Background

Cohen Bray House: A Victorian Time Capsule

Discover Oakland's Victorian past at the Cohen Bray House, a beautifully preserved 1884 home filled with original furnishings and family history, offering a unique glimpse into Gold Rush-era life.

4.6

Step back into the late 19th century at the Cohen Bray House, a beautifully preserved Stick-Eastlake style Victorian home in Oakland's Fruitvale District. Built in 1884 as a wedding gift for Emma Bray and Alfred H. Cohen, this house is a unique time capsule, boasting original furniture, wallpaper, and family artifacts. Maintained by descendants of the Cohen and Bray families, the house offers monthly guided tours that provide a glimpse into the lives of a prominent Bay Area family during the Gold Rush era. Explore the seventeen rooms, admire the Eastlake-style redwood paneling, and wander through the period garden, complete with native trees and seasonal vegetables. The Cohen Bray House is not just a museum; it's a living testament to Oakland's rich history and a rare opportunity to experience Victorian home life.

A brief summary to Cohen Bray House

Local tips

  • Check the Cohen Bray House website for the tour schedule, as public tours are typically offered only once a month.
  • Consider becoming a member of the Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland for discounts on tours and events, supporting the preservation of this historic home.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking and standing, and the house does not have a handicap ramp for access to the front door.
  • Bring your camera! Photography is allowed inside the house, and all royalties go towards the preservation of the Cohen Bray House.
  • Explore the surrounding Fruitvale neighborhood, known for its vibrant culture and delicious food, to make the most of your visit.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Oakland or other parts of the East Bay, the AC Transit bus lines 1T, 20, or 62 offer convenient access. Check the AC Transit website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From the bus stop on International Boulevard near 29th Avenue, walk north for a few blocks to reach the Cohen Bray House. A single adult fare on AC Transit is $2.10, payable with cash or a Clipper Card.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a direct and convenient option to reach the Cohen Bray House. Input the address, 1440 29th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601, as your destination. The cost from downtown Oakland typically ranges from $12 to $18, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 1440 29th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601. Parking near the Cohen Bray House is limited. Street parking is available but can be challenging to find, especially during peak hours. Be sure to check street signs for any parking restrictions. There may be limited parking in the back of the house, but it is not guaranteed. Consider carpooling or using public transportation to avoid parking hassles.

Unlock the Best of Cohen Bray House

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Cohen Bray House

The Cohen Bray House, also known as the Alfred H. Cohen House, stands as a remarkable testament to Oakland's Victorian past. Completed in 1884, this Stick-Eastlake style home was a wedding gift from Emma Bray's parents, Julia Moses and Watson A. Bray, to Emma and her husband, Alfred H. Cohen. Watson Bray, a successful grain merchant, provided the land and the house, while Alfred's father, A.A. Cohen, a prominent railroad lawyer, furnished the home with the finest pieces available at the time. The house is located on what was originally part of the 200-acre Oak Tree Farm, established by W.A. Bray in 1862. Alfred and Emma Cohen lived in the house for the rest of their lives, raising their four children there. The youngest daughter, Edith Emelita Cohen, resided in the house for an impressive 90 years, preserving the home's original character and contents. Today, the Cohen Bray House is maintained by the Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving this unique piece of history. Descendants of the Cohen and Bray families are actively involved in the preservation efforts, offering personal insights and stories that enrich the visitor experience. The architectural style of the Cohen Bray House is a prime example of Stick-Eastlake, popular during the 1870s and 1880s. However, it is the interior that truly sets this house apart. The seventeen rooms are filled with original furniture in the Aesthetic style, inspired by Charles Eastlake's influential book, "Hints on Household Taste." The furnishings, wallpapers, and carpets have been meticulously preserved, offering a rare glimpse into Victorian home décor. The house also features five fireplaces and Eastlake-style curly redwood paneling, which is ornately carved, as well as pocket doors, stained glass, and original wallpapers and carpeting. Visitors to the Cohen Bray House can explore the public rooms, which are adorned with high-end furniture from renowned New York City firms such as Tiffany, Herter Brothers, and Pottier & Stymus. The house is not a museum in the traditional sense, but rather a study center that provides a unique opportunity to see and feel how home life might have been in Oakland during the Victorian era. The Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland offers monthly public tours, school group presentations, and community events to educate the public about the history of the house and the families who lived there. The Cohen Bray House is also home to a period garden, complete with native trees, fruit trees, seasonal vegetables, hops, wildflowers, and rose bushes planted in 1884. The garden provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city and offers a glimpse into the Victorian-era landscape. The Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland is actively working to restore and maintain the garden, providing educational opportunities for local schools and community members. The Cohen Bray House is a designated Oakland Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of only five historic house/museum study centers on the City's list, making it a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in the history of Oakland and the decorative arts of the 19th century. Graduate students often work on the house's collections for their academic careers, contributing to the ongoing preservation and interpretation of this unique historical site. Visiting the Cohen Bray House is like stepping back in time. The house is filled with original artifacts, including cookbooks dating from the late 1880s, vintage clothing, antique furniture, and family photographs. The descendants of Emma and Alfred Cohen often lead the tours, sharing personal stories and anecdotes that bring the history of the house to life. The Cohen Bray House offers a rare opportunity to experience the lifestyle of a prominent Bay Area family during the Gold Rush era and to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of Victorian-era design. The Cohen Bray House is more than just a historic house; it is a living testament to the past and a valuable resource for the future. The Victorian Preservation Center of Oakland is committed to preserving this unique treasure for future generations, ensuring that the stories of the Cohen and Bray families continue to inspire and educate visitors for years to come. The house is a reminder of Oakland's rich history and a symbol of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience, the Cohen Bray House is a must-see destination in Oakland. The house offers a glimpse into a bygone era and a chance to connect with the past in a meaningful way. The Cohen Bray House is a true gem of Oakland and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Cohen and Bray families.

Popular Experiences near Cohen Bray House

Popular Hotels near Cohen Bray House

Select Currency