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Jay Pritzker Pavilion facts for kids

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Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Four images of the same bandshell: top left is a large crowd seated on a lawn beneath a large metal trellis hung with speakers. The crowd, seen from behind, is watching a performance in a bandshell framed by curving shiny metal, with large buildings in the background. Top right is an aerial side view of the bandshell and trellis in a green park, with a large road running horizontally at bottom and a row of skyscrapers behind it at top. A curving metal bridge crosses the road. Bottom left is a large stage with a full symphony orchestra and two choirs behind it on risers. The stage walls and ceiling are paneled in wood. Bottom right is a large green lawn with scattered people playing on it. The trellis is overhead and the bandshell and skyscrapers are behind.
Views of the pavilion, clockwise from top left: 2009 Grant Park Music Festival season-ending performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony; aerial view from the east; from the Great Lawn; stage during rehearsal.
General information
Address Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph Street
Opened July 16, 2004
Owner City of Chicago
Design and construction
Architect Frank Gehry
Other information
Seating capacity 11,000 (4,000 fixed, 7,000 lawn)
Parking 2218 (shared with Millennium Park)

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion, also known as the Pritzker Pavilion or Pritzker Music Pavilion, is a cool outdoor stage. You can find it in downtown Chicago, Illinois, United States. It's right across from some of the world's tallest buildings.

This amazing stage is the main outdoor spot for performances in Millennium Park. It's the home of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. It also hosts the Grant Park Music Festival. This festival is the only free outdoor classical music series left in the country. The pavilion officially opened on July 16, 2004.

About the Jay Pritzker Pavilion

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a band shell designed for outdoor concerts. It's a key part of Millennium Park in Chicago. The pavilion can hold up to 11,000 people. About 4,000 people can sit in fixed seats. Another 7,000 can relax on the large lawn.

The pavilion is built partly on top of the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. The Harris Theater is an indoor performing arts venue.

Cool Design Features

Pritzker Pavilion band shell Millennium Park Chicago
From Michigan Avenue

The pavilion has a unique design by architect Frank Gehry. It features a huge fixed seating area for the audience. There's also a big grassy area called the Great Lawn. A special metal structure, called a trellis, holds up the sound system. The stage itself has a shiny stainless steel "headress" that makes it stand out.

The sound system is very special. It's designed to make outdoor concerts sound like you're in an indoor concert hall. This means the music sounds clear and amazing everywhere.

How it was Built

Building the pavilion was a big project. Millennium Park is actually built on top of a huge underground parking garage. Construction for the park started before the pavilion's design was finished.

In January 2000, workers had to add 17 extra caissons. These are like deep support pillars. They were needed to hold up the heavy weight of Gehry's pavilion. Later, the tops of these caissons had to be rebuilt. This was because of changes to the pavilion's foundation.

Who was Jay Pritzker?

The pavilion is named after Jay Pritzker. His family is famous for owning Hyatt Hotels. Architect Frank Gehry started designing the pavilion in April 1999. Construction began in June 1999 and finished in July 2004.

Using the Pavilion

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is a very flexible space. It's available for private events all year round. The stage has special glass and steel doors. These doors can close to protect the stage from bad weather. This allows events to happen even when it's cold or rainy.

Images for kids

  • 2005-10-13 2880x1920 chicago above millennium park

    The Great Lawn, trellis and pavilion with the adjoining Harris Theater, within Millennium Park

  • Grant Park Music Festival Pritzker Pavilion Red View

    Grant Park Music Festival night view of Frank Gehry's Pritzker Pavilion

  • Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois, Estados Unidos, 2012-10-20, DD 08

    The pavilion and Chicago skyline in October 2012

  • 20070919 Pritzker Pavilion bandshell

    The pavilion bandshell is designed to reflect sound for optimal acoustics.

  • 20070919 Pritzker Pavilion from stage

    Stage view of the pavilion's seats, trellis and Great Lawn, with Millennium Park and the Historic Michigan Boulevard District behind

  • Millennium Park from Sears Tower

    View of the pavilion with the Harris Theater (left), BP Pedestrian Bridge (above) and Lurie Garden (right), as seen from Willis Tower.

  • 20070919 Pritzker Pavilion speakers

    Speakers close up

  • Andrew Bird at Pritzker

    Andrew Bird performed at the pavilion in September 2008.

  • 20100228 Pritzker Pavilion Chicago Winter Dance 2010

    Chicago Winter Dance participants

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Pabellón Jay Pritzker para niños

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