Enjoy the Sights, Experience the Culture

Discover Oakland's captivating mix of modern and historic. The city has an abundance of intriguing, enlightening, and just plain fun things to see and do for people of all ages and interests.
LOCATION: All locations Airport Chinatown City Center Fruitvale Grand Avenue Hills Jack London Lake Merritt Laurel District Old Oakland Piedmont Ave Rockridge Temescal Uptown	BY KEYWORD:
All categories   Attractions   Galleries, Museums and Public Art   Historic Sights and Landmarks   Performing Arts   Tours and Itineraries

Arts and Attractions - All locations - All categories 64 found   << Back 1 2 Next >> *Oakland Museum of California   (Lake Merritt)   map it 1000 Oak Street (888) 625-6873, (510) 238-2200 Website Surrounded by 51/2 acres of landscaped greenery, this museum is devoted to the arts, environment, and history of California. Wed.-Sun. Free second Sunday of the month. *Oakland Museum of California Sculpture Court 1111 Broadway (510) 238-2200 A satellite of the Oakland Museum, this downtown gallery's rotating exhibits feature local sculptors. Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. *Pardee Home Museum   (City Center)   map it 672 11th St. (510) 444-2187 Website A national historic landmark, this museum gives visitors a chance to learn about the domestic life of the prominent Pardee family, which occupied the house from 1868 to 1981. African American Museum and Library   (City Center)   map it 659 14th St. (510) 637-0200 Website This division of the Oakland Public Library is devoted to organizing, preserving, interpreting and sharing the African American experience in California. Tues-Sat noon-530pm. Boontling Gallery   (Temescal)   map it 4220 Telegraph Ave California Ballroom   (Uptown)   map it 1736 Franklin Street (510) 834-7761 Website California College of the Arts   (Rockridge)   map it 5212 Broadway (510) 800-4471 Website California Genealogical Society 2201 Broadway, Suite LL2 (510) 663-1358 Website This organization, which helps people trace their family histories, maintains a vast library of genealogical documents, maps, reference books, periodicals, and other materials. Thurs. Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Camron-Stanford House   (Lake Merritt)   map it 1418 Lakeside Drive (510) 444-1876 Website This beautifully restored building is the last of the Victorians that once dominated the Lake Merritt area. Built in 1876, the house features period rooms and restoration exhibits. Wed. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Chabot Space & Science Center   (Hills)   map it 10000 Skyline Blvd (510) 336-7300 Website The 86,000-square-foot center houses the largest public telescope in the United States, a 230-seat planetarium, and the large-screen Tien MegaDome theater. There are also numerous hands-on science and technology exhibits. Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m.; Wed.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (members and prebooked tours only) Chapel of the Chimes   (Piedmont Ave)   map it 4499 Piedmont Avenue (510) 654-0123 Website Children's Fairyland   (Lake Merritt)   map it 699 Bellevue (510) 452-2259 Website Young children will enjoy this enchanting, three-dimensional fantasy world where popular nursery rhymes come to life, set in picturesque Lakeside Park. Summer: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Other seasons: hours vary. Chinatown Broadway, Alice, 13th, and Seventh Sts. Experience Asian culture and character by exploring the restaurants, specialty shops, markets, and bakeries in this vibrant neighborhood. Be sure to visit the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church (265 Eighth St.) and Pacific Renaissance Plaza (388 Ninth St.), which houses shops, restaurants, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Christensen Heller Gallery   (Rockridge)   map it 5829 College Avenue (510) 655-5952 Website City Center Broadway and 14th St. Glimpse a mix of 19th-century buildings standing proud alongside modern skyscrapers and elegant landscaping. Eye-catching buildings of note include Tribune Tower, the art deco financial center building, the federal building, the historic and recently restored City Hall, the Rotunda, and Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. The City Center pedestrian plaza boasts outdoor seating, restaurants, shops, and summer concerts. City of Oakland/State of California Craft and Cultural Arts Gallery 1515 Clay St. (510) 622-8190 Website Located in the Elihu M. Harris State Office Building atrium, this spacious gallery showcases major works by local and regional artists. