The Paramount Theatre is an Art Deco performing-arts venue and Historic Landmark at 2025 Broadway in Oakland. You can catch music, ballet, and community events or join a guided tour to see the landmark’s interior; public tours typically take place twice a month, depending on the building’s schedule.
- Address: 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, between 20th and 21st Streets.
- Public tours typically run twice per month and last about 90 minutes.
- Public-tour admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 8–17, and free for children 7 and under.
Why visit the Paramount Theater?
The Paramount Theatre combines a historic Art Deco setting with a varied program of performances. It is home to the Oakland Symphony and Oakland Ballet, and also hosts music and other community events.
The theatre opened on December 16, 1931. An authentic restoration was completed in 1973, the same year it entered the National Register of Historic Places; it became a National Historic Landmark in 1977. The City of Oakland owns the venue, and Paramount Theatre of the Arts, Inc. operates it.
What are the tour and ticket options?
Public tours are typically conducted twice per month, subject to events and other activity in the building. They start promptly at 10:00 AM at the box-office entrance on 21st Street near Broadway and last about 90 minutes, though a tour may run longer. Listed tour dates can change.
Admission is $10 per adult aged 18 and up, $5 per youth aged 8–17, and free for children aged 7 and under. You pay at the entrance. Reservations are not required, but the theatre encourages them by email at tours@paramountoakland.org. Cameras are welcome on tours; food and drinks are not allowed.
Private group tours can be arranged Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. They last 90 minutes and require at least three weeks’ notice; availability depends on the building and docents. The fee is $250 for groups of 1–30 people or $500 for groups of 31–60.
For performances, check the event listing for the show you plan to attend. The box office is open Fridays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and is closed Saturday through Thursday unless there is an event.
You can call 510-465-6400 with box-office questions. Purchases at the box office, bar, and merchandise counter are cashless and accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
When should you arrive?
For a public tour, plan to be at the 21st Street box-office entrance before the 10:00 AM start: tours begin promptly, and the stated duration is approximate. If you are attending a performance, use its event listing to check the start time and admission details, then allow time to reach the entrance.
The theatre is at 2025 Broadway, between 20th and 21st Streets. If you are driving, keep in mind that the 21st Street spaces directly in front of the box-office entrance are reserved for staff and performers, not patrons.
How do you get to the Paramount Theater from Emeryville?
From Nights Inn Motel in Emeryville, the Paramount Theatre is about a 30-minute walk or a 6-minute drive. You can arrange an overnight stay for your theatre visit with room options at the Emeryville motel.
For public transit, the 19th Street/Oakland BART station is one block from the theatre. The venue’s address is 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612; use it when planning your route.
Where can you park or get dropped off?
Parking near the theatre includes structures and surface lots with varying rates. Street parking may also be available, but the spaces on 21st Street in front of the box-office entrance are reserved for staff and performers.
For a closer look at arrival logistics and parking, read the Paramount Theater parking and arrival guide. Check the official site before you go for current event and parking details.
What should you know about accessibility and theatre policies?
Some areas on the public tour are not wheelchair- or ADA-accessible, and the theatre does not have an elevator. If you are considering a tour, contact the theatre ahead of time to discuss access needs.
Tour rules differ from performance arrangements, so check the information for your event if you have questions about entry or purchases. Tour visitors may bring cameras, but food and drinks are not permitted.
FAQs
How long is a Paramount Theatre public tour?
Public tours last approximately 90 minutes, though they may run longer.
Do you need to reserve a public tour?
Reservations are not required, but the theatre encourages them by email at tours@paramountoakland.org.
Can you pay with cash at the theatre?
No. Box-office, bar, and merchandise purchases are cashless; accepted payment methods include major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Is the whole public tour wheelchair-accessible?
No. Some tour areas are not wheelchair- or ADA-accessible, and the theatre has no elevator.