24/7 LiveSan FranciscoEast BaySouth BayPeninsulaNorth Bay
  • Oscars

PHOTOS: Up close look at Oakland's historic Grand Lake Theatre

ByWayne FreedmanKGO logo
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
A look at the historic Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, Calif.
A look at the historic Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, Calif.
A look at the historic Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, Calif.
Grand Lake Theatre owner Allen Michaan climbs up stairs to repair the venue's marquee in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
Grand Lake Theatre owner Allen Michaan climbs up stairs to repair the venue's marquee in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
Grand Lake Theatre owner Allen Michaan climbs up stairs to repair the venue's marquee in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
The Grand Lake Theatre is seen in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
The Grand Lake Theatre's marquee is seen in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
Bulbs for the Grand Lake Theatre's marquee are seen in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is played at the Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ is played at the Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
Stairs inside the Grand Lake Theatre concession stand are seen in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
A sign at the Grand Lake Theatre concession stand is seen in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
The lobby at the Grand Lake Theatre is seen in Oakland, Calif., Feb. 2015.
The Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, Calif. serves real butter with its popcorn, Feb. 2015.
The Grand Lake Theatre marquee lights up the night sky in Oakland, Calif., Feb.2015.
Grand Lake Theatre owner Allen Michaan smiles while watching the marquee light up the night sky in Oakland, Calif., Feb.2015.
Grand Lake Theatre owner Allen Michaan watches the marquee light up the night sky in Oakland, Calif., Feb.2015.
The Grand Lake Theatre marquee lights up the night sky in Oakland, Calif., Feb.2015.
1 of 20
A look at the historic Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland, Calif.
(ABC7/Wayne Freedman)

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- ABC7 News reporter Wayne Freedman has an up close look at the unique history of Oakland's historic Grand Lake Theatre, its one of a kind marquee, and the venue's passionate owner who's determined to keep it open, even at a loss.

Click here for the full story.

Report a correction or typo
Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Related Topics

  • ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
  • OAKLAND
  • GRAND LAKE
  • OSCARS
  • MOVIE
  • MOVIE THEATER
  • HISTORY
  • DISTRACTION

Related

Oakland's Grand Lake Theatre is a relic of eras past

uReport - Your photos and video!

Oscars

Oscars to leave Hollywood, headed to downtown LA

    Oscar-nominated actress Valerie Perrine dies at 82

      Oscars winners and nominees: what's next for Hollywood's stars?

        Warriors coach Steve Kerr part of Oscar documentary short win

          Live Streams
          ON NOW

          Top Stories

          Magnitude 5.7 earthquake strikes Nevada: USGS

          Swalwell's constituents share 'disappointment' in allegations

          Family, friends react after teen dies in Novato suspected DUI crash

          Deadly hit-and-run suspect arrested after police chase: SFPD

          $10K reward posted for info on missing Oakland woman

          What's next for SF's Presidio Trust after 6 board members were fired?

          Husband released without charges in wife's disappearance in Bahamas

          Texas man charged in Molotov cocktail attack at Sam Altman's SF home

          ABC7 San Francisco
          Topics
          HomeWeatherTrafficWatchPhotosApps
          Regions
          San FranciscoEast BaySouth BayPeninsulaNorth Bay
          More Content
          Building A Better Bay AreaTake Action Resources7 On Your SideI-Team
          Company
          About ABC7 Bay AreaABC7 Newsteam Bios#ABC7Now: Connect with ABC7Take Action in Your CommunityAccessibilityEmploymentContests, Promotions, & Rules
          Privacy Policy
          Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
          Children's Privacy Policy
          Your US State Privacy Rights
          Terms of Use
          Interest-Based Ads
          Public Inspection File
          FCC Applications
          Copyright © 2026 ABC, Inc., KGO-TV San Francisco. All Rights Reserved.
          More:News • Local • Sports • Politics • Technology • Entertainment • Weather • Health • Business • Us • World • Traffic