Artillery shells, four local soils, reclaimed wood, and recycled carpet all went into the construction of Berkeley's latest LEED certified architectural wonder. Having opened just last week as one of the Bay Area's premier green office and event spaces, the Brower Center aims to inspire social action by providing an incubation ground for the collaboration of progressive organizations and citizens. Currently it houses half a dozen non-profits from those supporting local agriculture (CAFF) to community builders and environmentalists. The 180-seat theater, galleries and restaurant provide the pollen for the curious, active swarms to engage and mobilize. The execution is gorgeous: the building uses no artificial light during the day and collects vast amounts of energy from the rooftop solar panels. Rain is also channeled to water the patio gardens and toilets. It feels expansive and open but is a bit lacking in warmth. However, the Salgado photography exhibit on the ground floor is not to be missed; heart wrenching and thought provoking, they hit the (reclaimed) nail on the head with this one. I'm hoping to see some interesting community programs for youths. The key here is in utilization. We'll see what comes... read more

David Brower Center - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Berkeley, California

You Call That Art? On a rainy Tuesday evening, I came out to the David Brower Center for a fun workshop with Visual Thinking Strategies on finding new and interesting ways to engage with art. We used the DBC's new gallery exhibition, "Land, Use", as our examples. I particularly enjoyed the discussions around the "Trojan Horse" and "Victory Garden" pictures. It was a fulfilling group exercise and made me realize how much information I miss during a museum visit, as I mostly breeze through. The DBC Exhibit Space is handsome and inviting and staff was more than accommodating. I also had a Kismet moment while looking at Fernando García Dory 's "Shepard's School" display about his work in Northern Spain. Gayle and I had marveled over those same Picos de Europa mountains and may have observed a few of those very nomads during our walk that one October day above Fuente De. read more

I came here because of an art exhibit titled Laura Cunningham: BEFORE CALIFORNIA. Laura Cunningham: Before California is on now through January 30, 2013. This exhibition is in the lobby of the David Brower Center and it is free to the general public. This exhibit is tied to her book, A STATE OF CHANGE: FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPES OF CALIFORNIA, published by Berkeley's Heyday Books. I understand that this is Ms. Cunningham's very first solo art exhibition. I hope it is the start of many more, and the David Brower Center has the distinction and honor of being the first to exhibit her work. Ms. Cunningham is an artist and scientist who studied and did extensive research in putting her book and artwork together. She has been drawing and painting since she was a child. She studied paleontology and biology at the University of California, Berkeley. She worked as a field biologist researching rare and endangered species such as the Owens Valley pupfish and the Yosemite toad, according to the placard introducing her exhibit. Upon seeing her art and her work, I could not help but wonder as to why man and beast cannot live in harmony together with nature. There are eight paintings and about eight reproductions of her sketches and notes. There is even a display of her notebooks, pencils, and sketches in the center of the exhibit. It is my understanding that the David Brower Center is a great place to have events. It is one of Berkeley's LEED certified buildings, along with Berkeley City College, among others. I hope Ms. Cunningham's work was part of many events this past year at the David Brower Center. Fresh Review #3 of 100 Yelps! for 2013. read more

David Brower Center - The Artist: Laura Cunningham. "Old Sierra White Wolf (1996)" Oil on Canvas. - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

We rented the site for a work meeting. The facility itself was great and everything went off without a hitch. Great location and lot of good eating options nearby. read more

I HIGHLY recommend the DBC for event space/ rental. Their staff was incredibly accommodating, professional, and super prepared. We hosted 2 presentations in their upstairs room, plus a reception in the downstairs gallery. Everything went flawlessly, thanks to the DBC crew's attention to detail and yes-attitude. The entire space is gorgeous, unique and inspiring. The technology was especially impressive. With the flip of a switch you can shade the windows, dim the lights, adjust the sound, and lower the hidden projector from the ceiling. It's all very streamlined and efficient, and makes it much less stressful as the presenter, knowing that everything is brand spanking new and super easy to use. Our guests all commented on what a lovely space it was. The BART station is less than a block away and there's a parking garage directly below the building ($15 all day max, not bad). Their in-house caterer is AMAZING too. They use all local, organic ingredients and put a lot of love into the food and presentation. Prepare to be more than satisfied. read more

Experiencing an event at The David Brower Center is....magical. The art and design within are pitch perfect. The uncluttered facility gives the complex installations the background they deserve. My favorite art installation was the chandelier invoking memories of puppetry as the anchor moves slowly in a circle....thousands of strings- a must see for anyone who appreciates architecture and design. read more

Cool venue close to BART and campus. We attended a wedding here and had a good ol' time. There was room for catering to prepare out front and servers brought in appetizers while guests stood around tables and talked. The ceremony happened in the main room, too, same as with drinks/food. They're a pretty non-traditional couple. There was another room in the place, but we didn't utilize it. Lots of dancing, cool art on the walls, awesome kinetic sculpture above. Had a great time, loved the space. The good: held all the guests comfortably (about 70-80). The bad: a little echoey. Hard to hear the vows due to kiddos making noises + echoes. read more

