Jay Pritzker Pavilion: Sound Trellis and Urban Stage

How Gehry’s Chicago pavilion frames public space with a trellis of sound and performance.

1/13/2026

12 min read

Pritzker Pavilion

Overview

A trellis of sound over a civic lawn—architecture frames public gathering and performance.

Trellis Engineering

Distributed speakers synced with trellis geometry.
Steel spans choreograph sound dispersion and shade.

Acoustic Strategy

Component	Role
Canopy	Direct early reflections
Trellis	Even sound distribution
Lawn	Absorption + audience energy

How to Experience

Walk the lawn during soundcheck.
Sit at different distances to read dispersion.
Watch sunset—light and sound mingle under the trellis.

About the Author

Architecture Editor

I wrote this guide so your visit to the Fondation Louis Vuitton feels calm, curious, and well‑timed—without missing what makes Gehry’s building so special.