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Montalvo Arts Center
Rating Details »
Categories: Performing Arts, Art Galleries, Music Venues [Edit]
15400 Montalvo RoadSaratoga, CA 95070
(408) 961-5800
Montalvo Now Offering Yoga Classes!
Yoga at the Villa starts Nov. 3! $15 per class, $12 for…
Announced 1 week agoMore »
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
53 reviews for Montalvo Arts Center
i came here on saturday to watch the ozomatli concert. i was surprised that it was an outdoor venue. it was in a beatiful setting and made for a fantastic night. the show was awesome and they have ongoing concerts here throughout the year. beer was a little expensive($8-$9), but that's not gonna stop me :) i was a bit disappointed in the food choices because most of the choices were stuff i dont eat(hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, etc). but the food looked good at least.
they also have a gallery here that we checked out for a bit. the security guard even gave us a guide as to what each piece of art was. one bad part was that the women's bathroom clogged up(friggin hot dogs) and they had to use the men's. oh well, i just pee in the woods anyways. parking was $2 about a mile away, and they had free limo-bus shuttles to and from the venue. that was a great touch. i definitely hope to come back here again.
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If you're looking for incredibly awesome bands to play in your back yard while your closest friends are hanging out, drinking wine, & noshing on nachos, look no further.....Montalvo Arts Center is this experience
Last night, we had the ultimate pleasure of seeing THE WALLFLOWERS & what a great night it was!
Uber-small & intimate outdoor venue....and no exaggeration - the adorable Jacob Dylan was was like 20 ft away & this is only b/c we were in the 7th row - the stage is only raised but a smidge - like the height of a stair - we could walk up & grab, I mean, stay right where we were.
Grand Mediterranean style house w/ enormous front yard, surrounded by immense Eucalyptus Trees & lush landscaping
Walk around to the back & there's the tiny stage & seats just waiting for you. Seats are perfect (if you bring a cushion) & they offer tons of room & awesome head to height ratio so no view-obstruction. Selling wine, beer, sodas as well as nachos, hot dogs & maybe other munchables too - very well organized!!
Sound was crisp & loud enough to ward off the tennie-bopper-party in the row behind us. We hardly heard them & they in no way drowned out the band
The staff were the absolute nicest people I have ever encountered. Everyone & I mean EVERYONE made a point to say hi, welcome to the venue, thanks for coming, hope you are enjoying yourself
This in addition to the multitude of so-new-it-still-has-the-new-car-smell limo shuttles that took us to & from our parking & I've rarely seen such 5-Star treatment from a venue
So a BIG 5 STARS for Montalvo!!
Not only hip to the music scene, there are also 2.5 miles of walking trails, special Luncheon Events & Arts to-dos. Super-excited to come back in a few weeks for COWBOY JUNKIES
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finally! i got to come here for a wedding. i have been here years ago for a weekend picnic and friends, but i was always curious what it would be like to see a wedding here.
yes, this place has a gorgeous setup of gardens, a courtyard and patio area for a dinner reception.
unfortunately, i came to a summer wedding in june 2009. wow, it was bordering a beautiful nightmare. stifling hot is an understatement on that day. but, how is anyone to know the weather when scheduling a wedding day 1-3 yrs ahead? i know i know. but as a guest, seriously my makeup was literally melted off my face.
here's my experience as a wedding guest:
ceremony began about 5ish. we arrived early (4:30) for a good parking space and a good seat for the ceremony. it was nice that there were large umbrellas covering most of the ceremony seating and personal paper fans provided, but the sun had not set until after 6, so i felt like i was in china in august, just sitting in such crazy heat.... such that shade is almost irrelevant in helping you cool down. i went through all my tissues wiping away the sweat off my face. i wish i was joking but this really was happening throughout the night. after the ceremony, the lower courtyard with the fountain was serving beverages and hor d'oveurs (i don't know how to spell that). you would think that lower level would be cooler.... and no, it wasn't. it seemed even hotter because wind wasn't able to travel around here, meaning stale settled air. inside the building, there are a few rooms. one large room was the dance floor. another room was the cake cutting room, which was way too small to allow everyone to crowd around. i couldn't see anything. the bathrooms are decent and functional. the reception tables are set up on the patio area, which allows a great view of the front part of the estate. that day, it was still very hot at even 9pm. i think my friend nearly fainted of heat stroke. we had to leave early. my point? there weren't any large fans to create a breeze and there is no air conditioning anywhere (not anywhere in the rooms open to the public). personally, i can tolerate heat better than cold, but obviously not everyone is like this.
