Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center

Once a stage for legends and now a home for new voices

The Historic Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center carries forward a legacy of hope, artistry, and belonging in the heart of Lexington’s East End. Opened in 1948, the Lyric was the beating heart of Lexington’s Black community—where neighbors gathered, icons like Tina Turner and B.B. King performed, and culture flourished against all odds. After decades of silence, the Lyric was lovingly restored and reopened in 2010, reborn as a beacon for unity, creativity, and empowerment.

Today, the Lyric is more than a theatre—it is a living, breathing cultural institution rooted in history and dedicated to the future. Within its walls, four vibrant spaces come together to nurture creativity and connection: the Theatre, where performances and films inspire; the Art Gallery, where diverse visual voices are celebrated; the Cultural Center, where education and wellness programs thrive; and the Community Room, a welcoming space for dialogue, celebration, and collaboration.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to uplift and empower the community through arts, education, and engaging programs, providing a vibrant space for creativity, connection, and well-being. When you support the Lyric, you help preserve a cornerstone of Lexington’s story—ensuring that every child, artist, and neighbor has a place to see themselves reflected and celebrated.

Together, we can keep the Lyric’s lights shining bright—honoring our past, inspiring the present, and illuminating a future filled with hope, art, and community.