The Doris Duke Theatre Landscape at Jacob’s Pillow

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow. Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow.

Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

© Marvel

“We took something that was the ultimate tragedy — the loss of a theater that had served audiences and artists for 30 years — and decided to build a theater deeply grounded in the Earth and equipped for the future,”

Pamela Tatge, Artistic Director at Jacob's Pillow in The Berkshire Eagle
Key elements of the new Doris Duke Theatre include a central quad framed by a stone ‘scramble,’ with open views of the surrounding Berkshires. The theatre’s entrance at grade level connects the building to nature, creating a seamless space for gathering, performance, and reflection.

"The site's unique setting—diverse vegetation and dynamic landscapes—inspired immersive spaces connecting people to nature. Collaborating with Indigenous artists was a privilege, ensuring the design honors cultural traditions while fostering connection, reflection, and performance."

Juan Guzman Palacios, Associate at Marvel
From left: Artists Misty Cook, Kathi Arnold, Brenda Mallory, and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. on the Jacob’s Pillow campus during a reception and site visit in July. Jamie Kraus photo. © Christopher Duggan
The theatre is wrapped in textured wood façade that is articulated in 7 layers which is a symbol of the "7 generations" teaching philosophy of indigenous culture that holds that our present existence is shaped by the legacies of the three generations before us, and our actions today will sculpt the world for the three generations that follow. Rendering © Mecanoo/Marvel
 A central quad is framed by a sculptural “scramble” crafted from locally sourced stone, inviting dancers and visitors alike. This dynamic space offers areas for lounging, rehearsal, and celebration, fostering community engagement and interaction.
Landscapes designed in collaboration with Indigenous artists celebrate their knowledge and practices, featuring an Indigenous Garden and a communal firepit. These elements reflect the land’s cultural traditions and recognize the original inhabitants, whose stories and heritage inform Jacob’s Pillow and shape its identity.
© Mecanoo/Marvel
An ADA-accessible path to the theatre offers an immersive walking experience through the Indigenous garden, connecting visitors to the arts and the region’s Indigenous history.
Rendering © Mecanoo/Marvel
Inspired by the region’s natural beauty, the new Doris Duke Theatre’s landscape harmonizes with its surroundings, reflecting the rich local ecology of the Berkshires.

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow. Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N27 medium
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Christopher Duggan Photo Courtesy of Jacob's Pillow N15 medium

“We took something that was the ultimate tragedy — the loss of a theater that had served audiences and artists for 30 years — and decided to build a theater deeply grounded in the Earth and equipped for the future,”

Pamela Tatge, Artistic Director at Jacob's Pillow in The Berkshire Eagle
Print
Key elements of the new Doris Duke Theatre include a central quad framed by a stone ‘scramble,’ with open views of the surrounding Berkshires. The theatre’s entrance at grade level connects the building to nature, creating a seamless space for gathering, performance, and reflection.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Jamie Kraus 20240719 PillowRock IndigenousArtists pJamieKraus 0024
From left: Artists Misty Cook, Kathi Arnold, Brenda Mallory, and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. on the Jacob’s Pillow campus during a reception and site visit in July. Jamie Kraus photo. © Christopher Duggan

"The site's unique setting—diverse vegetation and dynamic landscapes—inspired immersive spaces connecting people to nature. Collaborating with Indigenous artists was a privilege, ensuring the design honors cultural traditions while fostering connection, reflection, and performance."

Juan Guzman Palacios, Associate at Marvel
Print
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel 2024 01 16 JPNT East entrance
To the east, landscapes designed in collaboration with Indigenous artists celebrate their knowledge and practices, featuring an Indigenous Garden and a communal firepit. These elements reflect the land’s cultural traditions and recognize the original inhabitants, whose stories and heritage inform Jacob’s Pillow and shape its identity.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N8 medium
To the west of the theatre, a central quad is framed by a sculptural “scramble” crafted from locally sourced stone, inviting dancers and visitors alike. This dynamic space offers areas for lounging, rehearsal, and celebration, fostering community engagement and interaction.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N30 medium
An ADA-accessible path to the theatre offers an immersive walking experience through the Indigenous garden, connecting visitors to the arts and the region’s Indigenous history.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N4 medium
Inspired by the region’s natural beauty, the new Doris Duke Theatre’s landscape harmonizes with its surroundings, reflecting the rich local ecology of the Berkshires.

