user
Paramount Theatre
2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
Appearance

Comments
Si
Review №1

A beautiful cinema. I saw the Titanic there, and won the first prize of a raffle, a dinner for two in Oakland. There was an organist playing to some vintage films as well.The Paramount Theatre is a 3,040-seat Art Deco concert hall located at 2025 Broadway in Downtown Oakland. When it was built in 1931, it was the largest multi-purpose theater on the West Coast, seating 3,476.[4][5] Today, the Paramount is the home of the Oakland East Bay Symphony and the Oakland Ballet, it regularly plays host to R&B, jazz, blues, pop, rock, gospel, classical music, as well as ballets, plays, stand-up comedy, lecture series, special events, and screenings of classic movies from Hollywoods Golden Era.

me
Review №2

The art deco design is phenomenal. Such a beautiful theatre full of unique and spectacular details. Red wine $10. Make sure to use both bathrooms to see the difference in design. Drinking fountains are available near exit doors. Smoking area is on the side of building.

Mi
Review №3

This place is awesome. Built in 1932. It is closed right now but opening soon I hope. Great place to watch an event.

Br
Review №4

This theater is so beautiful. Lots of art deco designs. The dont make architecture this beautiful anymore. Worth a visit, just for pictures.

Ni
Review №5

Beautiful theatre, any seat is a good seat! Very intimate setting. Easy to find parking and even easier check-in line. The employees are helpful and friendly, they truly know how to make you feel as if you and your group are out for a night at the theatre.

AP
Review №6

1st time experience there during Citizenship oath ceremony. It is beautiful from inside and very big. Need few touch up here and there but thats ok. It can accommodate so many people . Staff there are also very helpful . There are lot of construction going on around the area so may be miss the actual beautiful outside but inside you will feel like you are in some kind of red carpet celebrity show. Best way to travel there is BART. Get down on 19th St and take exit towards 20th ST and theater is just across when you come up. Dont drive there . No enough parking and around parking garages are not having good reviews and lot of scam.

Ma
Review №7

Absolutely beautiful venue. Great place to see a show. Excellent sound. Nice staff. Clean restrooms. Love this theater.

Wi
Review №8

Wow, what can I say! Just seen Chris Tucker and it was a great show and and great venue for a great artist. Much of the area around the theater was empty and in need of gentrification, but in between the empty buildings were lively centers of food and drink. Many inviting bars and restaurants, so with live music of their own. Well worth the trip, inside of the theater was clean and well organized with ample security. IF YOURE IN OAKLAND MAKE SURE YOU CAN MAKE IT TO A SHOW, you will not be disappointed.

Gu
Review №9

Very beautiful venue, classic design and lots of history behind it. Around, 5 minutes walking distance, there are very cool bars and restaurants to enjoy after a show.

Ke
Review №10

Fully restored arts palace. Its been here forever, and its never looked better. Acoustics are great, seats are comfortable, and experiencing the Paramount further enhances the often world-class entertainment. Home of the Oakland Ballet.

Ka
Review №11

Absolutely enjoyed my time there. Very Comfortable seats. Beautiful art. Every corner and wall is an absolute joy.Wonderful staff.The only problem I found... ITS TEMPERATURE INSIDE IS VERY COLD. Dress worn when going.

gl
Review №12

Awesome art deco venue. I hadnt been there in a few years, was blown away again. My photos wont do it justice, but i have to post something

Ra
Review №13

I went to the Paramount for their movie classics series and saw Hitchcocks North By Northwest. The theater is stunning--a beautiful Art Deco palace. So much to explore and discover across four levels. Its not just the architecture and finishings, but the furniture, paintings, and other decorations are fabulous too.I love how they open the bars for movie night, though drink prices are not cheap. Non-alcoholic options are reasonable, however. And the$5 ticket price is awesome.Their movie night traditions are a big part of the appeal. Live music on their truly mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ, newsreels, cartoons, and of course Dec-O-Win, which is a prize raffle. Its a great evening out.Note that uptown Oakland is now crawling with cool bars and restaurants, and both BART and a parking lot are around the corner from the theater.

