Omni Commons

Literally the most active and groundbreaking hackerspace / anarchist social center in the world today.

There's two hackerspaces; one focused on code, electronics, textiles, and general maker projects and the other on applied sciences like chemistry and biology.

There's a radical bookstore/cafe called La Commune and a print making collective and a film collective.

Most of the space is used for free school classes or activist meetings.

What a gorgeous space! I rented the ballroom for an event, expecting a dull hall. But the space is lively and creative, and the ballroom itself is so atmospheric.
It has chandeliers, soft string lights, and a disco ball, for all kinds of different ambiance. The wood floors are so warm and cozy, too.
It would be amazing for a wedding, quinceñera, anniversary party or cocktail mixer. There's even a bar, a mezzanine, and a stage, with all the room even a large group would need! I think it fits 250 people, and it is wheelchair accessible!
There are other smaller spaces to rent too, primarily the disco room. It's nicely lit by a wall of windows int the morning mirrored, great for smaller groups and active pursuits. It has a kind of durable padded flooring, and there are foam mats that roll out, too. So many possibilities.
I really love the space, can't wait to dream up more ideas for what to use it for!

Church meetings? Yoga classes? Fundraisers? Movie nights? Job fairs? Trunk shows? Indoor roller skating? Class reunions?

The Omni can do it all!

Awful woman manning the desk that thinks she owns the place. This person is very unpleasant and very rude to visitors. I try to come when she's not there.
She trys to interfer with people's choice of free items, and is free with unwanted advice and complaints, she is the wrong person for this volunteer position. She is a tyrant.

I went to Omni Commons for the first time this past weekend, and actually ran into one of the event leads while I was there. He was talking about all of the cool events that happen here, and the overwhelmingly positive support they have gotten from the community.

I can certainly see that. This is a great space, one full of ideas, imagination, and people all coming together to create something great. I definitely want to come back down the road.

I was last inside this building for a Chris Isaak show, maybe around 1991.

It's being brought back to life, with a remarkable story around it. Found out when they kindly hosted the recital event for our kid's guitar (also oustanding) guitar instructor.

Full story here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/open-the-omni-commons-for-all-of-oakland

This place is such an amazing resource for the community! It has become a main stay as a meeting place for local activist groups which is amazing! It has allowed Me to be a better anarchist!

Good free food too!

Ahh. It's my little hidden secret. So much to do. So much to see. Can't imagine how this place will look in a few years, a few months even. I love it to death. The moment I stepped inside I walked into another world...