Hillsboro-Belcourt Theatre

Before the Grand Ole Opry found its long-term home, it made a memorable stop at the Hillsboro Theater—now known as The Belcourt Theatre. In 1935, the Opry moved from WSM’s studio at National Life to this modest community playhouse in Hillsboro Village. Though small in size, the venue played a big role in shaping the show’s future. Performers often gave two shows a day to accommodate the growing crowds, and it was here that the Opry introduced sponsored segments—a now-iconic format that remains central to the program.

Roy Acuff’s breakthrough traces back to this era of musical migration. Before becoming the “King of Country Music,” Acuff performed at several of the Opry’s early venues. In 1938, he made his Opry debut and soon became one of its most beloved stars. His first hit, “The Great Speckled Bird” (1936), was drawn from the Book of Jeremiah and delivered with such heartfelt emotion that it helped shift the genre toward vocal storytelling. Though its melody was shared with other traditional songs, Acuff was the first to record it—turning the gospel tune into a national sensation.

(Verse One)

What a beautiful thought I am thinking

Concerning a great speckled bird

Remember her name is recorded

On the pages of God's Holy Word.

(Verse Two)

All the other birds are flocking 'round her

And she is despised by the squad

But the great speckled bird in the Bible

Is one with the great church of God.

After just eight months here, the Opry outgrew the theater and moved to the Dixie Tabernacle, a religious meeting hall in East Nashville. But the Belcourt Theatre had already carved out its place in Nashville’s cultural story.

Opened in 1925 as a silent movie house, it boasted the largest stage in the city. Its founder, Hungarian immigrant Joseph Lightman, helped pioneer Nashville’s entertainment scene. His son, M.A. Lightman, later expanded the family business opening a chain of movie theaters across the South.

Renamed the Nashville Community Playhouse in 1937, the theater hosted a blend of community events, live theater, and film until shifting back fully to cinema in 1966. Though it closed briefly in the late 1990s, a grassroots “Save the Belcourt” campaign brought it back to life in 2000. In 2016, the building was renovated to restore its historic charm and update facilities. Today, it thrives as a nonprofit film center, offering movies, live events, and education programs. 

Before you leave the Belcourt, check out the Dragon Mural across the street, painted in 1995 by David Glick and Adam Randolph as an homage to nearby Dragon Park. And if you’re hungry, head across the street to the iconic Pancake Pantry or a number of other local shops and restaurants. If you want to learn more, “there’s a tour”… Take our Belmont-Hillsboro-Vanderbilt walking tour.

Head back out on Belcourt Ave. and turn LEFT onto 21st Ave S. At the light, turn RIGHT onto Wedgewood Ave. then RIGHT onto 17th Ave S/ Magnolia Blvd. To enter the Belmont campus, turn LEFT onto 18th Ave S then LEFT onto Acklen Ave. You can park along the street or in the visitors lot straight ahead. After you park, follow the path toward Belmont Mansion to find the first historical marker on the campus; continue up the hill through the gardens to reach Belmont Mansion. You can walk through to the other side to find the First Radio Station historical marker out front.