despite my difficult experience, i still think this is a great venue for a wedding. but....
if you plan to have a wedding here, seriously consider the month that you pick your wedding date. or at least allow some flexibility in attire. i don't know how men can tolerate 90 degree weather while wearing the entire tuxedo for 5+ hours. please consider your guests!
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Attended a Brian Regan show in August, the venue was amazing - the cool air, the sky above, being surrounded by oak trees and the history and architecture nearby was incredible.
Quite a beautiful place. Came with a group up here to "hike". However its honestly a stroll in the park. It sort of reminds me of a cemetary without the stones. A somewhat morbid view but just think about it, such places have pretty good greenery and very well maintained grounds ... which is pretty much this place. There is like a poet's retreat here that i could understand why. You can walk and have your own little world to walk through. Secluded among some ritzy looking houses, this place is pretty cool imo.
I don't know what the hiking part at villa montalvo is called, so I am doing a review solely on my hiking experience. I been here twice, the first time I went, I was so so tired, I couldn't even breath. The trails are really steep, so they give you a great workout. Also, It is a very small hike, around 25-40 minute back and forth. It felt good getting to the top, It looked beautiful! My second time I was ready to go, I was leading all my friends and I didn't feel as tired, It was probably the hike in Morgan hill that made me better at hiking. It is a beautiful trail and a super great workout in a short period of time. I highly recommend this place!
The events manager, Kathleen Kirkpatrick has not returned any of my e-mails and phone calls. I was thinking about having our wedding here, but I received a bad impression first hand already.
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First of all it was my sister's wedding and luckily our family is pretty easy going so she (Kathleen) did not ruin the wedding. However beautiful the location and nice everyone else was my taste for this place was soured by the coordinator. Kathleen was rude to my sister and my family and our guests, pushing us along during the wedding rehearsal like we were some kids loitering on her property. Weddings are very important and a once in a life time event and for someone with the lack of people skills or common sense to be in charge of that really bothers me. Kathleen didn't even know anything about the history of the place as if she never took the tour herself - who is in charge of placing her with so much responsibility? Toward the end of the night of the wedding she was being so rude to our guests, basically telling them to go home that my brother had to tell her off. I will not come back to this place as long as Kathleen is employed there. I really hope they do something about this.
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This is an awesome place for a wedding. I went this weekend for my cousin's wedding. The set-up of the place was just beautiful. In a traditional indian wedding the groom's side of the family goes to the bride's side to marry her and then to take her back to his place. While the groom and the family go to the bride's place, they dance and sing on the way there. Usually it's a block or two before the wedding site. The driveway was perfect for that occassion. At the door step the bride and the groom's family do their 'welcome' ceremony. Again, perfect location. The ceremony took place in the back, cocktail hour in the center, and dinner in dance towards the front. If you know of a place like this in S. Cali, let me know.
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I came here for my friend's wedding and I must say, it was a very nice location for an outdoor wedding. Fortunately the weather was nice and sunny, but since it was sunny, it was HOT! I actually got a slight sun tan, but that went away after about 48 hours. Anyways, this art center use to be a mansion. It's got a huge lawn in front of the building, a super nice patio/courtyward (that's where the ceremony was) and behind it is a stage with stadium seating. I'm sure the summer concerts here are very cool. Montalvo also has several hiking trails. I heard you can hike to the top of the hills and enjoy panoramic views for Silicon Valley and the coast. I'll be back to check out the trails and any future events.
