Interior of the theatre. Photo CC-BY BWChicago.
The Paramount Theatre is a beautiful Art Deco performing arts and movie palace with seating for 3,434, located at 2025 Broadway.
Architect Timothy L. Pflueger designed the Paramount, although the architectural firm of J.R. Miller & T.L. Pflueger oversaw the project. Construction on the theatre began in late 1930 and was completed in 1931, with the grand opening on December 16, 1931.
Fox West Coast Theaters purchased the Paramount theater chain in 1930 including the yet-to-be-constructed Paramount. 3
The Moore Dry Dock Company fabricated the massive beam which supports the balcony.
The building fell into a state of disarray for three decades until it was purchased by the Oakland Symphony Orchestra Association in 1972, which did much to repair and restore the building.
On January 7, 1975, the Paramount Theatre was designated an Oakland Landmark, under Zoning Case #LM 74-335. In 1976 the theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as listed on the California Historical Landmarks.
Today the ongoing restoration and preservation is headed by curator David Boysel. 2
start of special Paramount section
1931 opening ad
Photos and Drawings
The Library of Congress has numerous drawings from Pfluger's work, as well as photos from a variety of eras. A sample is shown below.
Links and References
- Paramount Theatre official website
- The Oakland Paramount by Susannah Harris Stone, photographs by Roger Minick, preface by Peter Botto. Lancaster-Miller Publishers: Berkeley, CA. 1981
- Saved from the wrecking ball: The resurrection of Oakland’s Paramount Theater East Bay Yesterday podcast
- photos and drawings Library of Congress
- Meet the detective who keeps Oakland's Paramount Theatre in mint condition by Liam Donoghue SFGate November 22, 2022
- Fox Buys Paramount Coast Chain Oakland Tribune December 15, 1930
View of some of the seating. Photo CC-BY BWChicago.
Outside the theatre. Photo CC-BY BWChicago.
Photos from Our Oakland
