Amazing Art Deco Gems In Oakland California

While Oakland is known for its hip restaurants and blossoming nightlife, it is also a treasure trove of Art Deco-style architecture. Widely popular in the 1920s to 1940s, this art movement is characterized by geometric shapes, curvilinear forms, and elaborate ornamentation. Oakland’s economic boom during this era ushered in the Art Deco-influenced buildings we see today. Here are seven spots in Oakland to admire this architecture of the Golden Era.

1. Paramount Theater

Cinema, Theater

If you’re impressed by the towering tiled mosaics that flank both sides of the neon Paramount sign, wait until you see the inside. Built in 1931, the Paramount Theater was once the largest theater venue on the West Coast. With intricate grillwork and gilded surfaces, the grand lobby’s high ceilings seek to impress all who pass through its regal entrance. While it is home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony and Oakland Ballet, the theater also hosts a number of musical and live performances.

Guided tours are offered twice a month for those who want to explore the full history and grandeur behind this amazing Oakland landmark.

2. I. Magnin Building

Building, Store

Luxury retail once thrived in Oakland’s downtown. Adjacent to the Paramount Theater, the serpentine-colored Magnin Building was home to the high-end department store, I. Magnin & Co. They were known for selling high-quality goods and was the place to buy the latest Parisian fashions and other high-end clothing such as bridal wear and lingerie. The department store has long closed its doors, but the I. Magnin & Co. name lives on in Art Deco typestyle on the tiled green façade, a ghost of a fashionable era’s past.

3. Alameda County Courthouse

Historical Landmark

The Alameda County Courthouse was built in the 1930s and is the county’s fifth courthouse. As a gleaming white beacon along the edge of Lake Merritt, the courthouse is an example of Greco Deco – which is Art Deco style with Greek and Roman influences. Made of granite, concrete, and terracotta, the courthouse’s imposing edifice looms with perfect symmetry. Beyond the lawsuits and legal arguments made inside the courtrooms, there are Art Deco elements everywhere. Tiled mosaics in the lobby and ornate metal work on the elevator doors remain stoic as they observe the judicial process. Now there is another reason to head down to the courthouse other than legal duty.

4. 14th Street

Bar, American, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Longitude is a popular bar that’s become a staple in Oakland’s burgeoning nightlife. While they serve up exotic cocktails and savory bites in a tropical oasis, the outside tells a different story. Built in 1931, the building’s exterior is covered in sea glass green tiles similar to those of the Breuner building, complete with Art Deco elements that are typical of that era. Be sure to take a moment to admire the ornate Art Deco motifs that crown the building before stepping inside to enjoy a refreshing Mai Tai.