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Paramount Theatre Oakland, Bay Area Travel Guide

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Experience the grandeur of Art Deco at Oakland's Paramount Theatre, a premier venue for concerts, ballet, and classic films.

The Paramount Theatre Oakland, a stunning Art Deco concert hall built in 1931, is a premier performing arts venue in the heart of downtown Oakland. Home to the Oakland Symphony and Oakland Ballet, it hosts a diverse range of events, from concerts and comedy shows to classic film screenings.

A brief summary to Paramount Theatre Oakland

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Paramount Theatre Oakland.

  • Consider taking public transportation, as the Paramount is close to the 19th Street BART station.
  • Arrive early to admire the theater's stunning Art Deco architecture and opulent interiors.
  • Check the event calendar for a diverse range of performances, from concerts to comedy shows.
  • If driving, arrive early to find street parking or utilize nearby parking garages.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Paramount Theatre is conveniently located near the 19th Street Oakland BART station. From the station's 20th Street/Broadway exit, walk north on Broadway for about 5 minutes until you reach the theater at 2025 Broadway. BART single fares vary depending on the distance traveled. AC Transit and the Free B Downtown Oakland Shuttle also serve the 19th Street Oakland City Center Station.

  • Walking

    From the Uptown Transit Center, walk south on Broadway towards 20th Street. The Paramount Theatre will be on your right, between 20th and 21st Streets. The walk is approximately 2-3 minutes. No costs are associated with this option.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Request a ride to 2025 Broadway, Oakland. The driver can drop you off directly in front of the theater. A short ride from downtown Oakland typically costs $10-$15, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving from I-880 North, take the Broadway exit toward Downtown Oakland and merge onto Broadway. Continue on Broadway to 21st Street, where the theater will be on your right. Several parking garages are nearby, including the Telegraph Plaza Garage at 2100 Telegraph Avenue. Parking rates at nearby garages typically range from $5.75 to $12.75 for a few hours. Limited street parking is also available.

Discover more about Paramount Theatre Oakland

The Paramount Theatre Oakland, located at 2025 Broadway, is a dazzling example of Art Deco architecture and a vibrant center for arts and culture. Designed by Timothy L. Pflueger, the theater opened in 1931 as the largest multi-purpose theater on the West Coast. Its opulent interiors feature golden bas-reliefs, intricate Art Deco patterns, and towering mosaics.During the Great Depression, the theater faced financial difficulties and briefly closed. However, it reopened and adapted to changing times, hosting movies, concerts, and other events. In 1970, the Oakland Symphony Orchestra Association purchased the theater and restored it to its original splendor.Today, the Paramount Theatre is home to the Oakland Symphony and the Oakland Ballet Company. It also hosts a variety of performances, including R&B, jazz, blues, pop, rock, gospel, classical music, ballets, plays, and comedy shows. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the theater's architecture and history. The Paramount Theatre is a National Historic Landmark, a California Registered Historical Landmark, and a U.S. National Historical Landmark.
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