After five months of construction, Brookfield Zoo will open the Pavilions, four outdoor event spaces, with its first event on Saturday. The open-air venues are set on 216 acres of landscaped grounds gated separately from the rest of the zoo and will be open for events from early spring through late fall. The Pavilions feature peaked roofs, fans, heaters, and private bathrooms. Another on-site perk: a water fountain that can be choreographed to lights.
The largest pavilion, the Swan, can seat 500 guests (or hold 750 for receptions) and features roll-down siding for full climate control. The Bison and Dragonfly pavilions can host as many as 300 guests, while the Peacock can hold 120. All together, the Pavilions can accommodate 2,000 guests. A sound system with iPod hookups is available for use in all four spaces.Chef Robert Ares, executive chef for the Chicago Zoological Society, heads up the Pavilions' full-service kitchen and uses organic ingredients and wines whenever possible. (Three organic herb gardens on the zoo grounds are one of his pet projects.) Event menus can be tailored around a type of cuisine or theme and can include hors d'oeuvres, buffets, picnics, or full sit-down meals.
The Pavilions add to Brookfield Zoo's range of event space options, including various animal exhibits, the Discovery Center, and the on-site restaurant, Bocaditos. Daytime events in the Pavilions can be combined with zoo tours, while evening events can be centered around cocktail receptions in the zoo's exhibits.
The largest pavilion, the Swan, can seat 500 guests (or hold 750 for receptions) and features roll-down siding for full climate control. The Bison and Dragonfly pavilions can host as many as 300 guests, while the Peacock can hold 120. All together, the Pavilions can accommodate 2,000 guests. A sound system with iPod hookups is available for use in all four spaces.Chef Robert Ares, executive chef for the Chicago Zoological Society, heads up the Pavilions' full-service kitchen and uses organic ingredients and wines whenever possible. (Three organic herb gardens on the zoo grounds are one of his pet projects.) Event menus can be tailored around a type of cuisine or theme and can include hors d'oeuvres, buffets, picnics, or full sit-down meals.
The Pavilions add to Brookfield Zoo's range of event space options, including various animal exhibits, the Discovery Center, and the on-site restaurant, Bocaditos. Daytime events in the Pavilions can be combined with zoo tours, while evening events can be centered around cocktail receptions in the zoo's exhibits.
The Brookfield Zoo's new outdoor event space
Rendering: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo
The Pavilions feature four open-air areas on 216 acres of landscaped grounds.
Rendering: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo
A separate entrance makes the event spaces private from the rest of the zoo.
Rendering: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo
The Pavilions offer four distinct areas that can be combined and customized based on the event.
Rendering: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo
A water fountain can be choreographed to lights and music.
Rendering: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo
The Swan Pavilion is the largest event space and offers roll-down siding for climate control.
Rendering: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo