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cohen Bray House   (Fruitvale, Hills)   map it 1440 29th Avenue (510) 532-0704 Website Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cohen-Bray House has been owned by one family since it was built in 1883 and offers views of its original interior décor and gardens. Fourth Sunday of every month and by appointment. Creative Growth Art Center 355 24th St. (510) 836-2340 This gallery exhibits artwork produced by artists with disabilities. Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and by appt. Dunsmuir House & Gardens Historic Estate   (Hills)   map it 2960 Peralta Oaks Court (510) 615-5555 Website This 37-room colonial revival mansion, built in 1899, along with its surrounding horticultural park and gardens, allows visitors to see how the wealthy lived a century ago. Grounds open Feb.-Oct.: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Grounds maps are available at the Dinkelspiel House.) Mansion open April-Sept.: Wed. 11 a.m.-noon. Ebony Museum of Art 1034 14th St. (510) 763-0141 This downtown museum preserves both African American and African art and promotes greater appreciation of African American heritage. Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Four Seasons Concerts 10 10th Street (510) 601-7919 Website In its 45th year, Four Seasons Concerts presents world-acclaimed classical music performances at the Calvin Simons Theatre, September through May. Fox Oakland Theater   (Uptown)   map it Telegraph Avenue Frank Ogawa Plaza   (City Center)   map it Website Front Gallery   (Uptown)   map it 35 Grand Avenue Fruitvale Plaza   (Fruitvale)   map it Website Golden State Bonsai Federation   (Lake Merritt)   map it 666 Bellevue Avenue (510) 763-8409 Website Gondola Servizio   (Lake Merritt)   map it 568 Bellevue Avenue (866) 737-8494, (510) 663-6603 Website Glide across Lake Merritt in a beautiful Venetian gondola accompanied by a serenading gondolier. Enjoy an evening cruise for two or an afternoon group (up to six) event. Grand Lake Theater   (Grand Avenue)   map it 3200 Grand Avenue (510) 452-3556 A mainstay of the community since its construction in 1926, this first-run movie theater is graced with a colorful, lighted marquee and a sweeping staircase in the main hall. Look for the ornately decorated walls, brass chandeliers, and faux opera boxes. Prior to curtain on Friday and Saturday nights, an organist serenades the audience on a Wurlitzer. Heinold's First & Last Chance Saloon   (Jack London)   map it 48 Webster Street in Jack London Square (510) 839-6761 Website Built in 1880 and once frequented by Oakland resident Jack London, this saloon is a popular hangout for Jack London Square denizens and visitors alike. It was designated a national literary landmark in 1998. Jack London Cabin   (Jack London)   map it Jack London Square Broadway and Embarcadero (866) 295-9853, (510) 814-6000 Website This busy site at the water's edge has dining, entertainment, shopping, and more than a few spots for daydreaming. Take a ferry ride, stroll the scenic boardwalk, catch a movie, or just relax at a sunny sidewalk café. Jack London Water Taxi Foot of Broadway, Jack London Square (510) 839-7572 Take a relaxing ride on the estuary on this pontoon boat and see the city from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of the waterfront, harbor facilities, and estuary wildlife. Tours available for groups up to 30. Junior Center of Art and Science 558 Bellevue Ave. (510) 839-5777 Enjoy the drop-in pottery studios, art activity rooms, animal-drawing areas, and exhibits at this museum in Lakeside Park. Summer: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Winter: Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Just Dance School of Dancing Ballroom   (Chinatown)   map it 928 Webster (510) 834-9362 Kids 'n Dance 'n Theater Arts   (Laurel District)   map it 3841 MacArthur Boulevard (510) 531-4400 Lakeside Park   (Lake Merritt)   map it Grand and Bellevue Aves. (510) 238-7275 Website This large saltwater lake-one of the largest in the country-and the adjoining 122-acre park are home to wildlife, formal gardens, and a children's amusement park, all of which draw scores of walkers, joggers, bikers, rowers, sailors, and windsurfers. See also Children's Fairyland and the Rotary Nature Center. Lost Canyon Winery 2102 Dennison St. (510) 534-9314 Website Lost Canyon Winery's focus is on producing small lots of vineyard designated Pinot Noir and Syrah from some of the finest vineyards in the Russian River, Sonoma Coast, and Los Carneros appellations. The tasting room is complemented by original artwork and is an ideal location for a special event or reception. Tasting hours are 1:00-6:00 Friday through Sunday and other times available by appointment. Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts 1428 Alice St. (510) 238-7219 Website This restored 1920s building is a popular multicultural, multidisciplinary performing-arts complex sponsored by the city. The 400-seat theater and five rehearsal and class spaces showcase drama, ballet, and African and contemporary dance. Several long-standing arts organizations-Axis Dance Company, Bay Area Blues Society, CitiCentre Dance Theater, Dimensions Dance Theater, and Oakland Youth Orchestra-call the center home. McAfee Coliseum and Oakland Arena   (Airport)   map it 7000 Coliseum Way (510) 569-2121, (510) 762-2277 Website This complex comprises the 63,000-seat stadium (home to the Oakland Raiders and the Oakland A's) and the recently renovated 18,300-seat arena (home of the Golden State Warriors). Both are major concert and entertainment venues, and both sponsor special events year-round. Mills College Art Museum 5000 MacArthur Blvd. (510) 430-2164 At the college's museum, guests can view local and international touring exhibits as well as the permanent collection. Sept.-May: Tues.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Morcom Rose Garden 700 Jean St. (510) 238-3187 Website Opened in the late 1920s, this eight-acre municipal rose garden features more than 6,000 rose bushes of all varieties. Bloom season is late April through October. Mountain View Cemetary   (Piedmont Ave)   map it 5000 Piedmont Avenue (510) 658-2588 Website Museum of African American Technology Science Village, The 630 20th St. (510) 893-6426 Website This recently opened museum exhibits the technical achievements of African Americans. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sat. noon-6 p.m., Sun. 2-6 p.m. Tours Sat. and Sun., and by appt. Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)   (Old Oakland)   map it 538 Ninth St. (510) 465-8770 Website Tucked away in a quaint courtyard in Old Oakland, this museum offers art classes for kids and drop-in working studios, as well as rotating exhibits of art created by children. Tues. Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oakland Art Gallery   (City Center)   map it 199 Kahn's Alley (across from City Hall) (510) 637-0395 Website This recently opened gallery offers a diverse mix of contemporary local artwork in a wide range of media. Wed-Thrs. 11am-6pm, Fri 11am-5pm, Sat. noon-5pm. Oakland Asian Cultural Center 388 Ninth St., Ste. 290 (510) 637-0455 Located in Chinatown's Pacific Renaissance Plaza, this organization is one of the largest pan-Asian cultural centers in the country, offering classes, art and photography exhibits, and culural events. Oakland East Bay Symphony 2025 Broadway (510) 444-0801 The symphony presents classical and inventive new works for small orchestra and chamber ensembles in six annual performances at the Paramount Theatre and in numerous concerts at other venues throughout the year. Oakland Mormon Temple and Visitors Center   (Hills)   map it 4770 Lincoln Avenue (510) 531-1475 Website This architectural standout offers panoramic views of the Bay Area and is adorned with breathtaking lights at Christmas. Visitors center open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Oakland Youth Orchestra Alice Arts Center, 1428 Alice St. (510) 832-7710 Website Now in its 39th season, the orchestra presents five shows a year, including its popular pops concert in January or February. Oakland Zoo   (Hills)   map it 9777 Golf Links Road (510) 632-9525 Website Nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in the Oakland Hills, the zoo houses more than 400 native and exotic animals. The exhibits are organized geographically and reflect the ecosystems of the animals' native habitats. Visitors can enjoy rotating cultural exhibits in the education center, and kids will love the new butterfly garden and the 'rides area,' with a roller coaster, an 'endangered species carousel,' and a train. Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. << Back 1 2 Next >> We welcome your contribution of corrections or additions to the information contained on this Web site. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know about how we can improve it. 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