From Chicago Sun-Times · · 3m
Ravinia's $38M Martin Theatre makeover begins
The 122-year-old Arts and Crafts landmark gets a complete restoration starting this October.
In brief
The 122-year-old Arts and Crafts landmark gets a complete restoration starting this October. Ravinia is investing $38 million to restore its oldest building, the Martin Theatre, which will close after September 23 and reopen in 2028 with modern amenities while preserving its historic character. Originally reported by…
Ravinia's oldest building gets $38M refresh
The Martin Theatre, the last original structure from Ravinia's 1904 opening, will undergo a complete modernization starting in October. The Negaunee Foundation gifted the funds for this historic restoration.
Last show before construction
English singer-songwriter Jacob Collier performs on September 23, marking the final event before the Martin Theatre closes for renovations. The first phase of construction begins in October.
Timeline spans three seasons
Construction will pause during the 2027 season for performances, then resume after it ends. The theatre will officially reopen to the public during the 2028 season.
Heart of Ravinia since 1904
CEO Jeffrey Haydon calls the Martin Theatre the soul of Ravinia and a rare living example of true Arts and Crafts architecture, featuring stained glass windows and thoughtfully crafted wood details.
“The Martin Theatre has always been the soul or the heart of Ravinia.”
Stained glass inspired new shell
The Martin Theatre's historic stained glass windows inspired the design of Ravinia's new acoustics shell that opened this summer, part of a $70 million renovation project.
Decades of decay need fixing
The Martin Theatre faces rotting wooden beams, corroded electrical lines, and rain damage. Ravinia is working with architect Michael Barnes and Lohan Architecture to address these infrastructure issues.
Modern systems and new tech
New light and sound systems will be installed alongside upgraded dressing rooms and better bathrooms. The updates will modernize the 122-year-old building for contemporary audiences.
Bigger seats for bigger people
Haydon noted that audiences are larger than they were 120 years ago, so seats will be spaced further apart and bathrooms will be expanded for modern comfort.
“We're all bigger than we were 120 years ago, and so the seats need to be a little bit further apart.”
From cinema to vaudeville
When the Martin Theatre opened in 1904, it served as both a cinema and vaudeville house, hosting a variety of performances and genres under one roof.
Diverse programming returns
Ravinia plans to continue classical music traditions with chamber recitals and operas while adding jazz, folk, Americana, and pop performances to increase versatility and functionality.
Youth education programs expand
The renovated Martin Theatre will support Ravinia's youth music education programs, which have grown significantly over the past two decades.
Largest gift in Ravinia history
The Negaunee Foundation's multimillion-dollar gift is the largest in Ravinia's history, enabling this comprehensive restoration of the Martin Theatre.
Part of 125th anniversary prep
The Martin Theatre renovation is part of a major revamp effort preparing for Ravinia's 125th anniversary in 2029. Last year, the Sandra K. Crown Theater reopened after a $70 million makeover.
Hunter Pavilion already transformed
Ravinia's signature stage, the Hunter Pavilion, received a $70 million makeover featuring a bigger stage, wider chairs, and better acoustics, though with fewer seats overall.
More renovations coming soon
Future phases of Ravinia's renovation plan include updates to the Carousel Stage and Bennett Gordon Hall as part of the broader modernization effort.
The short version
Ravinia is investing $38 million to restore its oldest building, the Martin Theatre, which will close after September 23 and reopen in 2028 with modern amenities while preserving its historic character.
