The Chautauqua Institution Strategic Plan (2010-2018), as adopted by the Board of Trustees, identifies the
goal of rehabilitating facilities
that are critical to program presentation, including
the Amphitheater.

Quick Links

• Public Input Summary (PDF)
• Amp Report: Function Goals (PDF)
• History of Amphitheater (PDF)
• Amp Report: Site Opportunities and Constraints (PDF)

Since its construction in 1893, Chautauqua Institution’s Amphitheater has played a central role in both fulfilling Chautauqua’s mission and building community.

Acknowledging that the current structure has many challenges due to age, size, configuration and the demands of presenting a 21st-century program, Chautauqua Institution convened a group of experts and engaged Chautauquans to explore these challenges; examine the critical issues central to its rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction; and to set a framework for the design process.

A formal report completed by the Amphitheater Study Group was delivered to the Board of Trustees in November 2011. Issues examined included historic preservation, functionality, size, sustainability, safety, audience experience, environmental impact and connectivity to the community.

Study Group members included experts in theater architecture, historic preservation and community planning, along with eight Chautauqua community members.

Update: Feb. 2012

At its February retreat, following the presentation of the Amphitheater Study Group’s Report by study group chairman Marty Serena, the board of trustees approved the implementation of the schematic design phase of the Amphitheater Rehabilitation project. Funding for the schematic design phase has been secured.

The Amphitheater Study Group recommends the rehabilitation of the Amphitheater in its current location, preserving the roof and festival seating concept. For planning and fundraising purposes, a budget of $20 million was established for the Amphitheater Rehabilitation project. This project will not proceed until all funds have been raised.

The architect of record for the Amphitheater Rehabilitation Project is Serena Sturm Architects of Chicago, led by Marty Serena, and a design team is currently being finalized. An advisory group is also being assembled to include several members of the Amphitheater Study Group.

The schematic design phase is scheduled to be completed by June 2012. These materials will be included in public displays and presentations during the 2012 Season.