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It’s been a long time coming, but the Brooklyn Paramount is finally open again following millions of dollars and years of renovations led by Live Nation. Before restoration began a couple of years ago, the iconic venue—which first opened in the 1920s as a movie theater before it became a concert hall for acts like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington—was a basketball arena and classrooms for Long Island University.
Now, for the first time in 60 years, the theater is ready to host concerts again in one of the most stunning live event settings anywhere in the city, and they already have a great lineup of artists set to perform in the coming months. We went on opening day of the theater to get a first look—and all we can say is that the wait was more than worth it.
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If you spend any time in Downtown Brooklyn, you’ve definitely passed the facade of the Paramount before but probably missed it. It’s pretty unassuming, especially when juxtaposed against the skyscrapers around it. When you enter, the ticketing area has the feeling of a big movie theater, which makes sense considering that the building's past, but it’s not until you get past the second set of doors that the magic really happens.
Entering the Grand Hall, I and other people on the tour let out audible gasps—it’s that impressive. The restored rococo ceilings give the sense that you’re entering a European opera house, and the marble floors and columns are all original. The chandeliers are refurbished from the 1950s, and giant digital mapping projections on the ceiling can transform the vibe of the space depending on the event. A giant bar with locally sourced liquors gives spectators the chance to get boozed up in an elevated setting before a concert.
The main theater can host up to 2,500 people standing room and 200 in the balcony. I was mesmerized by two golden fountains on either side that used to actually spew water, and it’s all definitely a remnant of a more decadent era. Everything is so grand and ornate and Baroque that it’s borderline gaudy in the best way. It’s easy to imagine how special the concert going experience is going to be, and it’s not hard to imagine this rivaling Kings Theatre in Flatbush or even Radio City Music Hall.
One of the main themes of the Paramount seemed to be bars: There’s no shortage of them. In the underground level—where the biggest and most beautiful bathrooms of the entire space reside, by the way—is yet another bar that we were told could potentially stay open until 4am after concerts. That space, which might take some time to really find its identity, pays homage to the legends who performed at the Paramount across its walls: Giant photos of Duke Ellington, Little Richard and other Paramount alumni decorate each corner.
On the balcony floor, you’ll find Ella’s Lounge—named and inspired, of course, by Ella Fitzgerald—that has the feel of a classy speakeasy, with a grand piano on a small stage and walls saturated with framed black-and-white pictures of the Paramount’s heyday. The drinks on this menu, as well as all over the theater, were dreamt up by the legendary mixologist Sean Kenyan. There's a whole section of drinks that were inspired by Ella, including a cocktail called Cheek to Cheek that features SelvaRey chocolate rum and an Owen’s Espresso Martini Mix. Anyone who buys tickets to a concert at the venue will have the option of upgrading to VIP, which gives you access to Ella’s lounge.
There’s rightfully a great sense of excitement around the Brooklyn Paramount and a feeling that the venue is going to usher in a whole new era in Downtown Brooklyn’s creative scene. Live Nation did an impressive job of honoring the building’s history and architectural integrity to bring it back to its original glory.
The Paramount already has 65 concerts lined up—upcoming shows include Pinkpantherass, Sean Paul, Norah Jones, and more. To get tickets you can check out Brooklyn Paramount’s website here.