About Us

The historic Grand Lake Theater has been designated as one of the top ten vintage theaters in the nation. Located in the lovely Grand/Lakeshore District, the surrounding neighborhood offers a tremendous variety of dining options. Winner of the East Bay Express Reader Poll as the “Best Movie Theater” almost every year, it offers the Bay Area's best movie going experience at the lowest price.

 

(Theater Rental Inquiries)

Grand Lake Main Auditorium
Main Auditorium
Photo copyright: Tom Paiva 1991
Grand Lake Auditorium 3
Auditorium 3 - Egyptian 1920’s style
Photo copyright: Tom Paiva 1991
Grand Lake Auditorium 4
Auditorium 4 - Moorish style
Photo copyright: Tom Paiva 1991

See more beautiful photos of the Grand Lake Theater in the Photo Gallery.

The Historic Grand Lake Theater

In 1926, the Reid Brothers’ design for the Grand Lake Theater was completed for West Coast Theaters, Inc.

March 6, 1926 marked the grand opening of this Vaudeville Show and Silent Movie House. In 1928, West Coast Theaters, Inc. became part of the Fox Theater Chain. Vaudeville Shows were discontinued after talking pictures (known as ‘talkies’) became popular. In 1980, Allen Michaan, owner of Renaissance Rialto, Inc. purchased the ground lease, opening the theater as a single screen Movie Palace and beginning a process of restoration and upgrades that continues to this day. While currently all digital in the projection of movies the Grand Lake retains the capability of exhibiting 35mm and 70mm films when needed.

Two main expansions:

Expansion #1 - 1981 The main balcony seating was transformed into auditorium #2, which seats 450 patrons in a stadium seating configuration.

Expansion #2 - 1985 Storefronts along Grand Avenue were transformed into small movie palace themed auditoriums. They were connected to the main theater by enclosing an exterior alleyway which connects to the main lobby. Theater 3 was designed in an Egyptian atmospheric style and Theater 4 as a Moorish palace.

Now Playing

 

Love America's movie palaces?

Consider joining the Theatre Historical Society of America!

Theater Historical Society

WINNER! "BEST PLACE TO SEE A MOVIE"
2015- 2023 East Bay EXPRESS Readers' Poll
$7.50 Matinees for all shows before 5:45
(3D screenings included)

Admission is now $6 on Tuesdays

Wicked

Wicked

(160 Minutes)

Rated PGassist deviceWurlitzer OrganDolby DigitalDigital Projection

FRI-SAT: 12:151, 3:451, 7:001, 10:001
SUN: 12:151, 3:451, 7:001
MON-THU: 3:451, 7:001

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Moana 2

Moana 2

(100 Minutes)

Rated PGassist deviceDolby DigitalDigital Projection

Shown in 2 projector 3D
FRI-SAT: 9:003
SUN: 8:453
MON-WED: 8:453

Shown in digital 2D
FRI-SAT: 11:452*, 1:004, 2:252*, 3:354, 5:002*, 6:004, 6:453
SUN: 11:452*, 2:252*, 3:354, 5:002*, 6:004, 6:453
MON-WED: 3:354, 5:002*, 6:004, 6:453
THUR: 3:354, 5:002*, 6:004, 6:453, 8:453
2* -Auditorium #2 is not wheelchair accessible

photosensitivity warning

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Gladiator II

Gladiator II

(148 Minutes)

R Restrictedassist deviceDolby DigitalDigital Projection

FRI-SAT: 12:003, 3:303, 7:152*, 10:102*
SUN: 12:004, 3:303, 7:152*, 10:102*
MON-THUR: 3:303, 7:152*
2* -Auditorium #2 is not wheelchair accessible

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Luther: Never Too Much

Luther: Never Too Much

(101 Minutes)

assist deviceDolby DigitalDigital Projection

FRI-SAT: 8:104, 10:154
SUN: 8:104
MON-THUR: 8:104

Purchase Tickets Online

Theater Info

510-452-3556
3200 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610

Directions & Parking

Admission Prices

Regular Features

Gen Adm $13
Child/Senior $9.50
Matinee $7.50
Discount Tuesday $6

About Ratings
Superscript text indicates theater number

3D Features

Gen Adm $14.50
Ch/Senr $11
Matinee $7.50
Discount Tuesday $6

About 3-D
DLP

The Grand Lake has a new discount policy: Tuesday is now “$6.00 Day”. All admissions are $6.00* each all day long. This includes 3-D features! (*Excluding Special Engagements) Our new discount policy now extends to matinee shows! All tickets for showtimes starting prior to 6pm are only $7.50, 3-D included! Every day!


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Wurlitzer Organ large

Mighty Wurlitzer Organ played before Friday and Saturday evening shows indicated in green in the Main Auditorium.
About Wurlitzer Organ

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© Renaissance Rialto 2014
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