The Louisville Palace

A healthy walk from the more commercial quarters of 4^th Street (think the Hard Rock Café & other restaurants), the Louisville Palace is a step back to a bygone era of grandly appointed theaters with stunning sightlines & exceptional acoustics.
I recently visited the venue for a performance by The Monkees & had the good fortune of an exceptional seat in the center orchestra. I will say that the bathroom situation seems to be a bit less than ideal, as you have to go down a level, which can create quite a logjam during intermissions & in that final rush of relief following a show, but if you are blessed with a strong bladder & a short commute, godspeed!
Another thing was their frustratingly unclear camera policy. The Monkees themselves don’t seem to care. They’re quite happy to post & share photos fans take from their current tour & on their social media site. Yet at the show, the way the ushers/​security types enforced the photography policy seemed very selective. They would ignore 3 or 4 people shooting with their camera phones to shut down one person & it didn’t seem to be a matter of filming vs. photography or cameras vs phones. It seemed arbitrary & frustratingly idiotic.
While I can’t be sure to say there is a bad seat in the house, as I was 5^th row center, it certainly didn’t look it & the sound of the venue was great. The interior is also designed to feel as if you’re actually watching a show outside, which is a nice extra (think dining at Blue Bayou at Disneyland while the boats from Pirates of the Caribbean float by).

About a month ago, I bought my boyfriend Old Crow Medicine Show tickets at the Louisville Palace. I’ve been to quite a few concert venues, but this one was BY FAR the most beautiful. I felt like I was a part of history just for being there. Intricate designs flourish the entire building. They have a fancy bar with good bartenders. The whole feeling was very intimate. And the theater itself didn’t lower expectations. There are quite a few good photos other Unilocalers have taken of what to expect seating-​wise. I’d check those out.

My beloved neice, Shelby, had her wedding reception here last night. I have visited many many times over the years but the venue for a wedding reception was perfect. The atmosphere of such an historical space blended with the newness of a marriage was so special. The bartenders and other staff were attentive and friendly. I definitely recommend this venue for special occasions.

This place is gorgeous, and really not a bad seat in the house.
Two complaints, you have to traipse down to the basement for the restrooms and there is only one major exit at the front of the building, so when leaving its a cluster.

The Louisville Palace is a local landmark and you should definitely go if you have the chance. The Palace has kept its original baroque motif and it is a beautiful venue. The theater is very ornate, and it’s almost worth the price of admission to see the inside. They also have a great bar that serves a wide variety of drinks with a small private alcove near the entrance to the theater.
It’s also a great place to see a show, with excellent views of the Stage and acoustics. I’ve seen several concerts and shows here, the last being an amazing performance by Tony Bennett, but I’ve also seen rock concerts, popular music, oldies, and classic movies. All of which were wonderful experiences. Every summer the Palace shows a series of classic movies around a theme for 5 dollars per show. This is absolutely not to be missed.
The Louisville Palace is an excellent place to see almost any kind of performance. If you have a chance you should definitely catch a show here. Highly recommended.

We went to see Ron White there. I had not been there since I was a teenager. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The seats we had were in the balcony and they were great. Plenty of leg room. The theater was very clean. I will be back.

If you are someone that loves live events, and you haven’t been to The Louisville Palace yet… I demand to know why! I was fortunate enough to see my favorite artist here last night and let me tell you… The experience was AMAZING! Now, I’m no idiot. I know that the actual performance plays a huge role in this review. However, I can honestly say this facility is great.
You enter the facility, go thru a quickly moving (but lengthy — as expected) security line, and you’re in. There was staff conveniently located at different aisles to show you where your seat was. There were at least four bar areas set up to accommodate the large crowd. The place was well lit, clean, and easily navigatable. No walking in circles to find the potty! And this is all before you enter the seating area.
The stage is easily viewable from different seating areas. No rubbernecking or tippy-​toeing or squinting to see the performer (s). This place exudes intimacy and the classic décor adds to its charm. No doubt in my mind I’ll be back!

By blocking our off duty police officers at the door and not allowing them to attend your event I will never step foot in the Louisville Palace ever again.
Our Police officers are never off duty, they are required to carry their weapon with them at all times in Jefferson County as are always on call and ready to respond to emergencies.
While I know that there are reasonable gun policies that prevent John Q. Public from carrying in places like that, Local, State, and Federal Law enforcement should always be allowed to carry.
VERY VERY Bad move… my family has enjoyed the movies in the summer and I have very good memories of this place. NOT ANYMORE.
It is my sincere hope that you will make this good and reach out to those officers. Of all people you want in a place to protect the public, armed, trained Police officers who HAVE THE AUTHORITY to handle any disruptive situation are the last people I would expect to be turned away from the door.

