Bijou Theatre

The Bijou Theatre is also known as the Lamar House/Bijou Theatre. It is located on Gay Street, the original commercial thoroughfare in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

It was originally constructed by Thomas Humes in 1818 as a tavern and hotel, and was known as the Lamar House. It's use as a hotel continued until 1870. It was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War; Union General William P. Sanders died at the Lamar House after being wounded in the Battle of Knoxville. It has also hosted five United States Presidents - Presidents Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes were amongst them. The Bijou Theatre was added in 1909, and this auditorium is notable for it's rich gilt ornament. It has been used for opera, comedy, vaudeville and, at it's low point, pornography. The Marx Brothers and Dizzy Gillespie are among those who have performed in the main auditorium.

Knoxville Heritage purchased the building in 1976, and renovated it as a center for the performing arts. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation now operates the facility. The main auditorium seats over 700 people, and includes a restaurant and offices.