Ravinia announces exciting $75 million campus renovation

Ravinia Festival, North America’s longest-running outdoor music festival, is undergoing a $75 million renovation to modernize facilities while preserving its historic charm. The “Setting the Stages” campaign will support a two-year transformation of the Pavilion, Ravinia’s largest venue. The project includes a new stage, updated seating, improved acoustics and enhanced production capabilities. The Pavilion’s signature roof remains, ensuring continuity with its historic aesthetic. Construction will proceed in two phases, allowing Ravinia’s 2025 season from June 6 to August 31 before resuming in the fall, with completion set for 2026.

Upon completion, the venue will be renamed the Hunter Pavilion in honor of a $10 million gift from the Hunter Family Foundation. A $21 million donation from The Negaunee Foundation will support the back-of-house renovations, which will be named The Negaunee Foundation Artist Center.

“For over a century, Ravinia has been a destination for artists and audiences,” said Jeffrey P. Haydon, Ravinia’s President and CEO. “Renovating the Pavilion is essential to securing our future while enhancing the guest experience.” Board Chair Christopher J. Klein emphasized donor support, stating, “We are grateful to our lead donors, whose generosity ensures Ravinia remains a world-class venue.”

The Pavilion’s upgrades include a deeper stage, a new acoustic shell, an advanced audio system, improved lighting, modernized production booths, and a video production room. Seating will be upgraded for enhanced accessibility. The Negaunee Foundation Artist Center will introduce a redesigned artists’ entrance, updated dressing rooms, musician warm-up rooms, a media production studio, expanded offices, and an improved loading area.

Future renovations, continuing through 2029, include updates to Sandra K. Crown Theater, Martin Theatre, Carousel Stage, and Bennett Gordon Hall. Chicago-based Lohan Architecture is leading the Pavilion’s redesign. Principal Architect Michael C. Barnes described the project as balancing continuity with transformation, preserving Ravinia’s history while integrating modern design.

Marin Alsop, Ravinia’s Chief Conductor, noted, “These improvements will deepen the connection between performers and audiences while ensuring a world-class acoustic environment.”

With over $50 million raised toward the $75 million goal, fundraising continues. Ravinia will announce its 2025 season lineup on March 13. (For more info and Ravinia’s programming, click here)