This futuristic looking amphitheater located in Millennium Park seats 11,000 but even more can enjoy the performances in the Great Lawn behind the seats. Known for great acoustics, it is considered one of the best outdoor concert experiences in the city. There are also many concerts held here that are free to the public throughout the summer months. The Chicago Blues Festival held over 3 days in June is one of the highlights of this free concert series in the park.

The pavilion was named for Jay Pritzker, Hyatt Hotel chain founder and of course establisher of the Pritzker Prize for Architecture. Chicago can be considered both a city of architecture and the execution of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park can prove it. Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry stated that he would “like to design the relationship between the audience and the stage, and in so doing, he would answer the question of how to create an outdoor space “where the people who are far away from the orchestra feel like they are included in the performance. Placement of speakers might make you wonder- The twenty-two steel arches of the trellis, some of which span more than 400 feet, allow the speakers to be placed above the audience without blocking sight lines The pavilion is an open stage that seats upwards of 11,000 people in a mixture of fixed seats and the lawn and accommodates a full orchestra on stage. It includes 4000 fixed seats near the stage and can accommodate an additional 7000 people on the Great Lawn. Seating and lawn areas are built on top of a large underground carpark which remains very well concealed from pedestrians at ground level.

Visited: 06/07/2023 Inside Millennium Park, is this ornate and architectural wonder of the Jay Pritzker Pavillion. It is impressive to see on it's own, I'm sure during a concert or performance it would be amazing. When we arrived they were just finishing a music practice for an upcoming performance, so that was nice to hear. Enjoyed sitting here and enjoying the space.

What a fantastic place to hear a concert. Attended a concert by the Grant Park Orchestra yesterday. They played Copland’s Appalachian Spring & Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony. The acoustics are amazing & the ushers are all so friendly and helpful. If you are in Chicago, don’t miss the chance to hear a concert here.