Jacob's Pillow, a historic hub for dance in the United States, will open the new Doris Duke Theatre on July 9, 2025. As of November 2024, construction is progressing on schedule, with the theater taking shape on the original site of the initial structure lost to a devastating fire in November 2020 in Massachusetts, United States. Designed by the Dutch firm Mecanoo, led by Francine Houben, in collaboration with New York-based Marvel, helmed by Jonathan Marvel, the project blends innovation with a deep reverence for the site's historic legacy.
The new Doris Duke Theatre represents Jacob's Pillow's bold step into its second century, serving as a global hub for creativity, collaboration, and technological advancement. Balancing homage to its past while designing in a contemporary way, the scheme preserves the intimate atmosphere of the original studio theater while integrating technological advancements to support emerging digital and artistic innovations. It aims to be a center for creativity and a digital laboratory for exploring the intersections of technology and performance.
This reimagined 20,000 sq. ft. structure more than doubles the size of its predecessor, offering flexible spaces that can accommodate up to 400 patrons and support performances, residencies, and events. The architecture follows sustainable design principles, with a mass timber framework clad in thermally treated pine designed to age gracefully with time. The surrounding landscape, designed by Marvel, complements the natural beauty of the Berkshires while celebrating Indigenous heritage through gardens and communal spaces, such as a fire pit.
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Nová Scéna: The Story Behind the Iconic Brutalist Extension of the National Theatre in PragueAt the heart of the new Doris Duke Theatre lies a celebration of movement, space, and connection. Inspired by Mecanoo's core values of 'people, place, purpose, and poetry,' the new theater captures the essence of dance, not only as an art form but as a deeply human experience intertwined with the landscape and community. -- Francine Houben, Mecanoo's Creative Director and Founding Partner
As a future-focused space, the theater incorporates advanced digital elements like spatial audio, infrared tracking, and interactive projections to enable artistic performances. This integration of technology ensures the Doris Duke Theatre remains not just a venue but also a platform for the evolution of dance and performance art. The construction team is currently focusing on interior finishes, installation of technical equipment, and landscaping efforts. The project remains on track for its mid-2025 completion, promising a venue that honors Jacob's Pillow's rich history while embracing future innovations in dance and performance art.
In other similar news, Studio Gang's Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center has officially broken ground in Garrison, New York, designed as the new permanent home for Hudson Valley Shakespeare (HVS). In Saudi Arabia, Henning Larsen Architect has just revealed the designs for The Jeddah Opera House, a new local landmark in the region. Finally, The International Architectural Design Competition for the Shenzhen Opera House has awarded first prize to Jean Nouvel's proposal, Light of the Sea.