The Doris Duke Theatre Landscape at Jacob’s Pillow

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow. Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow.

Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

© Marvel

“We took something that was the ultimate tragedy — the loss of a theater that had served audiences and artists for 30 years — and decided to build a theater deeply grounded in the Earth and equipped for the future,”

Pamela Tatge, Artistic Director at Jacob's Pillow in The Berkshire Eagle
Key elements of the new Doris Duke Theatre include a central quad framed by a stone ‘scramble,’ with open views of the surrounding Berkshires. The theatre’s entrance at grade level connects the building to nature, creating a seamless space for gathering, performance, and reflection.

"The site's unique setting—diverse vegetation and dynamic landscapes—inspired immersive spaces connecting people to nature. Collaborating with Indigenous artists was a privilege, ensuring the design honors cultural traditions while fostering connection, reflection, and performance."

Juan Guzman Palacios, Associate at Marvel
From left: Artists Misty Cook, Kathi Arnold, Brenda Mallory, and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. on the Jacob’s Pillow campus during a reception and site visit in July. Jamie Kraus photo. © Christopher Duggan
The theatre is wrapped in textured wood façade that is articulated in 7 layers which is a symbol of the "7 generations" teaching philosophy of indigenous culture that holds that our present existence is shaped by the legacies of the three generations before us, and our actions today will sculpt the world for the three generations that follow. Rendering © Mecanoo/Marvel
 A central quad is framed by a sculptural “scramble” crafted from locally sourced stone, inviting dancers and visitors alike. This dynamic space offers areas for lounging, rehearsal, and celebration, fostering community engagement and interaction.
Landscapes designed in collaboration with Indigenous artists celebrate their knowledge and practices, featuring an Indigenous Garden and a communal firepit. These elements reflect the land’s cultural traditions and recognize the original inhabitants, whose stories and heritage inform Jacob’s Pillow and shape its identity.
© Mecanoo/Marvel
An ADA-accessible path to the theatre offers an immersive walking experience through the Indigenous garden, connecting visitors to the arts and the region’s Indigenous history.
Rendering © Mecanoo/Marvel
Inspired by the region’s natural beauty, the new Doris Duke Theatre’s landscape harmonizes with its surroundings, reflecting the rich local ecology of the Berkshires.

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow. Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N27 medium
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Christopher Duggan Photo Courtesy of Jacob's Pillow N15 medium

“We took something that was the ultimate tragedy — the loss of a theater that had served audiences and artists for 30 years — and decided to build a theater deeply grounded in the Earth and equipped for the future,”

Pamela Tatge, Artistic Director at Jacob's Pillow in The Berkshire Eagle
Print
Key elements of the new Doris Duke Theatre include a central quad framed by a stone ‘scramble,’ with open views of the surrounding Berkshires. The theatre’s entrance at grade level connects the building to nature, creating a seamless space for gathering, performance, and reflection.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Jamie Kraus 20240719 PillowRock IndigenousArtists pJamieKraus 0024
From left: Artists Misty Cook, Kathi Arnold, Brenda Mallory, and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. on the Jacob’s Pillow campus during a reception and site visit in July. Jamie Kraus photo. © Christopher Duggan

"The site's unique setting—diverse vegetation and dynamic landscapes—inspired immersive spaces connecting people to nature. Collaborating with Indigenous artists was a privilege, ensuring the design honors cultural traditions while fostering connection, reflection, and performance."

