Ravinia Festival, which organises the oldest outdoor music festival in the United States, is preparing for the full opening of its new Music Box experience centre.

Designed by BRC Imagination Arts, the attraction will provide the historic Ravinia Park in Chicago with a modern, immersive multimedia space.

The family-friendly indoor structure was initially meant to open in June 2020, but plans were scuppered by the pandemic.

Facilities include two exhibit spaces and a 65-seat theatre, as well as exhibition spaces and visitor facilities.

When it opens, the Music Box will host a show called Bernstein's Answer, an immersive theatrical experience exploring life and music of composer Leonard Berstein.

Bob Rogers, BRC founder, said: “It’s an indoor spectacular with a ton of heart that tells the life story of Bernstein."

The multi-purpose experience venue is part of an US$65m in infrastructure improvements at Ravinia, instigated by Welz Kauffman, the festival's former president and CEO.

A portion of the Music Box presented a Leonard Bernstein exhibit in 2019, which included a number of historic items, such as his childhood piano, notated scores, costumes, and interactive displays.

• To read an interview with Bob Rogers in Attractions Management, click here for Issue 1/2021.