Chautauqua Today

Eileen Elibol / WNED

Chautauqua is a vibrant community that is as vital today as it was when it was founded in 1874. Chautauqua has changed and grown over the years since its first summer, but the mission has remained the same - to create an environment dedicated to the good use of leisure time.

The Chautauqua Institution is located on a 750-acre campus in Western New York. The Institution hosts approximately 150,000 visitors every summer. These visitors have access to a wide breadth of programming including lectures, concerts, plays, and much more. There are approximately 2,000 different events every summer for visitors to enjoy.

The Morning and Afternoon Lecture Series has been the cornerstone of Chautauqua's programming since almost the beginning. Each weekday at 10:45 am in the Amphitheater and 2:00 pm in the Hall of Philosophy, visitors can listen to world-renowned thinkers and speakers give lectures about specific topics.

Chautauqua: An American Narrative

The arts have been at Chautauqua since the very first summer and have only grown in importance for the Institution over the years. Chautauqua offers visitors arts programming in chamber music, dance, opera, symphony, theater, and more.

Arts education and providing opportunities for young artists are important aspects of the Chautauqua Institution. Chautauqua offers students opportunities in the visual arts, dance, theater, instrumental music, piano, and voice. Students come from programs all over the country and range in age from 11 to 30.

A view of Miller Bell Tower
Chautauqua: An American Narrative

Chautauqua is dedicated to remaining relevant in today’s society and strives to do so through their lecture series and arts programming, and by providing diverse opportunities for young artists every summer.