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I had the most incredible experience getting married at Villa Montalvo. Not only was it my dream location, but we received incredible service. Villa Montalvo was worth every penny (9k plus). The wedding coordinator, Kathleen Kirkpatrick, WAS WONDERFUL- AN ABSOLUTE DREAM. She took such great care of us and really made our special day that much more incredible. She worked with our schedules to book the rehearsal, location meetings, and provided the best service possible. Even when I was breaking down crying about to walk down the aisle, Kathleen was the only one standing there- she stayed there with me and helped me keep it together! And our wedding went perfectly!
The venue is spectacular, and intimate. We chose Le Pappion for the catering and Flower Divas for the flowers- both outstanding. I have been producing television for the last 15 years, including producing wedding specials for television, and so I was that much more impressed by how well we were taken care of at Villa Montalvo.
Golden Gate Park's pretty little neice.
Nothing compared to GGP, of course, but this is a quiet little villa is great for light hiking, a breath of fresh air, and a mini-getaway from the noise, traffic, hustle and smog of everyday city life. Lots of trees, a hiking trail and hundreds of different plants and flowers. Free entrance and free parking. Always very quiet and not as many people and tourists as GGP.
If you need a quiet place to have some "alone time" without all the locals and tourists and dogs at GGP; head to Villa Montalvo.
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Very beautiful place. I haven't been inside the mansion but the surroundings are breathtaking. Lovely, fresh green foliage, lush palm trees, and cacti. Several trails take you up, even deeper into the "wild" with the promise of a beautiful view from atop the hills.
There is also a gated area (to keep out deer) with some interesting statues of goblins and Adam and Eve.
Parking is free, and there are 4 parking lots to accommodate you. Entrance is also free.
My photos do not do it justice at all--come see for yourself. Villa Montalvo is tranquil in the way that many public parks are not...it offers a respite from the busy, hectic, technology-laden world that we live in. Downside: No picnics allowed!
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I was recently married at Villa Montalvo and having nothing but wonderful things to say and recall about the venue AND the events manager, Kathleen Kirkpatrick.
The grounds and facilities are the Villa are unparelleled in beauty. The Villa itself is spectacular, with a grand staircase, stunning arched windows and doors, beautiful hardwood floors, an oversize fireplace, and several rooms for the bride and the groom (and families) each to use for day-of-wedding preparations. You get use of the oval garden, the courtyard, the villa itself, the verandah, and the sprawling from lawn all included for the single rental fee-- it's really a lot of space and it provides a lot of options for planning. Although there is a concert facility on the grounds, if you choose your date properly, you won't interfere with them and they certainly won't interfere with you.
I have read the reviews of one unhappy bride and all the family and friends that she evidently asked to write similar reviews, and find them to be very unfair. First of all, Kathleen is the Events Manager at the Arts Center, she is not a personal wedding coordinator, and although I found her to be incredibly helpful and knowledgable, if what you want is a Mindy Weiss-type coordinator, you need to hire one. For us, she did a phenomenal job in the planning: she made recommendations of vendors, worked with us to keep within our budget, and walked the site with us on several occasions. On the day of the wedding, she was fantastic-- she made sure all the physical elements of the actual wedding were in order (chairs, tables, umbrellas once it was forecasted to be very hot), actually had my list of vendors with her at all times so she could contact everyone for me (when my cake was late in arriving, KATHLEEN, not me, called to find out what was going on and to make sure the bakery had directions, etc.), and she worked with our caterer to ensure everything was in its place. She kept her eye on everything and made special accommodations for us due to the heat. She was MORE than pleasant-- she was perfectly professional, a pleasure to have around, blended in seamlessly, answered every question I had, and stayed on-site from early in the day until the very end of the reception.
