Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
10 10th St, Oakland, CA 94607
About Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts
The Calvin Simmons Theater (The Calvin) emerged in the performance arts and events world in 1915 when it opened as part of the larger Oakland Auditorium. Throughout its 90 years of operation, The Calvin has hosted many performing arts organizations that reflected the cultural richness of Oakland and history of America: Chinese opera, jazz, gospel, classical, African music and dance, as well as graduations, recitals, comedy shows, and school dance performances. The rehabilitation and reopening of The Calvin Simmons Theater ushers in the renewal of a much-needed home for arts and culture in Oakland and the Bay Area. The restored theatre space provides a medium-sized, state-of-the-art performance venue for local and touring artists. The Calvin Simmons Theater is located in The Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, a world-class event center at the former Oakland Municipal Auditorium. Within its walls are 5 spectacular event spaces: a 25,000-square-foot arena, a 1,500-seat proscenium theatre, a speakeasy-style lounge, and 2 hotel-style ballrooms. Conveniently located on the edge of Lake Merritt near Oakland’s Downtown and Chinatown districts, this historic building hosted countless performances, concerts, and recitals in its original 90-year run.
Health & Safety
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Map and Parking Information
Directions and parking information here.
The Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts is located at the southern tip of Lake Merritt near Oakland’s Chinatown and Downtown areas. The venue is accessible by car, bike, and public transit. The closest BART station is two blocks away at Lake Merrit Station. Bus lines 29, 33, 40, 62, 88, and 840 all stop within a few blocks of the venue, and secure bike parking is available via BIKELINK.
Onsite parking is available in a gated and secured lot for a special event fee. Other nearby options are the Lake Merrit BART Station parking lot and the OMCA parking garage. Metered street parking is also available.