Ia
Review №14

WOW! What an amazing place. If you havent been to this theater, find a reason to. The staff are so nice and more than willing to tell you all about the history of this little gem. And when you go, tell Clarice I said. Shell put a smile on you face helping you out.

Ra
Review №15

It is a beautiful Art-Deco-esque theatre. I love the architecture and the décor.

Ju
Review №16

Great venue! Not a bad seat in the house! - even the very last row on the balcony (this picture shows from the furthest left and the furthest back)!

Mi
Review №17

Wow, this theater is beautiful. Plus the swearing in ceremony for new citizens is amazing. It was a beautiful ceremony and made me better understand the importance of new immigrants to our country. I would recommend every American to go to one of these events.

An
Review №18

What a beautiful theater! We saw the Pop Up magazine show here. Parking was somewhat a challenge but that is par for the course in this area. Its pretty close to some good eats. Also the downstairs lounge and bathroom area is absolutely gorgeous. What a well preserved building. Loved it. The seats could maybe use an update, but also exiting the theater was incredibly easy.

Fe
Review №19

We watch Jokoy at Paramount theater. Very friendly staff and easy fast entrance. Seatings are comfortable. Hard to find parking during the show best to pre purchase parking garage.

Zi
Review №20

Absolutely amazing experience. This is where oath ceremony takes place as well. Parking is a big hassle, so plan accordingly. For oath ceremonies, it will be a huge line first to get in and then another round of line for applying passport right there. Theres also people outside who can help you to register to vote.

Ma
Review №21

What a beautiful theater. You feel like you are in another world and century. Its amazing!

fa
Review №22

Great experience. Ushers and security were polite, nice, and kept the people moving and were very helpful. Very easy to find seat and were reasonably comfortable. Very very accommodating.

Ne
Review №23

Great experience! I was totally happy that we did not have to wait in line long. We were able to go in after standing for 5 minutes.

Je
Review №24

Saw Tim Allen tonight and was hilarious! Cant wait to make the drive back for another show!Good set up.

Mi
Review №25

Beautiful venue. Seats are comfortable but aisles are rather narrow - my knees were killing me by the end of the show and Im only 5 10.

Jo
Review №26

Was able to attend the Joe Bonamassa Concert last evening. Great show! Excellent venue, acoustics were fantastic!! Beautiful art deco setting. Dont think theres a bad seat in the house.

Da
Review №27

Its beautiful. Ill often go to the $5 movies just so I can walk around inside and check out all the art deco adornments. Great place for music shows as well.

Ra
Review №28

Still a very impressive venue. The renovation that was done many years ago now has held up well. I say this because it speaks to the love and care the owners, management and staff that look after this grand jewel of Oakland, Ca. Truly World Class.

Sa
Review №29

The city of Oakland should do better, this is a beautiful building that needs lots of upgrading and tender loving care in the inside. The acoustics are very poor. If youre not sitting in the orchestra section dont bother going to an event.

Na
Review №30

If you want the original theatre experience, Paramount Theatre is the way to go. I took a private tour with my class and was absolutely taken by the history behind this phenomenal place.The people there have taken great care in their restorative efforts, so you can be sure that you are going to have the original experience that the architect and designers intended.The old movies here are shown for $5 and this is the only place that shows reel-to-reel films.It’s a truly magical place that everyone who’s around Oakland should visit.

La
Review №31

Came into town for Fred Hammond & company #TextureofaMan tour. I Was treated line royalty by the Paramount staff; especially, the beautiful kind woman who escorted me from the box office to coat check and then made sure i got to the right place for my seat. Thank you for the hospitality!

