Setting the Stages Campaign
We're embarking on a multi-year renovation of our complete 36-acre campus. This $75 million campaign will touch all of our venues, setting the stage for our 125th anniversary in 2029.
Introducing the Hunter Pavilion
Honoring Maxine and Thomas B. Hunter III
In 2026, we’ll welcome you to the transformed Hunter Pavilion, which combines fresh design with inspiration from Ravinia’s iconic history. In recognition of extraordinary leadership gifts, the venue will be renamed Hunter Pavilion, and the new backstage area will be known as The Negaunee Foundation Artist Center.
Why the Pavilion?
The Pavilion is the center of everything that happens at Ravinia. Go behind the scenes as we take you through the renovation process and the Pavilion’s transformation. From the archival footage and photos to the final touches, see how Ravinia will bring this vision to life.
Inside the Pavilion Renovation
Watch the magic unfold in this animated journey from blueprints to real-life renderings! We’ll take you through some of the key features of the renovation, from architectural plans to stunning 3D visualizations.
Preserving Our History
This campaign celebrates the past 125 years of magical moments and paves the way for future generations to experience the joy of music in a setting that is both historic and state-of-the-art. Our aim is to revitalize Ravinia’s concert stages, ensuring they continue to resonate with the sounds of tomorrow and preserving the timeless spirit of the festival for years to come.
Building Ravinia’s Future
Your support is not just an investment in bricks and mortar; it’s the keystone in preserving the cultural heritage and vitality of Ravinia and its community. Ravinia’s rich history is woven from your stories, whether you shared a picnic under the stars with your sweetheart, had your first experience of classical music with the gentle tutelage of a parent or grandparent, or danced joyfully to the melodies of your favorite artist alongside dear friends on the Lawn.
Help us write the next movement of Ravinia’s extraordinary opus so your family can continue this cherished legacy.
Over $50M raised — 67% to goal
Inspire Generations: We need your support.
By contributing to this campaign, you’re embracing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a pivotal part of Ravinia’s enduring legacy. Join us in this historic journey to preserve and enhance a place where countless hearts have connected and where future memories await to be born.
Donate to Setting the Stages
Make a Gift of Any Amount
Be a Part of This Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Preserve and enhance this venue where tradition meets transformation.
$2,500
Sponsor a Brick and Cement Your Connection to Music
Brick will be laid outside the Pavilion in a location to be determined.
$5,000
Sponsor a Seat and Be Part of Ravinia’s Legacy
Seat will be in the rear section of the Pavilion. Specific seats will be allocated after the 2025 season on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that seat sponsorships do not guarantee that location for any ticket reservations and/or future attendance.
$10,000
Sponsor a Seat and Be Part of Ravinia’s Legacy
Seat will be in the middle section of the Pavilion. Specific seats will be allocated after the 2025 season on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that seat sponsorships do not guarantee that location for any ticket reservations and/or future attendance.
$15,000
Sponsor a Seat and Be Part of Ravinia’s Legacy
Seat will be in the front section of the Pavilion. Specific seats will be allocated after the 2025 season on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that seat sponsorships do not guarantee that location for any ticket reservations and/or future attendance.
$125,000+
Commemorate 125 Years of Music
Sponsor a plaque honoring the thousands of magical moments linking artists and audiences.
$250,000–$1,000,000+
Sponsor a Backstage Room or Green Room
Be part of the artists’ experience preparing for the stage and reveling in the afterglow.
Additional leadership gifts and naming opportunities, such as gates, meet and greet areas, and artist dressing rooms, are available. For more information, please contact our Campaigns team at campaigns@ravinia.org or 847‑266‑5025.
Donations to the Setting the Stages campaign do not come with any Ravinia Annual Fund benefits for the summer concert season.
Setting the Stages Campaign FAQs
Will the Pavilion renovation affect the 2025 summer season?
Ravinia’s Summer 2025 season will run from June 6 through August 31. While the season is slightly shorter, we will still offer over 100 programs throughout it. Construction is in two distinct phases; infrastructure improvements are already underway and are expected to be finished before summer 2025, then work will resume in the fall. The second phase will be completed for the opening of Ravinia’s following season in July 2026.
What changes will we see this summer?
The first phase of construction has focused on the infrastructure and utilities, mostly affecting the backstage areas. The general public may notice the improved park-facing upper facade of the Pavilion, but the significant work that has taken place will set the stage for the 2026 unveiling.
Does a donation to Setting the Stages go toward donor benefits?
Donations to the Setting the Stages campaign are separate from the Annual Fund and do not provide donor benefits for the Summer 2025 season. To secure your summer benefits, please make a separate gift as an individual donor or a Corporate Partner.