Chautauqua Institution

About

We are a vibrant community of artists, educators, thinkers, faith leaders, and friends committed to exploring the finest aspects of humanity. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, our promise remains: wisdom will be gained, memories will be created, and life will be enriched. Positive change is your mission.

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit community spanning 750 acres on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York. During our nine-week season, approximately 7,500 residents are present daily, with over 100,000 attending our public events. We are dedicated to exploring human values and enriching lives through programs addressing religious, social, and political issues. Our community fosters thoughtful engagement and promotes excellence in the arts through symphony, opera, theater, dance, and visual arts.

At Chautauqua, religious faith is central to understanding and expressing social and cultural values. We offer diverse worship services and programs reflecting our Christian heritage and interfaith commitment. Founded in 1874 as an educational experiment in out-of-school learning, Chautauqua continues its tradition of lifelong learning with lectures, courses, a literary circle book club, writers in residence, and a public library.

Our recreational offerings include sailing, boating, fishing, swimming on Chautauqua Lake, a 36-hole golf course, tennis courts, playing fields, playgrounds, and fitness centers. The Chautauqua Literary & Scientific Circle (CLSC), established in 1878, was one of the first distance learning programs. It broadened access to education and encouraged productive use of leisure time.

Chautauqua's history is rich with cultural contributions. The Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Opera Company were founded in 1929 and continue to perform regularly. Our theater company presents its season in Bratton Theater. Governed by a 24-member board of trustees, the Institution's policies and direction are set by elected officers responsible for operations.

Open year-round are the Smith Memorial Library and Chautauqua Institution Archives. Between-season conferences take place at Bellinger Hall and other facilities on our grounds. Join us at Chautauqua for an unparalleled experience of learning and cultural enrichment.