Marked by famed architect Frank Gehry’s aesthetic, the Pritzker Pavilion is one of the most distinctive buildings in Chicago. A paramount example of Gehry’s deconstructivism, the Pavilion hosts hundreds of concerts, shows and movies each year, most of them free. It is located in Millennium Park not far from The Bean. Come for a show or simply a relaxing afternoon, surrounded by a masterpiece of contemporary architecture.
Use the walkway that rings the pavilion as you approach its iconic ribbon-like trellis, watching the sun glint off the metallic exterior. Stand at the back and look through the lawn to the stage, where harsh angularity contrasts with gently rounding beams. Lie on your back and look up to spot the state-of-the-art speaker system, which faithfully recreates the audio quality of a concert hall in the outdoor air. Linger on the lawn with a book or a friend, appreciating the artistry of the design.
Check the calendar for a list of events. Sit on the grass as you listen to the Grant Park Music Festival, a free outdoor classical music series. Bring a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine as you let the sounds of the orchestra waft over you, filling the warm summer air with strains of music.
Enjoy an occasional rock concert or listen to performances from the Chicago Jazz Festival. During the week, have a quiet evening in the grass with a movie in the park as Gehry’s work arches over your head.
Find Pritzker Pavilion at the north end of Millennium Park, on the banks of Lake Michigan east of Chicago’s downtown. Drive to the pavilion in 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport. Convenient parking is available nearby in metered lots or on the street, but can be difficult to find on event nights.
Millennium Park is located near a public transportation hub. Events are held here mostly during the summer months, though the building is open for visitors year-round. Almost all concerts and events at the pavilion are free of charge.