Ro
Review №32

I dont understand why the ushers insist on talking throughout the performances. Since there are people with disabilities in my party, we sit in the last row. The sound is awful. I often miss parts of the performance because the ushers or other guests are talking, crinkling paper, phones ringing, or just simply not understanding that you are supposed to be quiet when in the audience at a live performance.

B
Review №33

Seats were good in the balcony, but glad I brought my binoculars. I was surprised that persons were smoking or maybe the scent was so strong from what they had smoked outside before the show....

am
Review №34

Just saw sesame street live there, and what a cool place! Everyone that worked there was super friendly! Cant wait to see another show there!!

Ga
Review №35

Saw Sesame Street Live & it was a good kids show. 1st time at Paramount Theater & it was a very nice, clean historical building. Parking was expensive but next door to the theater.

jo
Review №36

Awesome place for concerts. Most seats are good

Ro
Review №37

Great decor! The architecture...WOW. Friendly staff, all around very clean and lots of mirrors near restrooms to check yourself out.**The only reason for not giving a 5star rating (granted the theater was built in 1931):Is that the seats leave very little leg room. I was uncomfortable; if I were to stand to stretch, Id be blocking the view of those behind me.

Di
Review №38

We went to Temptations concert. This is a beautiful, historic building. This is the first time we sat in the seats that were high and far back, about 8 rows from back wall. The acoustics was not good. Usually we buy seats on the floor. That being said, would not go again if closer seating not available. The steps are steep, and if you are not steady on your feet, best to stick to as far up as mezzanine only.

Ju
Review №39

Great Place to Watch Concerts

Ni
Review №40

Had a blast at the OJays recently. Their 60th Anniversary Tour was off the chain! Paramount is a suberb theatre - all around amazing & beautiful space ...

ca
Review №41

Went here for a work event. The setting is gorgeous and the staff is professional. It is very well run, kudos to the management for taking such good care of this Oakland gem.

Da
Review №42

Went to see the 85 South show today. Left before it ended because I had work. Sat all the way in the back. First time at the Paramount theater. Hopefully next time I can get there early and explore the theater. But walking up three stories sucks. May want to renovate and get an escalator.

Ar
Review №43

Such a great theater! I went here for my moms naturalization and it was great! Parking is easy to find if you arrive early.

Ru
Review №44

85 South Show was hilarious.Very large venue. Super clean and lots of bar options.

Da
Review №45

Beautiful, not a bad seat anywhere. We were in the nosebleeds and it was great!

BG
Review №46

So beautiful, attended a Jesus Culture concert today. Outcry tour 2017 ! Had a blast. The place is remarkable

Ru
Review №47

Loved the performer at this historic venue, Lila Downs rocked the Indigenous crowd

Do
Review №48

Wonderfully historic building! Amazing architectural elements and lovely venue all aoround. Truely one of a kind.

Sh
Review №49

Only 3 stars becouse i went to a concert here 2 times, and both times standing to dance was a problem! Everybody doesnt have a groove and dont wanna stand and move to the music. Me.. i grooves! If the music is on point i cant just sit and pop a finger. Music speak to my entire being. If your going for a sitting event...AWESOME and historical place!

Ka
Review №50

Clean place with friendly staff. Plus their discount Tuesdays are awesome. Whats not to like about reduced ticket prices?

To
Review №51

Beautiful beautiful beautiful! This Theatre is simply amazing! Sound quality is great, the aesthetics is so pleasing. The downside is no elevator

Da
Review №52

Always great to go here never really a bad seat decent parking can be found as well as a great Ambiance beautiful theater

Mi
Review №53

Beautiful and historical. Every seat is a great seat. The seats are also comfortable and big enough to accommodate the ever growing American Human :-)Great place to take in the best entertainment town

Pi
Review №54

Excellent Play!!! Healthy message for family growth and development

Pa
Review №55

Venue is beautiful and the best Oakland has to offer as a first-class place to host cultural and pop events. It gets only four stars because the Wendy Williams show was lousy. Not up to her former glory days on TV. Shes been much better than she was tonight. We left early.

