Hearst Greek Theatre

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.

Location: Berkeley

Inception: 1903

Architects: John Galen Howard

Official opening: 1903

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

Capacity: 8500

Website: http://calperformances.org/visit/venues/greek-theatre.php

GPS coordinates: 37.87369,-122.25419

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29