My wedding was held here the last weekend of September 2010 and it there was no doubt that my husband and I picked the right place to get married. We wanted to pick a venue that reflects our style and that promote environmental justice, which is near and dear to our hearts. We rented out the entire building for the day with a security staff, AV tech person and day of events coordinator. They were all helpful and complied to our requests. Even months leading up to the event, the events coordinator-- Laurie was responsive to our emails and really worked with us in our planning process. All for a reasonably priced because they based the quote on the largest room and they add on the rooms for a discounted price. I could not have picked a better venue and all our guest raved about the sleek architecture and the thought- provoking exhibit by Chris Jordan called Running the Numbers. A truly memorable event at an amazing venue. They do have requirements such as caterers complying with green certification and no use of candles but it was not a limitation for us because this only promoted the mission of the building. read more

I cannot recommend David Brower Center (DBC) highly enough as an event space. I have been a guest at several events hosted in their theater and also recently hosted my company's holiday party there as well. The event management staff are professional, friendly, and on top of it. The price for the venue is very affordable given how beautiful and BART-friendly it is. The downstairs gallery is also the home for a rotation of interesting and environmentally-minded art which adds a wonderful dimension to the elegance of the space. The on-site event staff (house manager, AV, security, janitorial) are all wonderful to work with and very personable. Everyone was punctual, attentive and relaxed even when there was a minor facility mishap. If you are looking for a space that is easy to work with, affordable, environmentally-minded, and beautiful - please consider DBC! read more

Looking for wedding space? Well, take it from this green bride, look no further! It's been 10 days since my wedding and I cannot tell you how great the Brower Center is. From the gallery to the terrace and Tam room, you have a variety of spaces that offer different feels. It's not only incredibly clean, green and mod, but Laurie and her staff made us feel so comfortable with the multiple site visits for a.) caterers, b.) florists, c.) decorations and d.) wedding planner. I would highly recommend throwing an event here...the terrace was our favorite part! My husband and I will look forward to coming back to see their changing exhibits and also to reminisce about where we had the best night of our lives with all our favorite people. Beautiful space!!! read more

I attended a party here and I hope I get a chance to visit the Center again and see more of the building and learn how it got it's LEED rating. The location was the perfect place for the Yelp Helps Event. Several of the non-profits at the event had offices in the building. Parking can be difficult so take BART if you can. The Center does not have it's own garage. BTW the toilets were kind of grossing me out till I read the "we use rain water sign". I suggest the Center add a sign on the bathroom door and one on each stall door. The signs don't all have to say the same thing. Maybe say "It's suppose to look like that", "No really somebody did flush" and "Just because the clouds are white doesn't mean the rain water is". read more

Thoroughly enjoyed spending several hours at the Meet Your Maker event last Saturday. It was great to walk slowly through the gallery, talking to each "maker" and getting curious about all sorts of beautiful, creative, delicious and/or just downright cool things! I came and appreciated and learned. I especially enjoyed the workshop/presentation about Urban Ore. I plan to make a trip there soon with a bunch of stuff!!! And I liked the mixology demonstration outside on the terrace. Oh, and, I really loved the free ice coffee from the folks who are opening a new place in the dog patch neighborhood. Anyone remember what they are called? Love the Brower Center and highly recommend it for great public events!! read more

I love this building and everything it stands for. This is a LEED Platinum rated building, people. For Yelpers less familiar with the program, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and Platinum is as good as it gets. It's beautiful, contemporary, and houses some really cool works of art. I love the kinetic sculpture that extends through the building, from the main level lobby and up several floors. The aesthetic is clean and contemporary, without being too cold, and the design allows for an open, engaging atmosphere that seems to encourage social interaction and exchanging ideas. Given its LEED rating, it's obviously very energy and resource efficient, including toilets that use rainwater instead of potable water, which is why the toilet water in the bathrooms looks a little less than perfectly clear. But it's perfectly safe, and why use up water we can drink in something that will only receive waste? Speaking of the bathrooms, I also love the high-powered hand dryers. Paper towels are so passé. But most importantly, the organizations housed in the David Brower Center are exceptional. The environmental and social change-makers who reside here compose a rich and exciting community that could truly change the world. It's so Berkeley. I love it. read more

This place is huge! I love how green everything in this building is. The restrooms are not an exception with their toilets offering a half-flush, full-flush, and rain-water used in the toilets.The mitsubishi express hand dryers are my favorite! The theater was so spacious and I love the fact that there are different levels in this building, and that even the stair case is interestingly designed. Beautiful patio out on the second floor. I look forward to visiting here again some time! :) read more

