Perot Theatre: A Texarkana Treasure

The Perot Theatre, located in Texarkana, Texas, is a testament to the city's vibrant arts scene and rich history. Originally constructed in 1924 as the Saenger “Gateway to the Southwest” Theatre, this architectural gem was designed by Emile Weil in the Neo-Italian Renaissance style. The theater quickly became a popular venue for stage plays, reviews, and silent films.In 1931, the Paramount-Publix Corporation purchased the Saenger Theatre, renaming it the Paramount. For decades, it flourished as a premier entertainment destination, attracting large crowds with its motion pictures and live productions. However, with the rise of television, interest in the theater waned, and it eventually closed its doors in 1977.Recognizing the theater's importance to the community, the City of Texarkana purchased it in 1977 with the vision of restoring it to its former glory. A generous contribution from Texarkana natives H. Ross Perot and his sister Bette, in memory of their parents, helped fund the extensive $2.4 million renovation. The theater reopened in 1980 as the Perot Theatre, a beautifully restored venue listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Architectural Digest named it the most beautifully designed theater in Texas in 2018.Today, the Perot Theatre continues to serve as Texarkana's cultural hub, hosting a diverse array of local, national, and international entertainment. Visitors can enjoy live concerts, Broadway touring productions, symphony orchestra performances, and other special events. A statue of Ross Perot's brother, who died at the age of three, is located on the second floor.