Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion Near Chicago Reopens After $70 Million Gut Renovation
The upgrade adds wider seats, improved acoustics and backstage space as Ravinia lowers pavilion capacity to 2,840 to meet disability standards.
- The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois, reopened its renovated Hunter Pavilion on Saturday with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's 90th season residency, featuring a $70 million gut renovation that introduced wider seats and enhanced acoustics.
- Ravinia CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon initiated the multiyear project to update aging infrastructure and maintain competitiveness ahead of the 2029 anniversary, harmonizing the 1950 pavilion design with the park's original 1904 aesthetic.
- Architects installed ceiling reflectors inspired by the Martin Theatre's stained glass to improve sound diffusion, while capacity decreased from 3,350 to 2,840 to accommodate wider, ADA-compliant seats with cupholders.
- Chief conductor Marin Alsop noted the improved environment fosters a "much more relaxed and receptive attitude" among musicians, while the Negaunee Foundation Artist Center now offers climate-controlled storage and upgraded dressing rooms.
- The 2026 season features 94 programs, including performances by Labrinth, Ricky Martin, and Hugh Jackman, while the Martin Theatre remains on Ravinia's renovation list ahead of the 2029 anniversary without a set timeline.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Review: Ravinia unveils $70 million Pavilion with Lizzo and CSO — how does it sound?
Lizzo, pianist Yunchan Lim and the CSO officially opened what is now the Hunter Pavilion on Saturday night. The acoustics are much changed, but audiences probably will notice the improved seating and lovely lighting even more.
Chicago Sun Times
Ravinia makeover features bigger stage, wider chairs, better acoustics — but fewer seats
Audiences who visit the Ravinia Festival this weekend for an opening concert featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, pop artist Lizzo and classical pianist Yunchan Lim will likely see and hear a few improvements.They’ll be the first to experience the results of a $70 million makeover. The Highland Park venue’s signature stage, called the Hunter Pavilion, is bigger, freshly designed and features a brand new orchestra shell with enhanced acousti…
Ravinia Festival’s Hunter Pavilion Reopens After $70 Million Gut Renovation
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s summer home in Highland Park starts its season Saturday night with chief conductor Marin Alsop leading a program with pianist Yunchan Lim and flautist Lizzo.
The Toronto Star
Ravinia Festival’s Hunter Pavilion near Chicago reopens after $70 million gut renovation
Brant Taylor walked onto the stage of the Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion to rehearse for the first time since a $70 million gut renovation and noticed a huge difference.
Associated Press News
Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion near Chicago reopens after $70 million gut renovation
Cellist Brant Taylor has noticed a big change at the Ravinia Festival's Hunter Pavilion since it underwent a $70 million renovation.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 65% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
