Bluegrass Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society Inc Atos

Bring the Historic Kentucky Wurlitzer Pipe Organ Back Home to the Kentucky Theatre

Help restore a piece of Lexington's history

When the Kentucky Theatre opened in downtown Lexington in 1922, audiences experienced silent films accompanied by the magnificent sound of an eight-rank Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ. Nearly a century later, the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (BG-ATOS) is working to bring that original organ home.

The Wurlitzer, Opus 562, contains 599 pipes and retains its original console, pipework, wind chests, swell shades, and blower. After leaving the Theatre decades ago, the instrument was rescued from being dismantled and eventually acquired by BG-ATOS. Today, dedicated volunteers are carefully restoring it in a local workshop.

Why It Matters

This is more than an organ. It is a significant piece of Lexington and Kentucky history.

The Wurlitzer is one of the few remaining original Wurlitzer instruments in Kentucky and was designated the “Official Theatre Pipe Organ of the Commonwealth of Kentucky” by Kentucky Senate Bill 148 in 2005.

Returning it to the Kentucky Theatre will preserve an important part of our past while creating new opportunities for the future—including concerts, recitals, educational programs, and special community events.

The Challenge

After decades of age and storage, the organ requires extensive restoration. Deteriorated leather and felt, aging electrical components, air leaks, mechanical wear, and accumulated dirt all need to be addressed.

BG-ATOS members are donating countless hours to complete the work they can do themselves. However, some critical restoration requires specialized professional expertise—and that work requires funding.

Help Bring the Music Home

Your gift will help complete the professional restoration needed to return this historic instrument to the Kentucky Theatre.

Together, we can:

• Preserve a unique piece of Kentucky history

• Return the Theatre's original Wurlitzer to its home

• Create opportunities for concerts and educational programs

• Support musicians, organists, students, and music lovers

• Enrich the cultural life of Central Kentucky

After more than 100 years, the Wurlitzer has a chance to come home.

Please give today and help bring the music back to the Kentucky Theatre.