Renovating Overture: Major updates are underway to keep Madison’s arts hub thriving

Overture Hall stage, usually bustling with artists, crews and performances, sits empty this month and next as major updates to the rigging system take place. The project is one of several on a long list of capital projects in Overture’s aging facility.

After two decades of hosting 500-700 events annually, our 400,000-square-foot building is ready for some major updates.

Chief Development Officer Emily Gruenewald explains, "Our building gets a lot of wear and tear, much like a home that’s 20 years old. It’s time for significant replacements and upgrades."

To support these necessary renovations, we have launched our Overture Forever Campaign, a $30 million fundraising effort aimed at addressing Overture's capital needs and growing our endowment. Thanks to a generous $10 million gift from the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, we will be able to make these essential upgrades to ensure our beloved arts center remains a vibrant hub for years to come.

Jerry Frautschi’s monumental gift of $205 million, the largest singular gift to the arts in U.S. history, made Overture Center a reality in 2004. His latest contribution will support the Gajic Capital Fund, ensuring Overture remains Madison’s shining star and a vibrant hub for the arts.

Our building is central to our mission and requires conscious care to stand the test of time and support the artistry enjoyed by our local community and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of more than 80 individuals, businesses, foundations and grant agencies, we have already raised over $22 million towards our $30 million goal! We are deeply grateful to our leading supporters for their investment in Overture’s future and are excited to make key renovations towards a more sustainable and efficient building.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening:

Overture Hall Rigging Control System: Crews are updating the electronic system that controls the variable acoustics and motorized rigging systems, which allow us to move heavy velour curtains, wall panels and acoustical ceilings to acoustically “tune” the hall for a wide variety of programming—from symphony orchestras to rock concerts, with the push of a button.

Capitol Theater Stage: The floor, worn from years of hard use, will be refurbished to continue providing a safe and excellent stage for performances.

Roof Repairs: With 24 roofs on the property, some of which have reached their 20-year lifespan, we will address necessary repairs.

Boiler and Chiller Replacement: We are exploring a more energy-efficient way to cool the air, enhancing both comfort and sustainability by using ice banks and a high efficiency chiller with pumps.

Lighting Upgrades: Our technical lighting systems are being upgraded to energy-saving LEDs.

Sound and Lighting Consoles: To remain competitive and support modern performances, we are updating our theatrical lighting and audio control equipment.

Designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, Overture Center has become a landmark on Madison’s State Street. While some updates don’t directly impact the arts, like installing water softeners to reduce hard-water wear, they are crucial for the building’s long-term sustainability and cost-efficiency. 

As we look forward to these vital improvements, we invite you to be part of our journey. Your support helps ensure that future generations can continue to experience the magic of the arts at Overture.

To learn more or to contribute, please visit overture.org/give/overture-forever.

Thank you for being part of the Overture community and helping us keep the arts alive in Madison!

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