Berkeley is a fantastic town for those who love architecture, but when it comes to classical Greek or Roman architecture, the very first thing that will pop into any Berkeley resident’s head is the William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre on the UC Berkeley campus. The grand 8,500 seat theatre was designed by John Galen Howard, overseen by then UC Berkeley President Benjamin Ide Wheeler, and the money was a gift from William Randolph Hearst. Today the theatre is at a ripe age of over 100 years old. The theatre officially opened on September 23, 1903 where a festival took place there for several days. Months earlier before the structure was completed, President Theodore Roosevelt gave the 1903 commencement speech at the Greek Theatre. Renowned architect Julia Morgan was in charge of decorations for this event.



The architectural design falls under a Beaux-Arts style theatre. The structure itself is definitely massive looking and made of all stone. There are twelve huge columns that serve as the backdrop for the stage. Decorative cornice designs line the upper part of this Greek style ampitheatre, and the ceiling is nothing but a perfect blue sky with white clouds drifting by. The symmetrical facade carries on throughout the theatre, all the way down to the seating.



Today the stage is used for ceremonies, commencements, performances, concerts and more. It definitely serves as the centerstage of Berkeley trying to become the artistic “Athens” town of the West.

UC Campus
Berkeley, CA 92372

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Type: Sights & Activities
Tags: Berkeley Cal UCB theatre William Randolph Hearst Greek