Art and culture mix with technology and nature in Menlo Park. You'll find a diverse collection of galleries and theaters scattered throughout local neighborhoods in Menlo Park and the Bay Area. Many of the Menlo Park California exhibits you'll find on display at art galleries here include works from local, national, and world-renowned artists. Art and culture are right at home in Menlo Park.
Menlo Park Arts and Culture
Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Rd
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 322-2405
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am to 5pm
Combining art galleries and botanical gardens, the guild includes specialty shops, artist studios, a cafe, and plenty of room to hold special events throughout the year. Owned and operated by the Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary, part of the property includes an art gallery (see below).
Portola Art Gallery
75 Arbor Rd
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 321-0220
Part of the Allied Arts Guild, this small art gallery is nestled within Menlo Park's residential communities. Embracing the area's natural surroundings, walk through well-tended gardens and blooming trees while heading into the gallery to view the exhibits.
Xanadu Gallery
871 Santa Cruz Ave
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 329-9999
This gallery, located in the city's historic Frank Lloyd Wright building, presents extensive selections of Asian, oceanic, and ethnographic artwork. Much of this artwork is available for purchase, with some items under $100 and others exceeding $500,000.
Peabody Fine Art Gallery
603 Santa Cruz Ave
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 322-2200
Featured artists include Ronnie Wood, Grace Slice, and even Dr. Seuss. Artists from around the world put on special gallery shows throughout the year. These include exhibits specific to certain artists or embracing themes related to seasons, holidays, and specific artists or art styles.
Palo Alto Art Center
1313 Newell Rd
Palo Alto, CA
(650) 329-2366
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 5pm, Tuesday-Thursday 7pm to 10pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5pm
Aside from a stunning display of Mexican and Native American artwork, the Palo Alto Art Center also offers classes especially for kids. Staffed largely by volunteers, the art center is a great place to view and learn about art.
Menlo Park CA Theaters
Stanford Theatre
221 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA
(650) 324-3700
You can't miss the large neon marquee. Dating to 1925, this has been the premier movie house in the area of years. If you have a true appreciation of classic films, this is the place to be. Festivals include tributes to classic musicals and famed directors, such as Alfred Hitchcock.
Golden Gate Theater
1 Taylor St
San Francisco, CA
Embracing the grand style of its 1922 debut year, the days of elegance and style are alive and well here. Everybody from Rex Harrison to Bette Midler has performed at this theater, not far from Menlo Park. Even after numerous renovations, this grand theater remains a symbol of class. Popular shows include the San Francisco Best of Broadway series. Stomp and Annie are just some of the recent productions coming here.
Actors Theatre of San Francisco
855 Bush St
San Francisco, CA
Box Office: (415) 345-1287
Located between Taylor and Mason streets, this is considered one of the finest theaters in the Bay Area. Plays include something from nearly every genre. Many of the actors performing here grew up in Bay Area communities such as Menlo Park. Take a break from live productions and enjoy Stand-up Comedy Night. Aspiring actors can even take classes here.
Guild Theatre
949 El Camino Real
Menlo Park, CA
(650) 266-9260
Offering a collection of independent and foreign films, this is one of the area's oldest theaters. Characterized by two giant golden wings and a large screen, any show seen here is sure to be memorable at this historic landmark.
