Chautauqua Institution is a 750-acre expanse in Western New York on the shores of Chautauqua Lake that comes alive with activity during a nine-week season each summer. The 2012 Season opens June 23 and runs through August 26.

Over the course of a season, over 170,000 visitors will stay at Chautauqua and participate in the outstanding programs, events, lectures and activities offered in the arts, education, religion and recreation areas.

Each of the nine weeks during the summer carries a theme that is developed throughout the week in various venues. The hallmark event is the 10:45 a.m. lecture series, held Monday through Friday in the 5,000-seat Amphitheater, where distinguished speakers explore contemporary issues and engage the audience in a lively Q&A session.

While people visit Chautauqua Institution for all different lengths of stay—ranging from a daily lecture or evening performance to an overnight, multiple weeks or a even a full-season stay—the most popular length of stay on the grounds is one week. This is somewhat influenced by the weekly lecture themes, enrollment requirements for the various day camp programs for children, and accommodations alternatives.

As you begin to plan your visit to Chautauqua Institution, please review the following information regarding accommodations and ticketing, as well as some helpful hints to make your stay a memorable one:

Accommodations

The vast majority of accommodations within the Institution’s grounds are privately owned. There are six classes of places to stay: single-family homes, condominiums, apartments, hotels and inns, historic inns and rooms, and denominational houses. To explore and secure accommodations, visit our web-based search engine or download the 2011 Accommodations Directory PDF. Chautauqua Institution operates the 150-room Athenaeum Hotel situated on Chautauqua Lake, available for short- and long-term stays.

Tickets

To enter the Institution grounds, a gate ticket is required for all visitors ages 13 to 90; a youth ticket is available for ages 13 to 25. This ticket is your passport to the Chautauqua Experience, entitling you to attend most events on the grounds, including all lectures, religious services, Amphitheater entertainment and performances by the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Additional tickets and/or registration are required for:

• Chautauqua Opera Company and Chautauqua Theater Company performances
• Children’s School and Boys’ and Girls’ Club enrollment (one-week minimum enrollment)
• Special Studies courses (over 300 continued education courses are offered each summer)
• Boat slip or ramp requirement
• Vehicle parking
• Ticketing and registration can be completed online or by calling (716) 357-6250. Download the 2011 Ticket Order Booklet here.

Helpful Hints

• Grocery stores are located 2–4 miles from the grounds. A farmer’s market and convenience store are located on the grounds as well as numerous restaurants.
• Alcoholic beverages are not sold on the grounds. Beer and wine are served with meals at some restaurants. Of course, you may enjoy alcoholic beverages at your lodging.
• Tee times, tennis court time, kayak/canoe, sailboat rentals and bike rentals can be handled when you arrive. Helmets are required for all bicyclists under 14 years old.
• Additional services on the grounds are: ATM, post office, library, medical clinic (non-emergency treatment), bookstore and various retail shops.
• Pets are allowed on the grounds. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please check with the owner of your accommodation for their pet policy.

Regional Attractions

Please visit the Chautauqua County Visitors' Bureau website to learn more about other events and attractions around Chautauqua Lake and Western New York.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Chautauqua County Visitors' Bureau
Chautauqua Main Gate, Route 394
P.O. Box 1441
Chautauqua, NY 14722
716-357-4569, fax 716-357-2284
866-908-4569