Five bright stars for the Sebastiao Salgado photography exhibit, although I have no doubt the building itself deserves its share of them. Inspired by Ligaya's review, it was my plan to check out the David Brower Center after lunch at Azerbaijan. I didn't check out the entire building, just the Salgado exhibit on the ground floor. I refer you to her excellent review for details of the building's pedigree and provenance. I just checked their website and the building is open from 10-5 weekdays. No weekend hours as yet. I hope eventually there will be. The double doors to the building are wooden and heavy, w/ sturdy vertical wooden handles wrapped at the ends and secured by graceful metal fixtures. The feeling is of solidity, simplicity and grandeur, all at the same time. The Salgado exhibit will be on display through January 31, 2010. I wish it were permanent. Here's the link: http://www.browercenter.org/exhibitions/current The photographs are stunning, beautiful and difficult, of people, landscapes and animals. I won't attempt to describe them, other than to say they are some of the most powerfully evocative photographs I've ever seen of people working and struggling. There's a photo of a whale's tale that is close and detailed and next to it one of the leg and foot of a maritime iguana that looks sculpted out of metal. The man is a master. Just go see for yourself. You will be glad you did. It's serendipitous, but I'm glad it was the subject of my 700th review. read more

No off-street parking for bicycles--at the Brower Center!?! Bring all your gear because you'll be leaving your bike on the street.

Lovely venue. Parking garages within walking distance and plenty of art around for when you run out of conversation topics.

All I can say is WOW!!! I hosted a private event here for my nonprofit agency and everything I mean everything was simply AMAZING! From start to finish. Laurie who handled the details of my event was very informative and willing to answer any questions. She was very helpful during the entire process. On the day of the event Rob made sure everything went smoothly and ensured that I had everything that I needed for the event. If I need to have another event in the area this will be my first place I would look to for booking read more

Cool space to attend an event! Rotating art gallery in the lobby and the meeting rooms and theaters are really nice. It's a LEED Platinum Building and they have a computer that allows you to see the buildings sustainable features. Lots of S40 T5 non profits work in the building and worth checking the building's calendar for events, lectures, films, etc.... read more

A recent symposium on the arts led me this sustainably run gallery (the bathrooms source rainwater for the plumbing) and meeting space in the heart of Berkeley. Comfortable auditoriums, spacious gallery space, a commitment to fostering community, the building does namesake Brower --the founder of Earth Island Institute and Friends of the Earth who passed away after spearheading much of the modern environmental movement as we know it -- proud. read more

My office is housed at the Brower Center and I thoroughly appreciate the thoughtfulness and ongoing improvements that have gone into this building. Although there were challenges with the indoor temperatures in the first several months of the building opening, my experience with the climate control in the building has been very satisfactory over the last year. The radiant heating system is one of the first of its kind, so it took a while for them to get the timing and controls for temperature right. I don't particularly like the look of the ash/concrete in the building construction, but as a workplace, that is more than counter-balanced by the number of neat events being held in the building every week. I also appreciate the fresh air from opening windows and the large amount of natural daylight in most of the building. The gallery showcases a variety of thought-provoking art tackling environmental and social justice topics that are both beautiful and challenging. The gallery is a bit barren with all the concrete, but I would stop by to explore this gallery even if I didn't work upstairs. There's a beautiful moving sculpture (hanging) that was just installed yesterday in the main foyer which I think will be here for the next year - absolutely beautiful. There's also a free short tour every Friday (you can check on their website), which highlights all the green features of the building for anyone who wants to know more. read more

As far as large events go, I would recommend against the David Brower Center. I attended Skepticon 2010 on April 24th expecting to be blown away by this 'marvelous achievement of humankind', only to be thoroughly disappointed that they can't even control the climate inside the building. Regardless of which room we were in, from the theater to the smaller conference rooms, every room was stifling. This does not make sense to me as the outside temperature never exceeded a brisk 60 degrees. Furthermore, they don't allow ANY drinks in the rooms, so forget about having water to help cool you off. Don't get me wrong, the decor is beautiful, if not a bit simplistic, which is why I gave this place a second star. During our event, we were not only reminded to use the recycling bins they have placed all around, but we were told by the staff that we were not doing a good enough job, and could we please just look at the pictures if we couldn't figure out how to throw things away. To me, a bit overly-condescending. I love my skeptic buddies, but if the event is ever held in this venue again, I'm afraid that it will not be worth the time as I spent most of the time figuring out ways to keep cool. I wonder what it will be like in the middle of the summer? I'll leave that review up to somebody else. read more

"Meet Your Maker": The people and their work were totally delightful. However, the acoustics in the building are a nightmare -- I had a headache from the noise within 5 minutes of entering; also, the ventilation leaves a lot to be desired. I was there with a friend who is allergic to many scents, and she couldn't be there very long without getting sick. We were sad, there were lots of fabulous things to see, and some workshops we'd wanted to attend, but we both had to get out of there too soon. read more