SUMMER PREVIEW: RAVINIA DEBUTS NEW ARCHITECTURAL LANDSCAPE

For many, the Ravinia Festival is bound up in families’ generational traditions, authentic connectedness in an increasingly changing world, the importance and meaning of place, and of course great art. Ravinia is one of those singular experiences that define summer on the North Shore. Initially launched as an amusement park in 1904, Ravinia rapidly evolved and was hailed as the summer opera capital of the world by the 1920s. North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival, Ravinia became the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1936.

Ninety years later, another historic transformation is underway. This July, Ravinia will debut the extensive architectural reconception of its centerpiece, the Hunter Pavilion. Named in honor of the late Maxine and Thomas Benton Hunter III—revered Lake Forest civic leaders and philanthropists—the Pavilion is the focal point of Ravinia’s multi-year renovation of its entire campus.

Sheridan Road recently sat down with Ravinia’s President and CEO, Jeff Haydon, for a preview of what patrons can expect this summer and, in the years to come. When asked about the vision for the Festival’s overarching renovation, Haydon commented, “Our goal has been the affirmation of Ravinia’s preeminent position as an unparalleled, best-in-class destination for music for our 400,000-plus annual guests and the world-renowned artists who perform here each season.”

“As we re-opened the Pavilion coming out of the pandemic, an in-depth assessment revealed aspects of rapid deterioration and the need for a major gut refurbish. As well, other key aspects of the park, including its two indoor stages—Martin Theatre and Bennett Gordon Hall—needed to be updated. Audience and artist amenities, building materials, and concert production technology have all evolved significantly since these stages were last renovated over 30 years ago.”

In elaborating on the launch of the new Hunter Pavilion, Haydon said, “Audiences will be treated to a curated outdoor music experience. All of the more than 70-year-old wooden chairs will be replaced with comfortable seats featuring thick cushions. The seats are also noticeably wider with expanded legroom. We’ve added special boxes on the side and the back that are great for small groups.”

Haydon remarked, “From a concert perspective, the stage is seven feet deeper, which more easily allows the production of a greater range of classical and pop shows. A new acoustic shell and state-of-the-art sound system has been installed (James Taylor praised it as one of the best he has played in in a long time!), and innovative lighting capabilities will enhance pop shows.”

When asked how architecture influences patrons experiencing the Festival’s prevailing art form of music, Haydon commented, “It enables Ravinia to provide a complete immersive experience for music lovers. Our gently wooded 36-acre park featuring one of the largest outdoor sculpture parks in the country—including works by Fernando Botero, Jaume Plensa, and Richard Hunt, among others—provides an inspiring setting for guests to unwind their imaginations!”

Ravinia Festival’s 2026 Season begins July 11 in the Hunter Pavilion featuring performances by award-winning pianist Yunchan Lim and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop, and a special guest performance by global superstar and flautist Lizzo.

For more information, visit ravinia.org.