The only thing I can say about this bride who was unsatisfied is that due to the historic nature of the Villa, there are certain restrictions that need to be followed, such as no flower petals allowed on the floors inside and if you want them along your aisle you or your florist has to get them all picked up by the end of the wedding. But if you appreciate the Villa for what it really is, you shouldn't mind these small things. Also, there are lots of events at the Villa, sometimes up to 4 weddings in a single weekend, so Kathleen of course gets busy, but I will say that I think it is misleading to post a review that is so negative. If you are considering having a wedding or any event at the Villa, I would say to contact Kathleen yourself and make up your own mind-- I'm pretty sure you'll find her to be wonderful to work with!
"Not bad for a starter house" joked one of the guests at my wedding. Not too shabby - the Villa is a 1920's era mansion on sprawling grounds with expansive lawns and hiking trails that serves as an art school during the week and an event/concert venue on weekends and evenings.
We quickly decided it was the venue for us after one visit. We loved the relative seclusion, as well as the look of the building and the surrounding space. The price was also competitive with other top-tier venues like the Kohl Mansion and Nestledown. They have also recently reduced their fees in response to the slowing economy. We took advantage of the fact that the venue is thousands of dollars cheaper on Sundays, including holiday weekends, when Sunday is just as good as Saturday (well, from the having to get up and go to work the next day perspective anyway). A good part of the fee is also apparently a tax-deductible donation to a non-profit.
The space is almost tailor made for a wedding - the small garden in the back is a common site for the ceremony, and from there, there's a logic to the flow of the crowd moving down into the back courtyard for cocktails and then onto the beautiful veranda for dinner.
Kathleen the event coordinator is helpful and very experienced. No, it's not cheap. It can be very hot there - our rehearsal was a real barn-burner in the 100's but luckily it cooled down to a pleasant high of 77 on the day of our wedding. If you do an evening wedding here I can't recommend Enhanced Lighting more to accentuate the beauty of the venue at night. So if the non-religious venue and antique Mediterranean look appeals to you you should check it out. Overall, it was the right place for us, and I'm 100% satisfied.
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Beautiful place to enjoy the grounds or take in a show - and easier to get to than the Mountain Winery!
Wonderfully sunny most of the time, can't remember a time that it had bad weather, so lucked out in that regard. The shows are intimate so the performer can have a dialogue with the audience! ;-) It can get a bit chilly in the evening so you may want to bring a sweater/coat.
Plentiful parking for weekdays, but can get a bit cramped and take a bit of a walk during concerts.
Fantastic front lawn, but there are restrictions on what you can bring, eat, drink, etc.
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Adding one more star here ...
I understand from reading an article in the San Jose Mercury that the head of the Montalvo center has or will soon resign. Hopefully, they will get a new head of operations that will promote the music side of Montalvo like they did in the old days. Those shows were so great and fun and special.
Please, please, please, bring the music back. We miss it.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/9/2008
I am only giving this a one star because they took away all of the great music concerts I used to go… Read more »
Beautiful!
Went here on a Bio field trip and went hiking. The forest is breathtaking. Feels like you are in another world...well given you are in the woods and it is pretty isolated from civilization...its pretty amazing anyways. The mansion here is also very beautiful...but I'm not into that.
I'd rather just gather my friends and take a hike and then have a picnic here. Yea the sights and sounds are unique.
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My fiance and I came here after a bunch of recommendations from other brides to be.
We loved the layout and flow this venue. Ideally, the ceremony would be in the back of the house, cocktail hour in the Spanish villa, then dancing and reception in the front of the house. The estate has soo many great photos ops, even in the bridal changing room!
Rental fees are very pricey but since Montalvo Arts is a non-profit, anything over $3500 is tax deductible.
I am a fan of Villa Montalvo but I am not a fan of http://Jumbotickets.com who finally refunded money after 4 months for a concert that never existed. Do not use this reseller. They overcharge for the seats and sell tickets for concerts that are not even scheduled. They should just state that they are a bank that did not give any interest. What crooks! Villa Montalvo is aware of the scheme and should do more to protect people who go to their websites to order tickets via ticketmaster and end up in this hoax.
