Oakland Scottish Rite Center
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1547 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
Contact: William Hamm
Phone: 510/832-0819 x10
www.scottish-rite.org
Request a proposal for your event from Oakland Scottish Rite Center
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Description
Although you might not pay too much attention to the rather nondescript façade of the Scottish Rite Center, once you’re inside, it’s an entirely different story.
Just a stone’s throw from Lake Merritt, this historic building was constructed for the Masonic Order in 1927, and houses some of the most remarkable and impressive interior spaces we’ve ever seen. Here you’ll find a wide selection of uniquely designed rooms featuring an impressive display of inlaid terrazzo and mosaic floors, ornate detailing, soaring hand-carved ceilings, grand staircases and period fixtures.
We were "wowed" by two rooms in particular—the Grand Ballroom and the Theater. The Grand Ballroom on the first floor is magnificent. Five chandeliers, suspended from an exquisite ceiling, light a 10,000-square-foot hardwood floor. The 28-foot vaulted ceiling is hand-painted mostly in golds, with green, pink and taupe highlights. The decorative plaster friezes are delicate, almost lace-like, as they curve down to meet the walls. On one side, a large formally draped stage is perfect for a band; along the opposite wall, a balcony stretches the length of the room.
Take the walnut-clad elevators to the top floor and step out into the auditorium/theater foyer. This splendid space is the prefunction or waiting area for the Center’s theater. It has its own loggia (balcony) overlooking Lake Merritt, as well as a remarkable ceiling. In fact, the foyer is so beautiful in its own right, it’s hard to believe that what comes next could top it. Talk about a space that takes your breath away—this is a room you must see.
The expansive theater is capped by a dome, which rises 80 feet from the floor and is partially supported by multiple Corinthian columns. Brass lamps, artfully suspended around the perimeter, provide a subtle glow. Curved theater seating in tiers is oriented towards the very large professional stage. Heavy burgundy velvet with gold and burgundy tiebacks, tassels and braids, plus a hand-sewn canopy create a one-and-a-half-ton theater curtain that was, in 1927, the largest curtain outside of the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. Used for formal showings of film or videos, seminars, comedy competitions, fashion shows, talent competitions and theater productions, this auditorium space is extraordinary.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 1500 Max. Seated Outdoors: |
Max. Seated Indoors: 750 Max. Seated Outdoors: Max. Standing Indoors: 3000 Max. Standing Outdoors: |
Max. Seated: 2500 |
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CEREMONY CAPACITY: The Center holds up to 1,500 seated guests. |
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Fees & Deposits
50% of the rental fee is required to reserve your date, the balance is due 1 month prior to the event. Rental fees range $300–9,000 depending on space rented and guest count. Meals start at $15/person. Tax, alcohol and an 18% service charge are additional.
Availability
Year-round, daily, 6am–midnight.
CateringProvidedAlcoholProvidedSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Services/AmenitiesCatering: providedKitchen Facilities: n/a Tables & Chairs: provided at discounted rate Linens, Silver, etc.: provided at discounted rate Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: provided Bride's Dressing Area: CBA Meeting Equipment: CBA, extra charge Parking: nearby garages Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: no Outdoor Night Lighting: access only Outdoor Cooking Facilities: no Cleanup: provided View: park, hills, cityscape, Lake Merritt Other: event coordination provided |
MusicIndoorsWheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsCityscapeHills Lake Park Site TypeHistoric/Landmark BuildingCommunity Center/Civic Bldg Banquet/Events Facility Ballroom Conference Center Private Club RestrictionsAlcohol: provided, no BYOSmoking: outside only Music: amplified OK indoors Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: liability required Other: no rice or birdseed |
Wondering what CBA or BYO means?
510/832-0819 x10
www.scottish-rite.org
Email or request a proposal for your event from Oakland Scottish Rite Center
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