California Theatre
California Theatre
5
About
The California Theatre in San Jose, California is managed and operated by San Jose Theaters, a division of Team San Jose. It regularly hosts major performances from Opera San Jose, Symphony Silicon Valley and other organizations. This beautiful theatre, originally built in 1927 and renovated starting in 2001, marries the opulence of its movie palace origins with state-of-the-art performing arts venue attributes. The California Theatre is Available to Rent * 1,122 seating capacity, with up to 14 wheelchair areas * State-of-the-art production and audio visual technology * Stage Size: 90'x40' * Several dressing rooms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
85 reviews
Excellent
71
Very good
14
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
mini
Fremont, CA188,325 contributions
Feb 2020
We went to see a show at the California Theatre in downtown San Jose. Its a historic theatre and a good place to go.
Written 7 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie H
San Jose, CA9 contributions
Nov 2019
It's rare to see such a beautiful building like this on the West Coast. I especially love visiting it in December, as it is so nicely decorated for the holidays. Built in 1927, this theater has been renovated and restored to it's full glory. It hosts performances of Opera San Jose, Symphony Silicon Valley, and more.
Written 23 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kari D
San Jose, CA125 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Whatever you're going to see here, give yourself extra time to poke around the building. Its old and charming and beautiful, and there aren't many like it left in full operation. A lovely venue no matter what the entertainment is going to be.
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mariamhennessy
San Jose, CA84 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
This theater was restored by the Packard foundation. It looks like a Moorish palace and has excellent acoustics. We went to the Silicon Valley Symphony, but it also houses Cinequest film festival and the San José Opera. An event there is a night to remember.
Written 3 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeatherHLR
Atlanta, GA141 contributions
Jun 2018 • Business
Visited the California Theatre for a speaking event during WWDC and was amazed by the theater itself. The architecture is lovely and it has a great "old theater" feeling. I'd love to come back for a musical performance.
Written 7 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norman R
San Jose, CA53 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
Excellent in so many ways. Spectacularly beautifully restored Art Deco architectural gem. Pipe organist in the lobby preceding many outstanding performances. Great big independent parking lot across the street. Located near many good restaurants.
Written 19 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UnplannedExperiences
San Jose, CA230 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Overview: Beautifully restored Art Deco theatre for several hundred people. Good acoustics.
Attended Symphony Silicon Valley’s performance staring Alma Deutcher
BUILDING HIGHLIGHTS
@ Gilded wood and plaster work
@ Pipe organ
@ Snack Area
@ Dual entrances front and back
@ Near public parking.
Attended Symphony Silicon Valley’s performance staring Alma Deutcher
BUILDING HIGHLIGHTS
@ Gilded wood and plaster work
@ Pipe organ
@ Snack Area
@ Dual entrances front and back
@ Near public parking.
Written 26 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fredsv007
Santa Clara, CA71 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
Simply beautiful. Attended the San Jose Symphony (aka Silicon Valley Symphony Orchestra) to see the US premiere of Anna Deutscher, the child genius composer and virtuoso. Great evening. A very capable symphony orchestra with truly talented musicians. Amazing performance by Ms. Deutscher. And the theatre is astonishing in it's beauty, warmth, and charm. Acoustics were very good. Restoration of this 1920's era architecture is excellent with fantastic decorations, especially on the high ceiling above the guest seating. For those who enjoy opera and symphony, don't miss this place.
Written 13 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosaiselacotija
San Jose, CA12 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
My first time visiting the California theater, great location, beautiful building and great show. Right across-street from convention center parking garage
Written 9 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VWriter
Los Gatos, CA901 contributions
Oct 2017 • Friends
I attend opera performances at the theatre and I don't think a better venue exists in the South Bay area. The seats are comfortable with acceptable leg space, with good, staggered placement so that the line of sight to the stage is clear, and the rake is sharp enough to ensure a good view.
The theatre itself is a work of art, a mix of mission and art deco design. It is a restored 1920's vaudeville and movie picture house. It seats 1,100 people and it is the home base of Opera San Jose and Symphony Silicon Valley. Besides being an active venue for the arts, it can be rented for private functions.
The theatre is, in my opinion, one of the best and most engaging architectural acheivements in California.
The theatre itself is a work of art, a mix of mission and art deco design. It is a restored 1920's vaudeville and movie picture house. It seats 1,100 people and it is the home base of Opera San Jose and Symphony Silicon Valley. Besides being an active venue for the arts, it can be rented for private functions.
The theatre is, in my opinion, one of the best and most engaging architectural acheivements in California.
Written 2 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dragonhead8
San Jose, CA
where to park?
HikingLee
San Jose, CA478 contributions
Across Market Street is the Convention Center that has safe, indoor parking.
Eleanor H
Chicago, IL4 contributions
What is playing the morning or afternoon of Sat., June 20 (my only day in San Jose)?
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Frequently Asked Questions about California Theatre
- Hotels near California Theatre:
- (0.12 km) San Jose Marriott
- (0.09 km) The Westin San Jose
- (0.19 km) Four Points by Sheraton San Jose Downtown
- (0.33 km) Hilton San Jose
- (0.25 km) Pacific Motor Inn
- Restaurants near California Theatre:
- (0.04 km) The Continental Bar Lounge & Patio
- (0.05 km) VN Beans
- (0.05 km) Subway
- (0.05 km) The Blue Chip
- (0.06 km) Nirvana Soul