If you're planning a wedding at Villa Montalvo, you will get a more then a soccer field size space but a secluded high end Mediterranean villa feeling. You can have small or big wedding, on the lawn or inside, it will feel special. Being a photographer, I implemented many cool photo ideas there. Just a bridal changing room with huge windows worth mentioning. You can designate separate room for the cake which is quite a rare for Bay Area venues, separate room for a dance floor, cocktail hour, etc., This place however in my opinion could be maintained better for the price charged. I heard its tax deductible if you have a wedding there. For those who decide to have an evening wedding there, I strongly recommend hiring a professional lighting company as after sunset, the place is poorly lit and all the beauty pretty much disappears.
Here is sample of a ceremony on the outside lawn:
http://iqphoto.com/blo...
best,
Joseph
Wonderful place you have to check out to believe. The place lives up to the hype.
And it's much easier to find IN THE DAYLIGHT than I thought. The turnout was smaller than I expected so parking was not a problem. If you're coming for a larger show and arriving at night? I would definitely take the shuttle as I can only imagine the headache of driving/parking yourself.
The Carriage House is a *wonderful* intimate venue for shows and premium seats are worth the money. Top notch sound system. Even if you sit at the last row, you will still get a better view than at a traditional SRO concert or musical hall. I will definitely seek out performances at Montalvo in the future.
Now, onto my PSA for the day --
Enlightened and educated natives of mountain living and 9-5ers rushing back to SF (ha! now you know how it feels for US!) *please* stop tailgating me on unlit winding mountain roads where Deer Xing signs abound, the posted speed limit is 15mph, and multiple warnings about driving slowly at Montalvo are given by management.
I grew up in this 'hood too, and yes, I've seen deers get hit in the mountains (Ever hear a screaming deer? It WILL cancel out the good vibes from your concert) and basically, it's FRICKIN ANNOYING to have your Lexus, Prius, beat up hippie mobile, whatevs kissing my bumper. Seriously, I will sue your ass and join the 'Creative Circle' of investors here with your money if you hit my car so S-T-O-P.
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A great place to get married in the South Bay. Beautiful landscape and the natural settings are gorgeous. Not cheap though. I believe to have a ceremony and reception will cost $12K (some of it is tax deductible).
Check out the Love Temple for the ceremony.
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I like the art, I like that they serve a little wine at a concert. Um I hate the sound system, and I am not even one of those weird audiophiles who complains about sound systems. Would not come back to see a show.
This place is absolutely stunning. I came here on a hot ass evening to see a show in the Garden Theatre. Jason (the guy performing this night) joked that he was singing to his friends in a huge backyard. Which it really is, the theatre is right behind the huge house on the hill. The stage is really small and intimate - I sat in the first chair of row H and had an awesome view.
The Montalvo also provided a ton of great food that was suprisingly very reasonably priced. I ordered the Jerk Chicken Sandwich for about 8 bucks... which is really good for what i consider gourmet food (it had mangos in it! weird!)
Before your show starts you are free to roam around the estate. The front yard is really neat with it's unusual sculptures, and in the back, behind the theatre, are a bunch of cool trails. The staff here is pretty nice, they pretty much let you do whatever you want.
The only thing I didn't like about this place was the parking situation for concerts. If you didn't pre-pay the 25.00 to park in the Montalvo Parking lot, you could park for free at West Valley College. West Valley College is a few miles away and you would need to take a free shuttle in. ...While that seems fine, being free and all, it really isnt. When 1000 people want to get on a little 25 seater shuttle back to their cars at the end of the show, you can only imagine what the line is like for a ride back to the lot... So with that said, SPEND THE 25.00 FOR PARKING. - I did, and I was thankful.
I would love to have my wedding here. Too bad it isn't legal.
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Iraqi: Reframe "Iraq's Lost Treasures"
http://www.montalvoart...
