Quick Reference: Visiting Cal

To find a wealth of things to do during your visit, see the campus calendar of events.

Note: Telephone numbers and web addresses for more information about these activities are listed on the Quick Reference.

Cal Performances serves approximately 250,000 people annually through performances in Zellerbach Hall, Zellerbach Playhouse, Hertz Hall, Wheeler Hall, and the Hearst Greek Theatre. It also sponsors education and community outreach programs, music festivals, and exhibitions and brings to Berkeley some of the top artists in jazz, dance, classical and contemporary music, theater, and opera. Program information can be found in Cal Performances’ season program brochure or on its web site.

Sather Tower, fondly referred to as the Campanile, rises to a height of 307 feet. Located in the geographic center of campus, the Campanile is the symbolic heart and enduring symbol of Cal. Carillon concerts can be heard several times a day. An elevator ride followed by a hike of 38 steps to the observation platform at the 200-foot level provides visitors with a spectacular view of the campus and the entire Bay Area. Off-campus visitors are charged a small fee.

Note: Because of the stairs from the top of the elevator to the observation platform, the platform is not wheelchair accessible.

The Department of Music also offers a wide range of performances throughout the year.

The Department of Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies provides opportunities for students to perform and produces mainstage, studio, and workshop performances of classical, modern, and original theatrical works for visitors. Guests can also treat themselves to productions of masterworks of the modern dance repertoire, as well as newly choreographed pieces.

Doe, Moffitt, and Bancroft Libraries form the core of UC Berkeley’s library system. The Reading Room and the Morrison Room in Doe are architectural treasures not to be missed.

The Hearst Museum of Anthropology exhibits art, artifacts, and archaeological samples from peoples around the world.

Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors numerous competitions for men and women in a variety of sports throughout the year.

The Lawrence Hall of Science features participatory astronomy, computer, and biology exhibits for all ages; a planetarium; and films and lectures.

The Pacific Film Archive (PFA) is one of the major film exhibition centers in the country, offering programs of international cinema to the public. PFA maintains a study collection of 10,000 prints and 6,000 books and provides media information services and facilities for both film study and research screenings.

The UC Berkeley Art Museum is the major visual arts museum serving the university community. Facilities include galleries, a fine arts bookstore, sculpture garden, café, and a film theater and film library (PFA). The museum offers some 15 exhibitions annually. Special study collections are available to students and faculty.

The UC Botanical Garden, which includes plants from most climatic zones around the world, spreads over 30 acres with flowers, plants, trees, greenhouses, and hiking trails. It is a wonderful place to tour, hike, or enjoy as a lovely setting for reading.

The Valley Life Sciences Building features the Osborn Tyrannosaurus rex from the Hell Creek Formation in eastern Montana.

Off-campus events provide a rich supplement to recreation on campus. For current information on the arts, special events, and activities, visit the Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site.

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