The historic Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder, Colorado, is undergoing significant renovations to prepare for year-round use, marking a transformative moment in its 127-year history. For the first time, the renowned open-air venue is being winterized, a project initiated in anticipation of the Sundance Film Festival‘s debut in Boulder in January 2027.
According to Shelly Benford, CEO of the Colorado Chautauqua Association, this upgrade will allow the auditorium to host performances throughout the year. “It always seemed like a shame that this beautiful venue was only available to the community for five months a year,” Benford stated. The winterization process aims to extend the performance season and enhance the venue’s appeal during colder months, a significant shift for a location traditionally associated with summer events.
The renovation began earlier this month and involves comprehensive upgrades to the auditorium’s infrastructure. Plans include reinforcing original trusses and columns, installing radiant heating beneath the floor, and utilizing a geothermal system to maintain a comfortable environment. An insulated interior tent will also be erected to retain heat without altering the venue’s historic appearance.
Benford noted that the decision to winterize the auditorium was prompted by a visit from the Sundance Film Festival team, who expressed enthusiasm about using the space. “They took one look at the place and said, ‘We would love to have this be one of our venues,’” she recalled. The festival’s interest acted as a catalyst for the winterization project, which had been a longstanding goal of the Chautauqua team.
Completing the winterization is no simple task. The design and construction teams, led by Jason Hill and Boulder-based Smiley Inc., are working closely with architects from Pel-Ona Architects and Apeiro Design. These professionals are tasked with ensuring that the auditorium maintains its historical integrity while adapting to modern needs. “This isn’t just a renovation,” said Brad Weber, Chautauqua’s Chief Brand and Development Officer. “The magic isn’t in what you’ll see, it’s what you won’t.”
The project aligns with preservation guidelines due to the auditorium’s status as a National Historic Landmark. Every aspect of the renovation is subject to strict oversight to ensure that the building’s character is preserved for future generations. “Our goal is twofold,” Hill explained. “Prepare this iconic space for year-round performances, including Sundance, and protect it through structural interventions to keep it standing strong for generations.”
As the project unfolds, the exterior of the auditorium will remain largely unchanged, with visible reinforcements kept to a minimum. The aim is to preserve the venue’s nostalgic charm while making it functional for winter activities. By the time the tenting system is removed in spring, audiences can expect the auditorium to look as it did the previous summer.
Once completed, the renovations will effectively double the performance season from five months to twelve, adding approximately 200 days of concerts, lectures, and community events. Benford highlighted the project’s broader impact: “This really expands Boulder’s venue capacity. It gives local and regional arts organizations a place to perform, create and connect.”
Since its inception in 1898, the Chautauqua Auditorium has been a cherished gathering place in Boulder, known for its rustic charm and open-air setting. Originally built with dirt floors and wooden benches, it has evolved over the years to accommodate modern audiences while retaining its historical elements. The auditorium was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and continues to be a focal point for cultural events in the region.
As the community anticipates the completion of the winterization project, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “I expected a lot more concern,” Benford admitted, “but people recognize that this is an underused asset. They just want to make sure we preserve what makes it special, and that’s our No. 1 priority.”
The Chautauqua Auditorium is poised to welcome not only local audiences but also visitors from around the world, fostering connections among filmmakers, artists, and art lovers in a unique and historic setting.
