The Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts is a City of Oakland landmark and performing-arts center at 1428 Alice Street in Oakland, California. Its history as a former Women’s Club and its programs in dance and other arts make it a place to learn about Oakland’s cultural life.
- Location: 1428 Alice Street, Oakland, California
- Arts spaces: a 400-seat theater and five rehearsal and class spaces
- Contact: (510) 238-7526
About the arts center
The Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts is a restored 1920s building that the City of Oakland designated as a landmark. Originally designed as a Women’s Club, it became a city-owned theater and arts center in the 1980s.
The center was formerly known as the Alice Arts Center. The City Council approved its current name in 2004, honoring Malonga Casquelourd, an artistic pioneer and cultural ambassador who dedicated his life to preserving and growing African culture. The city designated the center a landmark under Ordinance 12659 in 2005, and it is Landmark No. 138.
Performances and community programs
The center brings together arts organizations and teaching artists, with programs spanning dance and other performing arts. Its theater has 400 seats, and the building has five rehearsal and class spaces.
The Malonga Arts Collective is a coalition of 10 nonprofit arts organizations and individual teaching artists. Organizations based at the center include Axis Dance Company, Bay Area Blues Society, CitiCentre Dance Theater, Dimensions Dance Theater and Oakland Youth Orchestra.
The City of Oakland’s cultural plan describes instruction in African American modern dance, traditional African dance, dance of the African Diaspora, ballet and dance for people with disabilities. The center’s spaces also showcase drama and contemporary dance.
Tickets and event planning
For event and ticket details, contact the center at (510) 238-7526. The center’s theater seats 400, while its additional rehearsal and class spaces support a broader program of arts activity.
Schedules and event arrangements can differ, so check the City of Oakland’s official site before you go. Confirm the details for the particular performance or program you plan to attend.
How do you get from Emeryville to the center?
The arts center is about a 10-minute drive from Nights Inn Motel in Emeryville. Its address is 1428 Alice Street, Oakland, California; use that address when arranging your trip.
If you’re planning a wider visit, the guide to getting to Oakland from Emeryville covers transit and local routes.
Venue access and arrival
The center is at 1428 Alice Street, and Visit Oakland gives its phone number as (510) 238-7526. Call ahead to confirm arrangements for the event or program you’re attending.
FAQs
What is the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts?
It is a City of Oakland landmark and performing-arts center that hosts arts organizations, teaching artists and programs.
What kinds of dance are taught at the center?
Instruction described in the city’s cultural plan includes African American modern dance, traditional African dance, dance of the African Diaspora, ballet and dance for people with disabilities.
How can I ask about an event?
Call the center at (510) 238-7526, and confirm event details before you go.