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Paramount Theatre Oakland: An Art Deco Masterpiece

Experience the grandeur of Art Deco at Oakland's Paramount Theatre, a beautifully restored landmark hosting diverse performances and classic films.

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The Paramount Theatre Oakland, a stunning Art Deco concert hall built in 1931, is a beautifully restored architectural gem hosting a variety of performances from music to ballet. A trip here is a step back into the golden age of Hollywood.

A brief summary to Paramount Theatre Oakland

Local tips

  • Take public transportation; the Paramount is close to the 19th Street BART station.
  • Arrive early to admire the theater's stunning Art Deco architecture and interior design.
  • Check the event calendar for a variety of performances, from concerts to classic movie screenings.
  • Consider attending a public tour on the first or third Saturday of the month to learn about the theater's history.
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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 Exit', walk north on Broadway towards 21st Street, a short 5-minute walk. BART fares vary depending on your origin, so check the BART Trip Planner for exact costs. AC Transit also serves the area. A single AC Transit fare is around $2.50.

  • Walking

    From many points in downtown Oakland, the Paramount Theatre is easily accessible by foot. It is located on Broadway between 20th and 21st streets. Walking from the 12th Street Oakland City Center BART station takes about 20 minutes. From Oakland City Hall, walk northeast on Frank H Ogawa Plaza, turn right onto 14th Street, then turn left onto Broadway. Continue north on Broadway until you reach the theater. Walking is free.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Oakland. A ride from Jack London Square to the Paramount Theatre typically costs between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and demand. The drop-off point is directly in front of the theater on Broadway.

  • Driving

    The Paramount Theatre does not have its own parking. However, several parking garages are nearby, including the Telegraph Plaza Garage at 2100 Telegraph Avenue, directly across from the theater's box office. Parking rates at these garages typically range from $10-$30 for an evening event. Limited street parking is also available. From I-880 North, take the Broadway exit toward Downtown Oakland and merge onto Broadway. Continue on Broadway to 2025 Broadway.

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Discover more about Paramount Theatre Oakland

The Paramount Theatre Oakland, located in the heart of downtown Oakland, stands as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States. Designed by Timothy L. Pflueger and opened in 1931, the theater was initially conceived as a movie palace during the rise of the motion picture industry. Its opulent interiors, adorned with gold ornamentation, curving staircases, and glowing light fixtures, evoke the glamour of Old Hollywood. At the time of its opening, the Paramount was the largest multi-purpose theater on the West Coast, seating 3,476. The opening night on December 16, 1931, was a star-studded event, featuring the film 'The False Madonna' and attended by notable figures including California's governor and Oakland's mayor. However, the theater faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression and closed temporarily before reopening in 1933. In 1970, the Oakland Symphony Orchestra Association purchased the theater and undertook a meticulous restoration project to return it to its original splendor. Today, the Paramount is the home of the Oakland Symphony and the Oakland Ballet, and it hosts a diverse range of performances, including R&B, jazz, blues, pop, rock, gospel, classical music, ballets, plays, and comedy shows. It also screens classic movies from Hollywood's Golden Era. Public tours are available on the first and third Saturdays of each month, offering insights into the theater's architecture and history.

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