Welcome to Symphony Silicon Valley's intimate and elegant performance home at The California Theatre, located at 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose.

The theater first opened in 1927 as one of the grand movie palaces of the era. With its magnificent Jazz Age décor, it was part of a wave of ornate theaters built to define downtowns all over the country. Following a long reign as The Fox, the theater was then shuttered for decades.

Then downtown theater regained its glamour! After a $75 million renovation, The California reopened as a major landmark – a 1,100-seat hall filled with modern amenities in a setting of meticulously restored 1920's opulence.

Located in the Heart of Downtown

The California is in a diverse and dynamic area called the SoFA (South First Area) District. It is the center of a lively restaurant and club scene. The District is also home to San Jose Stage and the Institute of Contemporary Art. The neighborhood is a great place to catch a jazz performance, or people-watch from restaurants and wine bars. The Symphony's offices are located right next door to The California at 325 South First Street.

Entrances

When you arrive at the California Theatre you will find two main entrances. The historic grand lobby and primary Box Office are on South First Street. The alternative modern entrance is on Market Street. If you need to purchase additional tickets, pick up tickets at Will Call, or make exchanges, you MUST go to the South First Street entrance to visit the primary Box Office BEFORE ENTERING. If you already have your tickets in hand, you may use either entrance.

Accessibility

All levels of the theater can be reached from either the Market Street or the First Street side via elevator. The ushers are prepared to point the elevators out to you, or to offer any other assistance you need. All price sections of the theater are wheelchair accessible. The California is a restored historic building, and you will be required to use some stairs in almost all locations once you are inside the auditorium itself. (The exception is the front half of the orchestra section.) The stairs throughout the lobby can be bypassed using gently sloping access corridors. If you need to use the corridors, please ask the ushers for directions.

From the First Street entrance the natural traffic flow will be up towards a pair of staircases. One leads up to the lobby for the Grand Tier/Mezzanine. The other leads down to the lobby on the Orchestra level of the Theatre. From Market Street the flow is towards the Orchestra lobby. To reach the Grand Tier Mezzanine level, both stairs and an elevator are available.

Restrooms on each level are on the First Street side of the theatre, off the new access corridors.

Refreshments

All concessions are sold at a spacious concession bar in the Grand Tier/Mezzanine lobby.

Find out more about dining downtown before or after your Symphony experience.

More about The California

Find out more about The California's restoration and history as a movie palace.

Find out how to choose your seats in the new theater.

Get directions and find parking near The California.