Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts reopens in Oakland after a $100 million makeover after a 20-year absence

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — It was a double celebration to celebrate the grand opening of the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland.

Saturday’s ribbon cutting was led by Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.

“Organizations and businesses on the outside, looking at Oakland and what we have in terms of our jewelry. And this is one of them,” says Mayor Lee.

After a $100 million makeover, the center is back after being closed for nearly two decades.

Some big names have already booked for this year, says CEO Terri Trotter.

“In the next few months we have Mandy Patinkin, for our ‘Princess Bride,’ TV show and Broadway fans. I’m really excited about that. Kamala Harris. The Gypsy Kings,” says Trotter.

Legendary storyteller and Oakland resident Don Reed kicked off opening night with Scott Silven’s illusion show “The Lost Things.”

Concerts and theater performances are organized in the center. But it is also open to the public for private events. In addition to the indoor space, there is the new deck overlooking Lake Merritt.

“That is a festival space with room for 5 to 7 or even 8,000 people,” Trotter explains.

For almost a century, the Henry J, as it is sometimes called, hosted such big names as Dr. Martin Luther King, Elvis, Tina Turner and the Grateful Dead. From the more recent past, the California Music Awards.

Oakland City Council Member Charlene Wang says this is a huge investment in Oakland’s arts scene and the city as a whole.

“Because there will be a spillover effect. People will come here and then maybe visit the small businesses that are here on International Boulevard in Chinatown. It’s a wonderful opportunity,” said Council Member Wang.

Former city council member and now Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas also worked to complete this project. She says this is a big problem for Oakland.

“This is a huge milestone. It took about three councilors to make this happen,” says Fortunato Bas. “When we talk about a renaissance for Oakland, this could really be central to that.”