Ravinia Festival Starts On A Second Renovation Project

The Ravinia Festival in Highland Park is embarking on a significant renovation of the Martin Theatre, the last original building from the park’s establishment in 1904. Following this summer’s extensive $70 million refurbishment of its main concert pavilion, the festival is now preparing for a $38 million modernization project focused on preserving and updating the historic theater.

Funded by a generous contribution from the Negaunee Foundation, the largest donation in Ravinia’s history, the renovation will commence in October after the final scheduled performance by English musician Jacob Collier on September 23. The theatre will close for the initial phase of construction, with work pausing during the 2027 season to allow for scheduled performances and then resuming until the theatre’s reopening planned for the 2028 season.

The Martin Theatre holds a unique place in Ravinia’s landscape, positioned just inside the park’s main entrance. Renowned for its Arts and Crafts architectural style—a movement that emphasizes handcrafted detail and natural materials—the theater features elements such as stained glass windows and finely crafted woodwork. These design features notably inspired the acoustical shell installed in the recently revamped pavilion, illustrating a cohesive architectural vision across Ravinia’s venues.

The need for renovation stems from both preservation and modernization imperatives. The theater’s infrastructure has suffered from decades of wear, including deteriorating wooden supports, outdated electrical systems, and water damage. Upgrades will address these issues while introducing modern amenities like enhanced lighting and sound systems, expanded dressing rooms, and improved restroom facilities. Adjustments will also accommodate the needs of contemporary audiences and performers, including wider seating and increased personal space.

Historically, the Martin Theatre served as a versatile venue, hosting cinema, vaudeville acts, and a variety of musical performances. Ravinia plans to maintain this tradition of diverse programming by continuing to emphasize classical music, such as chamber recitals and opera, while also expanding the space’s functionality to support genres like jazz, folk, Americana, and pop. This multipurpose approach aims to broaden the theater’s appeal and utility.

In addition to performance enhancements, the renovation will bolster Ravinia’s youth music education programs, which have grown substantially over the past two decades. The upgraded facilities are expected to better support these initiatives, ensuring that the theater serves both as a performance venue and an educational hub.

This renovation is part of a broader revitalization strategy in preparation for Ravinia’s 125th anniversary in 2029. The previous year saw the reopening of the Sandra K. Crown Theater and a comprehensive $70 million makeover of the Hunter Pavilion, featuring a larger stage, improved acoustics, and wider seating, though with reduced capacity.

Looking ahead, Ravinia has outlined plans for further improvements to other locations within the park, including the Carousel Stage and Bennett Gordon Hall. Together, these projects reflect an ongoing commitment to preserving Ravinia’s historic character while enhancing its facilities to meet modern standards and audience expectations.

As a cultural landmark and summer home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia’s continued investment in its infrastructure ensures the festival remains a premier destination for diverse musical experiences. The Martin Theatre renovation underscores this dedication by blending historic preservation with contemporary performance needs, securing the venue’s relevance for decades to come.