Official name:

The Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Michigan Avenue at Randolph, Chicago, Illinois 60601 United States
Print this page   •   Share this page

Intended to be the centerpiece of Chicago's Millennium Park, the Pritzker Pavilion is both an acoustical and an architectural wonder. Architect Frank Ghery delivered another one of his playful steel creations. It appears as though the music has burst through a wall, sending the torn strips of metal curling back with the force of the blow. The curving metal forms the roof of a 4,000-seat amphitheater. Additional seating for 7,000 is available on the adjacent Great Lawn. This grassy knoll is covered with an amazing curved trellis from which hang lights and speakers. The sound delivered by the speakers is delayed to coincide with the arrival of natural sound from the orchestra. This cancels out any echoing effects and makes the viewer believe they are hearing the orchestra live from an impossible distance.

While Gehry's signature style is welcomed by municipalities around the world, it may just be his undoing. There was a story going around Chicago in 2002 that Ghery wanted to do something original and unique with the Pritzker Pavilion, but the people paying for it said, "no." They wanted an authentic Ghery building with curving glittering steel billowing from the structure. They got what they wanted, and Ghery may just be a victim of his own success.

Rate This Entertainment Venue

method='post' action='/Building.php?ID=1248#Rate'>Current rating: 70%  name='Rating' id='Rating' value='Praise' class='Plain'> name='Rating' id='Rating' value='Raze' class='Plain'>

Your Thoughts

There are two comments.

  I love the Bilbao Guggenheim, but I'm frankly tired of seeing the same Gehry structure repeated all over the world. Something fresh from him would be welcomed.

sarbanharble - Monday, December 10th, 2007 @ 3:43pm  

  i love Frank Gehry's work! he is the architect of the future!

SUSIE - Thursday, October 19th, 2006 @ 11:50am