Chautauqua institution

A national and international treasure! I can feel my blood pressure and any anxiety going down as soon as we get past the main gate, because the grounds are so calming. We live 40 minutes away, but when you enter the Institute's campus, you feel like you are in another world and time. Love going to the ampatheater for concerts, which one or 2 per season, last night was to hear the Acapella group Straight No Chaser, and the out on a terrific show, wonderful music, glad they came back again this year.

Always enjoy being at the Chautauqua Institute..beautiful place an was able to get our tickets for the Old Crow Medicine Show..

I wanted to like this place to hear the lectures, golf, kayak and read. To me, it could be a summer camp for intellectuals. Nonetheless, I'm not impressed. Perhaps it's an off year? There's no attempt to develop the community beyond the core families who come here for generations, and at a meeting with the Diversity & Inclusion director the very 1st man to speak drove that point home. Ironically, even though people have been coming here for generations (and the average age hovers around 80) many of them seem to have just noticed that the entire campus is not handicapped accessible. While here, I toured an Open House. Normally, realtors will take my phone or some information. Not here! I had to ask for a brochure, and I was the only one who toured the place. Got it. I'm sure they won't have a problem selling the place to a generational family. I'll stay away. For the record, I rented an apartment for the week. It was nice, but small and it's pricey. Typical rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $2k. If you're handicapped it's hard to find decent accommodations or even get information. The kayaking and golf were bright spots. Highly recommend those activities here. The lectures were a high quality but they're one and done. There's no follow up. Again, it's difficult to feel part of CHQ and engage with the folks here.

Went to a wonderful concert with Johnny Mathias and the Chautauqua Symphony. Outstanding vocals. Seating in vaccinated sections were available.

I was very disappointed in the Chautauqua Institute. I have heard about this campus for years but this was my first time attending an event. We went to see Harry Connick Jr. and he is a fantastic entertainer. We all (10 of us) enjoyed his show. We invited my parents, who are both 88 years old to come. There were not enough shuttles to transport people from the welcome center to the amphitheater. During the concert, a storm with heavy rain, thunder and lightning started. Only 2 shuttle buses were available to transport all those people back to the welcome center. Most people walked but there was not enough street lights to see where to go and the brick street we were told to use was slippery from the rain. If you wanted a ride to the parking lot you had to stand and wait for a different shuttle. They had the welcome center closed so we couldn't use the restrooms. The lights on the exterior of the building were off making it unsafe as all those people stood in the dark waiting for transport. Also, a 4000 seat facility should have more restrooms. The line for the ladies room was terrible. It should have an entrance and an exit with more stalls, sinks and hand dryers.

My family had a delightful stroll around the Chatauqua grounds on a Saturday afternoon. The sense of peace and quiet, the collaborative, welcoming vibe from the community, and the prospect of intellectual and cultural events motivates us to plan on returning in the future.

This place defies explanation. It is a wonderful setting to recharge your batteries. Music, talks, dance, opera, inspiration, reflection, art, etc. all in a sylvan setting.

What a wonderful experience. The amphitheater if beautiful and the concert was extremely enjoyable.

We visited on the off-season. Really enjoyed the picturesque houses and gardens. The lake and surrounding area was beautiful. There were lots of little shops, but due to timing and COVID only a few were open. We had fun popping into those. Overall, we had a great time. My only concern is that it might be haunted?