They Don’t Build ‘Em Like This Anymore…and That’s a Shame
Perhaps it’s the marble entry way with its restored façade leading up to a brilliantly colored ceiling, or maybe it’s the classic organs with their pipes billowing out thunderous tunes, but the California Theater in San Jose is one of those rare buildings in America where you step inside and feel magic.
On opening day in April 1927, many Hollywood stars came to celebrate the opening of this lavish 1,119-seat theater, known today as one of the best preserved examples of late 1920s motion picture houses in the United States. It’s no surprise that this historical masterpiece is home to Opera San Jose and Symphony Silicon Valley. But meeting planners are delighted to discover that it’s also a special conference and meeting facility – a place to gather when spectacular atmosphere is called for, as well as state-of-the-art audio and visual technology you’d expect in Silicon Valley. And it’s right across the street from the San Jose Convention Center, so there’s no need for a limo to arrive in style – unless you want one!
Showtimes & Tickets 408-792-4111
Theatre Rental 408-792-4538
Uses
- Meetings
- Motion Picture Screenings
- Concerts
- Theatrical Performances
- Private Parties and Receptions
- Weddings
Fast Facts
- Built in 1927 as the Fox California Theatre
- Meeting rooms with premier audiovisual capabilities available
- Home of Opera San Jose and Symphony Silicon Valley
A Unique Venue For Any Occasion
Since its opening, the California Theatre has been used for a variety of high-profile events, including:
- Packard Humanities Institute and Stanford Theatre Foundation's Classic Movie showing of Casablanca.
- Corporate icon Apple unveiled its Special Edition U2 iPod at the California Theatre in October 2004, which included a show-stopping performance by U2.
- Debut performance for the Firebird Chinese Youth Orchestra and the San Jose Symphonic Choir.
- Cinequest, San Jose's annual Film Festival, held several screenings at the California Theatre during its 15th annual session.
