The Scottish Rite Center
is located at 1547 Lakeside Drive, in Oakland, CA
Welcome to our home—the Oakland Scottish Rite Center, a stunning historic gem right on Lake Merritt! We transformed this architectural treasure into an opera house in 2022, and it’s been an exciting journey ever since.
Built in 1926, the Scottish Rite Center is a place of grandeur and is a character unto itself. Our fourth-floor auditorium was originally designed for elaborate Scottish Rite Masonic ceremonies, and today, it’s where the magic of West Edge Opera comes to life. With 1,400 seats, this space is as dramatic as the performances we bring to it.
Beyond the stage, our home is deeply connected to the vibrant Lake Merritt community—a neighborhood full of life, culture, and energy. Whether you’re coming for a show, taking a lakeside stroll before curtain, or grabbing a bite at one of the award winning restaurants, we invite you to experience the magic of opera in a setting that’s welcoming, exciting, and uniquely Oakland.
Accessibility is important to us. While the theater hasn’t been renovated since it was built, wheelchair seating is available on the main floor behind the orchestra, offering some of the best views in the house.
We can’t wait to share an unforgettable night of opera with you—see you at the Scottish Rite!
Getting to the Scottish Rite
Our major donors enjoy free parking onsite directly behind the theater on Madison Street. Email emilie@westedgeopera.org if you are interested in joining this group and taking advantage of this and other perks while supporting what we do!
We highly encourage: the Lake Merritt BART station is a 10 minute walk up Oak Street.
Should you choose to drive: prepurchase secure parking for all West Edge Festival shows in the ALCO parking garage at 1220 Jackson Street—just four blocks from performance venue. Shuttle service is included in your parking fee to and from the front door of the venue every 15 minutes...or, a 7-10 minute walk. Parking opens two hours before showtime (6pm Thursday-Saturday, 1pm Sunday) Your $10 parking fee supports WEO's costs of parking attendant and security at the parking structure, plus the shuttle and driver.
The Lake Chalet, across the street from the Scottish Rite, has paid Valet parking for those eating at the restaurant. (They close before the end of the evening shows, so please pick up your keys from the valet when you leave the restaurant.) There is street parking on both Madison Street and Lakeside Drive. Be sure to arrive early enough to find a parking spot before curtain.
Other parking opportunities:
• 1506 Madison Street: A limited number of spaces, next door to the Oakland Scottish Rite
• 1811 Harrison Street: 9 minute walk
• 1440 Harrison Street: 11 minute walk
