Cedar Rapids in Linn County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Paramount Theater Building
History Happened Here!
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 18, 2023
1. Paramount Theater Building Marker
The Paramount Theater was designed in a Mediterranean Revival style by the Milwaukee architects Peacock and Frank and opened in 1928. It was renamed the Paramount in 1929 as presentations shifted from vaudeville to motion pictures and became affiliated with Paramount Studios. It remained in use as a performance space and movie theater until it became the home of the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1923, in 1976. It is now Orchestra Iowa. Since 1976, the theater has been renovated several times to expand backstage facilities and to recover from flood damage.
(Caption) September 1, 1928 photo. Opening day of the Capitol Theatre and Building at 121 Third Avenue SE. Theatre and building name changed to Paramount by June, 1929. The History Center Archives collection.
Erected by Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission; The History Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 41° 58.613′ N, 91° 40.035′ W. Marker is in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in Linn County. It is on 3rd Avenue Southeast west of 2nd Avenue Southeast, on the right when traveling west. The marker is on the sidewalk directly
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sustainable Surfacing (within shouting distance of this marker); Iowa Building (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Strand Theater (about 700 feet away); Roosevelt Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Greene (approx. 0.2 miles away); Vietnam Conflict (approx. 0.2 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historical Tablet (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cedar Rapids.
Also see . . .
1. Paramount Theatre (official website). (Submitted on July 19, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
2. Paramount Theater. (Submitted on July 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 18, 2023
2. Paramount Theater entrance
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 18, 2023
3. Paramount Theater Building
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 19, 2025
4. Paramount Theater Building Marker
Marker is across the street from the theater
Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. 4. submitted on July 19, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
