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Hearst Greek Theatre: A Berkeley Landmark

An iconic Berkeley amphitheater with a rich history, stunning views, and world-class performances.

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The Hearst Greek Theatre, an 8,500-seat amphitheater on the UC Berkeley campus, has been a stage for renowned performances and significant events since 1903. Designed in the style of ancient Greek theaters, it offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.

A brief summary to The Greek Theatre

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially for popular concerts, to secure a good spot, as seating is often general admission.
  • Take public transportation or carpool, as parking near the Greek Theatre is limited.
  • Bring a blanket or cushion for seating comfort, as the concrete benches can be hard.
  • Check the venue's website for the list of allowed and prohibited items, which may vary depending on the event.
  • Enjoy the views of the San Francisco Bay and the campus as part of your experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Downtown Berkeley BART station (Shattuck and Center Streets), walk one block east on Center Street to reach the UC Berkeley campus. Then, follow the campus map from the West Entrance and walk east across the campus to the Greek Theatre, located on Gayley Road, approximately a 20-minute walk. Alternatively, from the Rockridge BART station (Concord Line), take the AC Transit bus #51 north on College Avenue to the campus, exiting at Bancroft Way and College Ave. Walk east on Bancroft to Piedmont Avenue/Gayley Road, then north on Gayley Road to the Greek Theatre. A single BART fare from San Francisco to Downtown Berkeley costs approximately $4.00 - $6.00. AC Transit bus fare is $1.75.

  • Walking

    From the center of the UC Berkeley campus, near Sather Gate, walk north-east. Pass the Valley Life Sciences Building and continue towards the Memorial Glade. Head towards the Doe Library, then continue uphill, bearing right towards the Haas School of Business. Follow the path as it curves left and uphill, past Bowles Hall. The Greek Theatre will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes and involves some uphill sections.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 80, exit onto University Avenue and continue east until you reach the campus at Oxford Street (approximately 1.5 miles). Turn left onto Oxford Street, then right onto Hearst Avenue. Continue east up the hill past Euclid Avenue to Gayley Road, then turn right onto Gayley Road. The Greek Theatre will be on your left. Limited parking is available in the Upper Hearst and Lower Hearst parking structures, which typically open for concert parking at 5:00 PM and accept credit cards only. Parking costs a flat rate of $22.

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Discover more about The Greek Theatre

The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, known as the Greek Theatre, is a celebrated landmark on the UC Berkeley campus. Since its opening in 1903, this 8,500-seat amphitheater has hosted a diverse range of events, from student productions to world-class concerts and addresses by notable speakers. Inspired by the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus, the Hearst Greek Theatre was the first building on campus designed by John Galen Howard. Newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst funded its construction, lending his name to the iconic structure. The theater's design incorporates a semi-circular seating area with concrete benches and a grassy upper tier, all facing a classical stage framed by Doric columns. Throughout its history, the Greek Theatre has been a venue for important cultural and historical moments. Theodore Roosevelt delivered a commencement address there in 1903, and Mario Savio led free speech protests from its stage in 1964. The theater has also hosted performances by Sarah Bernhardt, The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and many other iconic artists. Today, the Greek Theatre continues to host concerts, graduation ceremonies, and other events, maintaining its legacy as a vital part of UC Berkeley and the wider community.

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