So when I told my dad I was coming to The Louisville Palace for the first time on Halloween for the Wes Craven fright night he just kept repeating, «look at the ceiling, look at the ceiling!», so of course when I got there I DIDN’T look up at the ceiling, because who listens to their parents? What I did do is talk to the very nice woman holding the door open for me, whom politely told me where I can purchase tickets, and then I talked to the ticket seller, who was just as polite as the woman who directed me to him and then I headed down to the bar, naturally.
The bartender has to be one of the most pleasant people I’ve ever met in my life. When I think about her I think about what Louisville, KY is– friendly, hospitable, fun and just a pleasure. I’m 21 okay, I know, a baby, and I just don’t know that much about cocktails yet. She knew that instantly when I asked her if they had any house cocktails. They don’t, but she did something really unexpected. She just automatically asked me what I liked, sweet, sour, bitter. I told her sweet. She instantly starts whipping me up a sample of something magical called a FUZZY NAVEL which I’d never had, and all while she’s doing this she’s telling me about a snack deal, just having a conversation with me, making me and Logan feel so welcome, as if we were guests in her own home. After she had me sample a few drinks, ON THE HOUSE, she made me a fuzzy navel and it was just delicious. So I was taken care of and Logan wanted a beer. We’re both young, and like I said, its obvious, so what did she do? Asked if he wanted a sample of the beer that he picked before she did a full pour. To me, that’s thoughtful and kind. She was just a pure delight and I wish I knew her name, but the people who frequent The Palace and her staff and managers know exactly who I’m talking about. She’s blonde and has a pretty face and you’ll just know her when you see her, okay?
Alright dad, I looked at the ceiling! Its MAGNIFICENT! Everything about this place is beautiful, the hand carved ceilings, the banisters, the carpet, the sculptures, the lighting, everything! Its breathtaking and my eyes loved every morsel of what they saw.
The theater is, to put it simply, special. The acoustics in this room is spectacular, every sound had depth and clarity. I especially enjoyed the balcony, which gave a perfect, crystal clear view of the stage. Its an absolutely stunning room and I enjoyed getting to watch Scream and The Nightmare on Elm St in such an amazing space.
Everything was perfectly clean and the seats were older but still in good condition.
Overall: I know I didn’t describe everything in detail, but its really hard to paint a picture of this place with words. Its one of those places where you really just have to see it for yourself to get a clear picture. I loved every moment of being here. I highly suggest checking this place out. Whether you’re from out of town or reside in or around Louisville, this place is well worth your time and hard earned money. And please, look at the ceiling, for my dad’s sake!

Beautiful venue! I have seen many shows here, as well as some movies (on a projector screen) and have enjoyed all of it! This place is a must see if you are in the area and/​or if you live here and haven’t been.
The bar staff is always friendly and the bathrooms are plenty. :)

The palace is an amazing venue to see any type of production from a concert to a comedy show! Every time I go I am blown away by the gorgeous architecture and find something new to marvel at every time.
The only complaint I would have is the drink prices, $ 18 for a beer and a mixed drink each time seems a little high, but I’m sure the upkeep on the place is expensive, so I’m willing to pay to support that!

The Palace is one of my favorite venues. My fiancé and I went and saw Stone Temple Pilots this past week. It was an amazing show, and we were 11 rows from the stage! I love the architecture of the venue, as the statues make you feel like you are at an outdoor amphitheater. They also have a great selection of domestic and craft beer. My only complaint would be that the drinks are a bit over priced, but no different from any other venue in town. But after a few delicious drafts and an entertaining show, even that doesn’t seem too matter. I’m looking forward to go again in the near future.

We are insanely lucky to have such a beautiful venue here in town.
I don’t care who or what is playing here. If it is in my budget, I am gonna go.
It is beautiful!
I have seen several concerts here, as well as a couple shows and the spectacular summer movie series! Every one of them has been wonderful.
Go here any chance you get to see something here!