This was my first encounter with Montalvo's lecture series/Stanford Aurora forum and I found it really insightful. Sure I was perhaps 1 in 4 of the only attendees that didn't have a thinning hairline but you know what I was here to hear the speakers. Too often war related discussions focus only on the direct political impact of war without studying the revererberations of what is also happening in the arts. My only criticism is I thought the presentations could have been much deeper in terms of connecting this destruction of the arts with the rise of Islam, but the short hour might have been the culprit for the lack of depth. I''m definitely checking out next lecture in the series with independent journalist Dahr Jamil AND Mark Gonnerman on Mon, Feb 4.
Montalvo Arts Center presents IRAQ: REFRAME, a new series of visual, performing and media arts, now through April 2008. Iraq is explored not simply in terms of geography or as a site of conflict, but rather as a point of entry. The destruction of art and culture in Iraq, which is immeasurable, began decades ago under the weight of the Iran-Iraq war, dictatorship, the first Gulf War of 1991, and sanctions. Attacks on artistic and intellectual institutions, both modern and ancient, the largest migration of people in recent history, and the rise of fundamentalism, sectarianism, and violence have severed ties to resources, history, and civil society. By attending to individual life histories, experiences, and artistic practices, we will explore questions that emerge as we consider what the enormous losses of life, culture and humanity in Iraq mean for the world as a whole.
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The Montalvo Arts Center was once the grand estate of Senator James Phelan. Today, the beautiful Italian Mediterranean-style mansion houses a non-profit arts organization dedicated to advancing the appreciation of the arts and music, and offering over 100 concerts each year, including summer season concerts in its scenic outdoor theatres. This is the perfect place to treat someone to music (and pre-concert dinners if you wish) in a warm and intimate setting or under the stars.
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Update 04/02/06:
I happened to coincidentally attend two concerts in a row this weekend at Montalvo, and thought I should share additional tips.
The Carriage House is Montalvo's small indoor venue -- only 300 seats -- and a fabulous place to see your favorite classical performers. It's so small and intimate, you can see the stage pretty well from any seat in the house, but the front half of the seating area makes you feel like the artist is performing personally for you. Seats 4 - 8 in the first several rows are highly recommended for viewing the talented hands of a classical pianist. I was impressed by George Winston's performance Friday night, but absolutely astounded by Yefim Bronfman last night.
The Garden Theatre is Montalvo's outdoor amphitheatre of 1150 seats. Both the permanent theatre seats, and the terraced grass and stone bleachers, offer up-close-and-personal viewing. The latter are less expensive, but bring a seat pad (as even grass can numb one's bum over a period of time) and on a hot day bring a fan or spritzer plus a light sweater or jacket for the end of the night when the temperature finally starts to cool down.
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I worked as a DJ's roadie for an event here. It is one of the most beautiful locations I've ever seen in California.
Yes, it's expensive. But the photo album alone will make the price bearable.
Friendly, detail oriented staff help keep things running smoothly. Due to local noise ordinances, an evening reception must conclude by 10:30 or 11 (I can't remember)
There's a small amphitheater, several nature paths, stone stairways up hills, artwork, benches, interesting architecture and lovely nature all around.
The food is pretty good, and the bar staff is fast and accommodating.
It's a bit of an odd drive to and from, especially after dark, the property's road's are one way, dark and narrow. Parking can be a little far off if you don't catch a spot in one of the front lots.
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This place is quite a drive up the hill. It's pretty far into the residential scene. You'll realize that you're in a different part of the city because the houses turn into mansions the farther you go. There really isn't much parking, but I believe there are shuttles that take you up.
This place can be rented out for a good chunk of change. It's really beautiful. An ideal place to host a wedding, event, or gala. Everything is new and well maintained.
Montalvo hosts resident artists to create artwork. Their gallery isn't huge, but I'm drawing on memory.
The lawn is absolutely huge. They have several landscape art pieces. One of them I helped build. The artist and crew was very cool that day.
In the back is a theater stage area. Big names and music events play here.
Education programs also exist at the arts center. Volunteer programs are offered where you can help out too.
