theatre, it's a nice place.

My favorite place. Get to know Fred. He is amazing and is very sweet. Yes, the movies may start later than the posted time but usually there are no previews which is a plus in my book.

Five stars for the atmosphere alone. Three stars for the production. The Kentucky Theatre was probably one of the nicest movie houses that I have ever seen a motion picture in. This is the way movies were meant to be seen. The lavish décor harkens back the by gone days of black and white movies and when those new fangled talkies became all the rage. Coolest of all was the grand showroom. It looked like it could seat several hundred people. In it were two large, yellow stain glass windows in the ceiling. The restoration work was really impressive. Also, fear not, for the seats are not original and have been upgraded to 21st Century rump standards. Not only does the decor take you back to the Hoover Administration, but the prices are also pretty cheap. A ticket is 7 bucks and the concessions are even cheaper. 2.50 for popcorn and similar for sodas. And wait it gets better, they also serve beer and wine, 3.50 for a Bud Heavy. There are only 2 screens, which limits the movie selection. For the most part they show art house flicks, independent films worthy of Oscar praise, and classic movies. I have also read that they show a great deal of classic films over the summer. Aside from the lack of movie options, the worst part about the experience was that the theatre was really cold, the screen could have been larger, and the sound kept going in and out on the movie. Yet all of these things were miniscule because of the wonderful venue. The Kentucky is bursting with potential, and I for one cannot wait to go back. Lexington is very lucky to have such a gem. Oh and there is apparently free parking in garage next to the theatre! Win-win!

Can't miss this icon Theatre when in Lexington! The staff is very accommodating and the snack bar carries everything you could ever desire. My favs are the cherry cokes with real syrup! Their popcorn is fresh popped and hot. They fill your orders quickly so you do not miss the films. I enjoy each of the two theatres and weekly look forward to their new films. The best part is they do not spend much of my time with previews and the audiences still clap after a great film! Check it out.

Top-notch local theater. When you only have two screens and can't offer the 3-D and HD projections of AMC or Loews, you have to make a niche for yourself, and the Kentucky Theater certainly seems to have done so. With very reasonable ticket prices, beer on tap, and most importantly a very good selection of new small releases and older classic and avant garde films (where else can you see Wim Wenders in Lexington?), it's well worth your time and money to see what they have playing before driving out to AMC for Paranormal Activity 3.

My favorite place to go to see art house movies and classic movies. The Kentucky Theater is a staple of Lexington. Best place to watch off-beat and indie films.

Best place to see a movie! Friendly staff. Tap ice water for a quarter. Beer & wine too!

Always something different to be seen......in the movies and the art work! I love the ambience of the theatre and the quality of movies and viewing.