Lo
Review №56

Older theatre but comfy. Good sights to stage from all seats. Colorful surroundings.

Lo
Review №57

Great place to see live music. Ive sat in seats both upstairs and down, and all are good. I sat in the last row in the balcony for Diana Ross and the sound was fine (Ms. Ross changed outfits every three songs, but that was expected). And for a lot of shows, you can bring drinks and snacks to your seat. I do recommend taking BART, because it takes you directly to the theatre. Theres no elevator, so all handicapped seats are in the orchestra.

Ja
Review №58

The Paramount Theater is a beautiful jewel in the crown of Oaklands revitalization. Its continuing remodel seems nearly done, with scaffolding up around the front, but dont let that fool you. Just step inside and take it all in. Find something on their schedule and get there early for the show. Look around every corner of the lobby and soak up the beautiful art deco adornments.Weve been for graduations, concerts, and for a recent comedy show, but nothing was as inspiring as attending the New Citizen Swearing-In Ceremony held at the Paramount two or three times a year. Thats free to enter, too.Go and see this wonderful gem, youll be inspired to go again, and again.

Me
Review №59

Seeing Tori Amos was epic. The venue was appropriate.

Da
Review №60

Beautiful theater. I was here for Hustle Con in June 2017. It was a good place for a conference as there were three floors open (the highest level wasnt accessible) and each had its own bar. Lots of space to move around in. The theater itself has magnificent decor. Sound was great considering I was on the far right side of the first balcony. I could see the whole stage from there, too.

Ka
Review №61

Wow! This venue is Amazing! Every seat is great. Everyone is nice and helpful. I would recommend.

Ke
Review №62

This theater is absolutely stunning. I was visiting for a private screening and I was blown away by the interior of the space. Art deco meets modern day gorgeousness. The gold accents and green coloring from back in the day make this theater really stand out from the rest.I will be back to check it out for a regular showing one day.

Ju
Review №63

Its beautiful, the security is great and friendly and take theyre job seriously...

Er
Review №64

Very beautiful walls and the sound is good .

Dr
Review №65

Love this historic venue, so beautiful inside. That said its the staff and management in particular that really made my visit tops. I am handicap n I use a Segway as my wheelchair and sometimes Im not always welcomed but not here. At first the lady at the door had no idea what to do with me. So she called her supervisor and they knew exactly what to do. The floor manager was Soo nice they escorted me to a spot I could safely park my wheels. They they asked me where my seats were and I told them up stairs, they then explained that being and old venue they did not have an elevator or way to get me up there, so they went out of their way and found not only me a seat on the main floor but also for my two friends. I could not be happier with my experience there, the floor manager even came back periodically to check in us, she really made my night, thank you!

Jo
Review №66

Beautiful art deco theatre. Great concert venue

La
Review №67

Even through Kem was over one hour late. I had the best time ever. Amen

Ja
Review №68

Paramount Theater is a classic venue. Unfortunately, the bathroom situation is not good if you want to use the ladys room. But I love to come here.

De
Review №69

Its a great venue. A little pricy for concessions and be careful on street parking.

fa
Review №70

Best shows ever. Love the feel of the theater and all the details.

Ro
Review №71

Very nice inside, the outside not so. theres some repair work going on in front the last time we were here.

C
Review №72

Elevators would be nice. Friendly staff! Bars are overpriced and the lines are long. Drink beforehand. Convenient to Bart. Decent acoustics.

Pa
Review №73

Very intimate. We had really good seats! We were on the floor, just underneath the balcony. Watching Jokoys JK tour. One of his best shows so far!

Fr
Review №74

Great venue, beautiful decor.