I believe you can also just visit the place to walk the grounds. But make sure you visit their website so that you're not going on a busy day. They've also seem to have revamped their website.
I've been coming here for years. It is an amazing place for an event! The staff is excellent and the fees are reasonable for what you are getting. The photo opportunities are everywhere! Highly recommend it!
Prime real estate located up on a hill so to speak and it is a right bastard to find in the dark and without a GPS system. Very easy to miss if you don't have the right directions (I think yahoo rimmed me on the directions 2 years ago...thanks guys, and some dude who I thought was a friend didn't return my call on how to get there when I got stuck, thanks you, man....).
I think it was the Carriage Theater(?) where I saw a show, a small seemingly cozy intimate vibe place when you step in, but once you sit down you realise what a pure visually crap layout it is, where the best seats are in the center (you can hardly see anything from the extreme sides if you think you scored some good seats. Sound system was terrible. Me thinks this place should just do pure speech....Shakespeare, lectures/seminars, fundraisers, or stand up comedy.
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Exceptional wedding location.
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This review is simply for the events manager, Kathleen Kirkpatrick. I inquired about having a wedding here and she did not return any of my phone calls or emails. Why does she still have her job??
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We had our wedding reception here in Aug '05. One word - AWESOME! The only problem was was that it was really hot and they don't have air conditioning. Other than that, it was awesome and a dream come true.
We had our wedding here and it was magical.
Such an extraordinary location. The staff were super helpful and friendly (although slightly hard to get in touch with).
It's a beautiful setting and an amazing experience.
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My co-worker just got married here. Huge open lawn area. It's an old estate, but it reminds me of a Haunted Mansion.
4 stars for indoor area, nice room for standing reception
3 stars for outdoor area, though nicely landscaped, I feel like I'm approaching the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland!
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Saw the Wallflowers at the Garden Theater @ Montalvo tonight. Excellent venue, very intimate. There's a nice courtyard where they serve food, beer and wine. Not a long wait to get the shuttle back to parking @ West Valley College. Incidentally, if you follow the directions on Montalvo's website to get to the parking, you will be confused (this may be due to construction). To get to lot 5, instead of turning left on Allendale as the website says, continue straight south on Fruitvale and take the first left into a parking lot after Allendale. Veer to the right and you will be at lot 5.
Nice little jewel tucked up against the hills. Music, art and literary venues as well as artist in residence programs. Nice place to take a hike too. The trails are well marked and clear with great views of the valley. Sometimes there is art tucked up in the hills along the trails, which is always a real treat to find. The artist in residence buildings are worth seeing just for their designs alone. I have been here for concerts in the Carriage house, plays, and in the outdoor amphitheater and they have all been very well run. They have a varied lineup each year as well as author talks. The small art gallery sometimes has some interesting work too.
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Great hiking trails but GET OFF YOUR 'EFFIN CELL PHONE AND QUIT TALKING LIKE YOU ARE TONE DEAF!
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This was one of my favorite places to walk around while I was going to West Valley College. They have great hiking trails that go along different environments. One is along a creek, another takes you up to a vista view of the south bay. Then there is the landscaped property. Ah I feel so glamorous walking near the mansion. It is like make believe walking in Montalvo. At times there are art exhibits that you can walk into for FREE. The gardens are fun to imagine that I could get married there, but I know that I couldn't afford it, but it is fun to imagine.
Today's ROTD inspired me to yelp the Montalvo Arts Center. What an incredible setting for a wedding! This venue can accomodate 200 people, and is ideal for a wedding. Le Papillion of San Jose catered it and the food could not have been any better. All the guests were served simultaneously and the food was served hot and done to perfection. The area where the ceremony was performed was intimate even though 200 could easily be accomodated. A court yard served well as a reception area following the ceremony. Seating for the dinner was exquisitely located on the huge patio area at the top of the majestic steps leading to the entrance of the art center itself. The wedding coordinator for the center was a tremendous help as well. Add to that the fact that the fee is tax deductible because it is an art center is an added bonus!
