Ravinia Festival Announces $38 Million Renovation for Historic Martin Theatre
Ravinia Festival is embarking on a $38 million renovation project for the historic 122-year-old Martin Theatre in Highland Park, funded by a major gift from The Negaunee Foundation. The renovations, which aim to preserve the venue's Arts and Crafts architecture…
Chicago, IL, September 16, 2026 —
Ravinia Festival, a prominent cultural institution in Highland Park, Illinois, has announced a significant renovation initiative for its historic Martin Theatre. The project, valued at $38 million, is slated to revitalize the 122-year-old structure, ensuring its preservation while introducing modern upgrades.
The extensive renovations are made possible by a substantial contribution from The Negaunee Foundation. This funding will support efforts to maintain the Martin Theatre’s original Arts and Crafts architectural style, a key element of its historical significance. Alongside the preservation of its aesthetic character, the project will focus on modernizing the theatre’s infrastructure and amenities to enhance the visitor and performer experience.
Officials have stated that the goal is to balance the historical integrity of the venue with the needs of contemporary performance and audience comfort. Specific improvements are expected to include updates to backstage facilities, seating areas, and technical capabilities, though detailed plans for these modernizations were not fully elaborated.
The timeline for the project indicates that the renovated Martin Theatre is expected to reopen for the 2028 season. This extended timeline allows for meticulous planning and execution of the complex renovation work, involving both restoration specialists and construction professionals.
The Martin Theatre, a cornerstone of the Ravinia Festival campus, has been a venue for artistic performances for over a century. The planned $38 million investment underscores a commitment to its future as a vital performance space. The Negaunee Foundation’s support is critical to undertaking a project of this scale, which aims to safeguard a piece of architectural and cultural heritage while preparing it for decades of future use.
Further details regarding the specific scope of the modernization and restoration efforts are anticipated as the project progresses through its planning phases.
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