Hearst Greek Theatre, Open-air amphitheater in Berkeley, United States
The Hearst Greek Theatre is a Greek Revival open-air theater in Berkeley, California, located on the University of California campus. The concrete structure includes 19 rows of benches arranged in a semicircle facing the stage, with carved stone chairs in the lower tiers.
The venue opened in 1903 with a performance of Aristophanes' The Birds. Theodore Roosevelt delivered a speech at the site during construction.
The name recalls William Randolph Hearst, who funded the structure and gave the university a venue for theater and concerts. Students and residents gather here on summer evenings when bands play or speakers take the stage.
The venue holds 8,500 people and features a modern sound system for concerts and university events during summer. Seating spreads across multiple levels, with upper rows offering broader views of the surrounding area.
The natural bowl in the Berkeley Hills amplifies sound during performances without electronic help. This acoustic effect made the site a favorite destination for musicians and speakers over decades.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
