California Theatre of Performing Arts
562 W. 4th Street,
San Bernardino,
CA
92401
562 W. 4th Street,
San Bernardino,
CA
92401
2 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
San Bernardino Symphony (Official), California Theatre - San Bernardino (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Fox West Coast Theatres
Architects: John Paxton Perrine
Functions: Performing Arts
Styles: Spanish Colonial
Previous Names: California Theatre, Fox California Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
909.885.5152
Nearby Theaters
News About This Theater
- May 5, 2010 — San Bernardino looking for operator for 20 screen multiplex
- Sep 6, 2006 — San Bernardino California Theatre
The 1,850-seat California Theatre was opened by West Coast Theatres on August 15, 1928, with Janet Gaynor in “Street Angel” on the screen and a Fanchon & Marco ‘Idea’ “Monkey Shines Idea” starring Charlie Chase on the stage. It was equipped with a Wurlitzer 2 manual/10 ranks, Model 216 theatre organ. Taken over by Fox West Coast Theatres, it later turned into a performing arts theatre. The Wurlitzer organ is still in the building but has had little use in recent years. The organ was restored in early-2025. The theatre was closed on June 2, 2025 for refurbishment and plans are to reopen in October 2025.
Contributed by
William Gabel
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Recent comments (view all 25 comments)
Here is a night shot:
http://tinyurl.com/y8u8w24
Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/ygbpcxa
An article about the theater: http://www.sgvtribune.com/living/ci_14906538
Stage Dimensions: 48" wide x 30' deep.
The Three Stooges Fan Club is trying to verify a late 1936 appearance at the Fox California of the Three Stooges at a Salvation Army benefit, which featured Martha Raye, Leo Carillo, Bob Burns, along with the Three Stooges. Would like to verify the exact date(s) and any other information. My email is: Thanks, Frank Reighter
What is the status of the Wurlitzer organ in this theatre? I just noticed that the theatre does not appear on the ATOS listing of organs in theatres.
August 15th, 1928 grand opening ad in photo section
Per the Vintage St. Louis & Route 66 Facebook page. “Will Rogers made his last public appearance at the California Theatre in San Bernardino on June 28, 1935 at a benefit for the Salvation Army.”
The California was used extensively in the TV series “Psych” season 7 episode 15, Psych the Musical from 2013. There are numerous,long shots of both the exterior and interior throughout the episode.
June 11, 2025 credit the City of San Bernardino Municipal Government Facebook page.
“San Bernardino’s Historic California Theater Temporarily Closes for Major Improvements The City of San Bernardino has announced that its historic California Theater for the Performing Arts temporarily closed on June 2 as the facility undergoes an $6.8 million renovation. The 1,700-seat theater, which is home to the San Bernardino Symphony, concerts, and national touring performances of Broadway productions, is expected to reopen in early October. The theater, which was built in 1928, is on the National Register of Historic Places and earlier this year was named “Best Performing Arts Venue” by Inland Empire Magazine. The planned improvements will both enhance the theater-going experience for attendees and provide the necessary upgrades to the 97-year-old building. Improvements will include upgrades to the theatrical sound system, lighting, curtain, and controls. The heating and air conditioning will also be replaced, as well as the installation of new carpeting, interior and exterior painting, additional ADA compliance, architectural finishes and repairs, refinishing the auditorium floor, and upgrades to the street front facade. The restoration of the theater’s Wurlitzer Style 216 pipe organ, completed earlier this year, was the first part of the project. Originally installed when the Theater first opened in 1928, it is one of only a few Wurlitzer organs remaining in the world. Work on the $6,830,686 project is being performed by Tilden Coil Constructors and is being funded using City Measure S funds, Cultural Development funds, and a $2.5 million grant from the California Arts Council.”
https://www.facebook.com/sbcitygov