It is simply a concrete building attached to other buildings in downtown Knoxville.

The exterior of the Bijou theatre is seemingly simple. While both the Bijou and the Bistro are non smoking environments, both sell wide varieties of beverages allowed in the theatre, thus making it more of an adult environment, though many performances are family friendly. However, no matter what performance you attend, you can enjoy a nice meal in the family friendly Bistro by the Bijou before the concert. Based on these performances, it is obvious that the Bijou covers a vast area of various performances for a wide variety of audiences, particularly young adults and adults. Also, the Bijou hosts Tennessee Shines, a broadcast of music that reflects Tennessee’s culture, every last Wednesday of the month. It has also shown movies such as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Harold and Maude”. Examples of recent performances held at the Bijou Theatre include Relient K, Dave Barnes, the UT Opera, and many more. Some of the other earlier performances the Bijou hosted included the Marx Brothers and Dizzy Gillespie.

The Bijou’s first ever performance was Little Johnny Jones starring George M. The Bijou offers many various types of musical performances, including local jazz ensembles, choral and instrumental groups, opera productions, local musical theatre, acoustic groups, rock groups, and more. By 2005, the building was in danger of defaulting on its mortgage, but was once again saved by local businessmen, and the theatre now strives to stay alive and “set the stage” for 100 more years. Instead, the theatre was simply renovated, and then again 20 years later. However, a group of dedicated Knoxville civilians set up a successful campaign and saved the building from being destroyed. By 1974, the building had been threatened with being completely demolished. Over the next few years, the Bijou featured performances in Opera, comedy, and vaudeville. In 1909, the farthest back wing was turned into a theatre area, and the hotel was renamed the Bijou Theatre. Presidents including Jackson, Grant, and Hayes. During the Civil War, the hotel/theatre was occupied by Union Troops. It was operated under numerous different names, but the most commonly known one is the Lamar House. It was originally designed as a tavern and hotel. The Bijou Theatre was originally built in 1818 by Thomas Humes. Requests for an interpreter must be made no later than ten (10) business days prior to the event day you wish to attend and are subject to the availability of an interpreter and provided at the discretion of the management.Though the Bijou reached the 100 year milestone just last year, it went through much more to get to that point. These tickets can only be purchased by calling The Tennessee Theatre Box Office at (865) 684-1200 ext 2. As there are a limited number of available seats, waiting until the day of the performance does not guarantee an accessible seat will be available. It is important to request accessible seating when purchasing your tickets.

Accessible seating is also available in The Bijou for patrons with low vision or who are hard of hearing. As The Bijou is a historic building there is no elevator to the upper levels, and accordingly, orchestra level accessible seating is available to people who are unable to climb stairs. Patrons who cannot or do not wish to transfer from their wheelchairs to a theatre seat should request wheelchair seating locations when ordering their tickets. The Bijou Theatre staff is trained to assist you in selecting seating that best meets your individual needs.

Knoxville tn bijou theater