Fe
Review №75

Ecletic details and one of the most amazing theaters I have ever been

Sc
Review №76

Nice place for shows

Li
Review №77

The theater is absolutely BEAUTIFUL had a great experience and the ushers were VERY courteous

Cl
Review №78

The theater is beautiful the drinks were a little pricey but strong.

Ma
Review №79

I really enjoyed the Nutcracker performance! It was awesome!

Ka
Review №80

Beautiful art deco venue. One of my favourite spots to visit here in Oakland.

Ca
Review №81

The place was amazing and they really kept the place in good shape. Everything was cleaned especially the bathroom.

Sz
Review №82

The biggest Theatre what I saw in my life!

LA
Review №83

Great service and very friendly personnel. Very clean and organized.

St
Review №84

Big venue. No elevator to balcony and no bathrooms on the top floor balcony level.

Vi
Review №85

We planned to arrive early for parking. All parking surrounding the theater was $20. The parking adjacent to the theater is covered and secure. Upon arrival we were pleasantly greeted by staff. Be sure to bring cash for parking and beverages. The theater is also close to public transportation including BART. The seats are comfortable and the theater is beautiful.

Gr
Review №86

Beautiful Art Deco theater! My son and I saw Kansas perform here and it was amazing! Large lobbies, with multiple concession areas open. Good acoustics. Outstanding experience!

Pa
Review №87

A beautiful building from 1930 that certainly shows the craftsmanship. It has a well placed layout with sit down seating that not only gives every seat a great show but also gives you a beautiful view of the carvings in the theater while the lights are you. If you want to walk into a venue and feel like you just stepped into Great Gatsby then this is your place.

sc
Review №88

I went there to see the concert of Kansas the band. the architecture and interior design was of the art deco time and it was absolutely stunning. Everything was clean the staff to help you to the seat where polite and knowledgeable and it was an overall great experience. Anytime you can attend an event there the venue will at least not disappoint you.

sh
Review №89

Beautiful and got moved to the floor seats due to my knee injury from the manager just because she is so amazing and nice. She didnt want me goin up the stairs to the seats in orchestra!

Bu
Review №90

Always a treat and especially today to see so many new USA citizens take their oath

Yo
Review №91

Its a great old Theater however it has no elevators to get you to the upper level seats

Lu
Review №92

Dia de los muertos Ballet amazing and Graham lustig asked to take a picture with me Epic my fiance and I we both were so excited

Ad
Review №93

Beautifull teather

Ca
Review №94

Beautiful today as it was in the 60s and early 70s! Used to go to the movies and other events with my parents and the local schools.

De
Review №95

Maybe Im too new school, but I wishes there were plug outlets and more restrooms, maybe add an elevator too. Other than that, rude customer service and over priced event souvenirs.I loved the show, so did my son. If youve got money to waste and time to wait in line for $20 toys, then be disregard. Good location, next to a public pay for parking lot.

Ja
Review №96

Beautiful theatre. Went there for a naturalization ceremony. You have to park around the corner.

Ve
Review №97

Me and Daddy at the Paramount on New Years Eve watching The Whispers it was great

Ni
Review №98

Beautiful environment showcases any event -Fun! The architecture and decor inside this theater make an event a treat. I will look for another offering at this venue just to kick back and enjoy the comfy seats and amazing decor. Acoustics are great, bathrooms are pretty, and the location easy to get to. While they dont have a lot, all the nearby ones had (for this event) $20 event parking. It is right across from BART if you prefer.

Ma
Review №99

Gorgeous art Deco interior ! WOW !! Easy parking, pub next door, fantastic fun evening with Kansas. What a great time ! Older theater does not have the best accoustics. Easy to get to from the highway. Highly recommended for a low stress venue.

Ja
Review №100

Historical and enjoyed the crowd and Kem gave a great show

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
  • Site:https://findmecinema.com/cinemas/paramount-theatre-oakland
  • Phone:+1 510-893-2300
Categories
  • Movie theater
  • Live music venue
  • Performing arts theater
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
Similar organizations