Ravinia Festival Announces $38 Million Martin Theatre Renovation
The Martin Theatre at Ravinia Festival is set to undergo a $38 million renovation, courtesy of the Negaunee Foundation, marking the largest donation in the festival's history. This historic venue, the only remaining original building from Highland Park's 1904 park, will close following Jacob Collier's performance on September 23, with construction slated to begin in October. Work will halt during the 2027 season and is expected to resume for a reopening in 2028. CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon referred to the Martin as 'the soul of Ravinia,' emphasizing its Arts and Crafts design. Enhancements will tackle structural concerns while improving acoustics, seating, and facilities, ensuring continued diverse programming and support for youth music education ahead of the park's 125th anniversary in 2029.
Key facts
- Ravinia Festival announced a $38 million renovation of the Martin Theatre on Wednesday.
- The Martin Theatre is the last original structure from the 36-acre Highland Park park that opened in 1904.
- The Northbrook-based Negaunee Foundation gifted the funds, the largest in Ravinia's history.
- The building closes after Jacob Collier performs on Sept. 23, with construction starting in October.
- Renovations pause for the 2027 season, resume afterward, and the theatre reopens during the 2028 season.
- CEO Jeffrey P. Haydon called the Martin 'the soul or the heart of Ravinia' and 'a very rare living example of a true Arts and Crafts theater.'
- Lohan Architecture's principal architect Michael Barnes and his team will handle the updates.
- The project is part of preparations for the park's 125th anniversary in 2029.
Entities
Artists
- Jacob Collier
- Frank Lloyd Wright
- Frederick Stock
- Lizzo
- Yunchan Lim
- Jeffrey P. Haydon
- Michael Barnes
Institutions
- Ravinia Festival
- Negaunee Foundation
- Lohan Architecture
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- Sandra K. Crown Theater
- The Audrey
- Hunter Pavilion
- Carousel Stage
- Bennett Gordon Hall
- Martin Theatre
- Murray Theatre
- Ravinia Theatre
Locations
- Highland Park
- United States
- Northbrook
- Illinois