Downtown Oakland

Downtown Oakland’s home to Oakland’s business district and extraordinary Art Deco buildings, most notably the Paramount Theatre, Floral Depot Building, and the recently renovated Fox Theater.

The jewel in the crown is The Paramount by renowned architect Timothy Pflueger. It is the most extraordinary Art Deco creation I’ve ever seen and its interior shouldn’t be missed. Join one of the behind-the-scenes Saturday tours twice a month. Classic movie nights are “the best show in town” — only $5 for a newsreel, cartoon, chance at the “Dec-O-Win” and a movie. Be sure to get there early to see the mighty Wurlitzer rise from the orchestra pit just to serenade you – you’ll feel it as well as hear it.

The Magnin and Breuner Buildings (look for the bas-relief above the door), Flora, in the cobalt blue Floral Deco Building, and the Fox Theater are other nearby deco gems.

The Uptown Entertainment District has nightclubs, and restaurants. Not all art is performed outside! On First Fridays, the 100′ x 100′ Great Wall Of Oakland hosts events such as the Internet Cat Video Festival and the amazing wall dancers of Project Bandaloop. Next door is a small deco building that housed the old Hofbrau House for many years.

Downtown’s theaters, businesses, and state and federal buildings are served by two BART Stations and numerous AC Transit bus lines.

Oakland’s Chinatown, beautifully restored Old Oakland with its gorgeously restored Victorian buildings, Grand Avenue, and Lake Merritt are downtown’s approximate boundaries.

The Oakland Museum of California is nearby.

MOCHA – Museum of Children is Art