Would somebody please TELL ME WHY the Louisville Palace doesn’t have 5* across the board?
Look. I lived in London, England for 4+ years. It has some of the most beautiful theaters on earth. But let me tell you — The Louisville Palace tops them all. I’m serious, yo. It is indescribably beautiful.
Furthermore, the Palace does this thing in the summer where it shows older movies. It is a grand slam. You cannot beat it.
As well, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. For a movie or a concert or a magic show… This is the perfect venue. So beautiful.
Buy a ticket to something. Come visit the Palace. Be pleased. Write a good review.

Hmmmm, how do I describe The Louisville Palace? The best way I can put it is «a tad bit gaudy with a bit of southern flare.» I mean that in the nicest way possible. I honestly really like this place. It’s kind of fascinating.
My first visit to the theater was in March to see my man crush, Harry Connick, Jr. There are a lot of restaurants within a short driving distance from the theater. I am not from Louisville, so navigating through traffic to find a decent place to park was a bit of a pain. We ended up parking in a lot near a church behind the theater. I was pleasantly surprised by how cheap it was to park in the area. There is a somewhat well lit alley you can walk through to get to the theater. Once we arrived at the theater, I was shocked to see not one but two long lines to enter the theater. Ugh! Fortunately, the line we were in went fairly quickly. We were scanned in by the friendly attendants and one step closer to seeing Harry!
The interior of the building is absolutely fascinating. There are multiple bars on various levels. I am not sure of the theater’s history, but I could have spent hours just walking around viewing the ceiling, the sculptures, and so much more. Now things get really interesting when you enter the concert hall. Did I just see a tree? There is so much going on décor wise. During the concert Harry couldn’t help but to comment on the beauty of it, but it also reminded him of a haunted forest. Ha! My sentiments exactly. Speaking of Harry, what a GREAT concert. I would see this man again and again and again. Now I have an even bigger crush. Geez, I love him.
Anyhoo, this venue is fascinating. Definitely worth a visit. The traffic might jilt your nerves a bit, but the venue itself is picturesque. I wouldn’t mind checking out another concert or two here.

So I guess people who grew up around this tri-​state area gives four stars? Not me, I have been there twice and I was not impressed at all.
First, this place definitely needs some updates.
Drinks were watered down.
Bathrooms were old, nasty, and dingy.
It might not be due to the theater managements’ own fault, but those security guards were randomly walking around blocking audiences’s view during the play too many times.
Parking situations can be improved.
Location is kind of sketchy in the underprivileged neighborhood. I was holding on to my purse and fast walked to my car. If there’s any event that I am interested in, I will drive one hour to Indianapolis to see it in a future.

Love this venue! We just saw Prince there last night and it was such an amazing show. I have always loved the Palace because it is a one of a kind theater. The architecture has to be seen to believed. It feels like stepping back in time before the days of huge arenas. It’s a smaller venue so when you see a artist there the show feels special and intimate.
The two things that are so important is the view of the stage and the sound.
View: everything concert I’ve seen there I’ve always been able to see the action on stage and not have to struggle to make out who is doing what.
Sound: Every concert has always sounded fantastic no matter where you sit. The acoustics as well as the great job of the live engineer ensures you hear every note clearly. They also do a great job to balance hoe loud a show is. Nothing is worse than going to a concert where everything is at full blast and you leave with your ears ringing. Not only does it take away from the experience but it can result in hearing loss.
I would encourage anyone who has a chance to see one of their favorite artists at The Palace to do so. It will be a concert going experience you will remember.

Are you kidding me??? I just went the best concert of my life! I have been to the palace many times. When I was in high school out choir sang here once.
After seeing prince etc. (mainly prince) I feel like a celeb for having anything to do with prince’s back stage ever!
This place is beautiful, amazing, and always different. Can I live here?

Incredibly beautiful and ornate interior and the acoustics are outstanding. I saw Prince and 3rdEyeGirl absolutely tear it up here. Definitely one of the top 3 concerts I’ve ever seen. The Palace and it’s intimate setting definitely helped take this show to the next level.
I hope to come back and see some additional shows in the near future. Already thinking about The Pixies…

It kind of feels like magic every time I’m at the Palace. I can’t help but look around at the architecture, the decorative nature, everything. I’m always in awe every time I’m there.
Typically when we go to the Palace, we get to sit in the VIP area. We’re no one special, we are just lucky enough to get offered tickets through my beaus job. This gives us an excellent view of whatever show we’re there to see that evening, & access to the exclusive VIP lounge. It feels fancy. It’s always very nicely kept with a well stocked bar & free finger food.
I have to give the ladies that work the VIP lounge some major credit. They work their butts off to keep some pretty snooty people happy.