Rendering of Ravinia’s new Hunter Pavilion, designed by Lohan Architecture.
In Thursday’s (2/13) WBEZ Chicago, Miriam Di Nunzio writes, “The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park will undergo a $75 million, multi-year transformation of its 36-acre music campus over the course of the next several years, leading up to the outdoor venue’s 125th anniversary in 2029 … This marks the first such all-encompassing renovation since the iconic park, with its Prairie School architecture and sprawling lawn/picnic areas, opened in 1904 … Phase one of the project, already underway, includes a complete renovation of the 3,500-seat pavilion. While its signature roof will remain, a new stage, seating, lighting and state-of-the-art acoustics system are planned. Backstage areas/amenities will also be renovated and updated. The new pavilion, designed by Chicago-based Lohan Architecture … is set for completion in 2026. Funding for the project [includes] a $10 million gift from the Hunter Family Foundation for what will be the new Hunter Pavilion, and a $21 million donation from the Negaunee Foundation for the new Negaunee Foundation Artist Center backstage/artists’ area…. The remaining on-site venues … will undergo their own renovations in successive years … A 2026 season opening night concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Ravinia’s chief conductor and curator Marin Alsop on the podium will officially inaugurate the new pavilion.”
