The Pavilion at Ravinia Information
Starting out as an amusement park, the Ravinia Festival started in 1911 when the local residents formed a corporation to purchase the park, making music a regular occurrence from then on. Taking its name from the ravines of Lake Michigan nearby, The Ravinia Festival holds the prestigious title of the oldest music festival in the United States, attended by around 600,000 music lovers to see the 150-200 events hosted here every year. It is also one of the longest-running, with events taking place from June through September every year. Spread out across 36 acres of arkland and lawn, the festival has three main venues: the Martin Theatre, the Bennett Gordon Concert hall, and the Pavilion.
The Pavilion at Ravinia is an open-air, covered venue with 3,400-seats. Since 1936, it has played proud host to none other than the Chicago Symphony Orchestra every summer, as well as providing a vast array of performances including opera, pop, blues, jazz, and country in addition to year-round ballet, drama and educational programmes.
More than just a concert venue, The Pavilion at Ravinia is a cultural treasure that blends a renowned musical history with modern values and a commitment to the arts. Whether you’re attending a classical symphony under the stars or going to see a jazz performance with friends, visitors to The Pavilion are guaranteed an unforgettable time.
As well as hosting large-scale musical events and productions, The Pavilion at Ravinia is deeply committed to being a helpful resource to the community. Its efforts to engage and educate its audience are evident in many of the family-friendly initiatives the venue offers.
One of those is KidsLawn. KidsLawn is available before select performances where families with young children can visit the “KidsLawn” area and enjoy interactive and immersive activities and games. It’s designed to encourage younger attendees to explore the world of music. There are also educational programs like “Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play” initiative that offers free tickets to performances and provides opportunities for young musicians to perform on Ravinia stages.
From special opening night performances to tribute nights and Jazz in the Park, each season The Pavilion offers something new and unique to its visitors. At the start of every Ravinia season, guests can enjoy opening night performances, often featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or other high-profile guest artists. Visitors can also enjoy the “Film with Live Orchestra” event pairing a classic film with a large orchestral accompaniment.
Marvel at The Pavilion’s magic acoustic engineering. Its state-of-the-art sound systems can be heard from the covered seating area and the lawn. The structure’s integration with the surrounding landscape is a defining feature. Encased by towering trees and lush gardens, The Pavilion feels like a natural extension of its environment.
The amphitheater-style seating offers a cozy yet grand atmosphere, accommodating up to 3,200 attendees in covered seats. Beyond the structure, the lawn welcomes thousands more, where patrons can spread blankets and enjoy performances in a relaxed, picnic-like setting.
Visitors should note that The Pavilion is an open-air venue. Lawn-ticket buyers will only be able to see the stage by standing at the back or along the sides of the Pavilion.
History of The Pavilion at Ravinia
The Ravinia Festival’s story began in 1904, not as a music venue but as an amusement park built by the A.C. Frost Company. This destination was created to boost ridership on the Chicago and Milwaukee Electric Railroad. The park featured dining facilities, a baseball diamond, a casino, and a dance hall – a far cry from the serene, music-filled setting of today. However, the amusement park’s popularity waned, and by 1910, the financial strain forced it to close.
It was then that local residents and philanthropists stepped in to save the space, reimagining it as a center for classical music. By 1911, Ravinia’s transformation into a musical haven had begun, with the original Pavilion constructed to host performances. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, as Ravinia became synonymous with world-class music.
The original Pavilion at Ravinia was a modest structure designed to accommodate orchestral and operatic performances. It quickly became a focal point for Chicago’s cultural elite, hosting legendary musicians and attracting audiences from across the Midwest. However, the Pavilion’s early years were not without challenges. The Great Depression in the 1930s nearly brought an end to the festival. It was only through the dedication of the Ravinia community and generous benefactors that the festival–and the Pavilion–survived.
In 1936, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) made its Ravinia debut, ushering in a golden era for the festival and solidifying the Pavilion’s reputation as a premier venue for classical music. The CSO’s summer residency at Ravinia became a beloved tradition, and the Pavilion’s stage welcomed iconic conductors such as Seiji Ozawa and Leonard Bernstein. This partnership elevated Ravinia’s status, drawing international acclaim and setting the stage for decades of artistic excellence.
The most significant transformation came in the early 2000s, when the Pavilion underwent a comprehensive renovation to meet the demands of 21st-century audiences. The updated structure, completed in 2003, features seating for 3,200 guests under its roof and an extended lawn that accommodates thousands more.
Did you know?
During the 1970s and 1980s after further renovations, The Pavilion at Ravinia expanded its programming beyond classical music to include jazz, folk, and popular artists. Performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Janis Joplin graced the Pavilion stage, showcasing its versatility and broadening its appeal.
For parking information please see the The Pavilion at Ravinia parking page.
For ticket information and information on our recommended ticket provider please see the The Pavilion at Ravinia tickets page.
To view the seating configuration and find out about accessible seating, please see the The Pavilion at Ravinia seating chart.