Juan Guzman Palacios, Associate at Marvel
Print
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel 2024 01 16 JPNT East entrance
To the east, landscapes designed in collaboration with Indigenous artists celebrate their knowledge and practices, featuring an Indigenous Garden and a communal firepit. These elements reflect the land’s cultural traditions and recognize the original inhabitants, whose stories and heritage inform Jacob’s Pillow and shape its identity.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N8 medium
To the west of the theatre, a central quad is framed by a sculptural “scramble” crafted from locally sourced stone, inviting dancers and visitors alike. This dynamic space offers areas for lounging, rehearsal, and celebration, fostering community engagement and interaction.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N30 medium
An ADA-accessible path to the theatre offers an immersive walking experience through the Indigenous garden, connecting visitors to the arts and the region’s Indigenous history.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N4 medium
Inspired by the region’s natural beauty, the new Doris Duke Theatre’s landscape harmonizes with its surroundings, reflecting the rich local ecology of the Berkshires.

The Doris Duke Theatre Landscape at Jacob’s Pillow

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow. Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow.

Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

© Marvel

“We took something that was the ultimate tragedy — the loss of a theater that had served audiences and artists for 30 years — and decided to build a theater deeply grounded in the Earth and equipped for the future,”

Pamela Tatge, Artistic Director at Jacob's Pillow in The Berkshire Eagle
Key elements of the new Doris Duke Theatre include a central quad framed by a stone ‘scramble,’ with open views of the surrounding Berkshires. The theatre’s entrance at grade level connects the building to nature, creating a seamless space for gathering, performance, and reflection.

"The site's unique setting—diverse vegetation and dynamic landscapes—inspired immersive spaces connecting people to nature. Collaborating with Indigenous artists was a privilege, ensuring the design honors cultural traditions while fostering connection, reflection, and performance."

Juan Guzman Palacios, Associate at Marvel
From left: Artists Misty Cook, Kathi Arnold, Brenda Mallory, and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. on the Jacob’s Pillow campus during a reception and site visit in July. Jamie Kraus photo. © Christopher Duggan
The theatre is wrapped in textured wood façade that is articulated in 7 layers which is a symbol of the "7 generations" teaching philosophy of indigenous culture that holds that our present existence is shaped by the legacies of the three generations before us, and our actions today will sculpt the world for the three generations that follow. Rendering © Mecanoo/Marvel
 A central quad is framed by a sculptural “scramble” crafted from locally sourced stone, inviting dancers and visitors alike. This dynamic space offers areas for lounging, rehearsal, and celebration, fostering community engagement and interaction.
Landscapes designed in collaboration with Indigenous artists celebrate their knowledge and practices, featuring an Indigenous Garden and a communal firepit. These elements reflect the land’s cultural traditions and recognize the original inhabitants, whose stories and heritage inform Jacob’s Pillow and shape its identity.
© Mecanoo/Marvel
An ADA-accessible path to the theatre offers an immersive walking experience through the Indigenous garden, connecting visitors to the arts and the region’s Indigenous history.
Rendering © Mecanoo/Marvel
Inspired by the region’s natural beauty, the new Doris Duke Theatre’s landscape harmonizes with its surroundings, reflecting the rich local ecology of the Berkshires.

Weaving Indigenous culture into the landscape of the Doris Duke Theatre through holistic collaboration.

The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre builds on the rich history of the site and the former Doris Duke Theatre. The project embraces the Pillow’s diverse history to create a space for dialogue, collaboration and education that is accessible, inclusive and flexible. This balance between embracing the site and nature while pushing the boundaries of dance embodies the ambition for the Theatre and captures the magic of performing at Jacob's Pillow. Marvel is the lead landscape architects and architect of record with Mecanoo, led by Creative Director and Founding Partner Francine Houben, as lead architect for the new building. The project is slated to open July of 2025.

2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N27 medium
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Christopher Duggan Photo Courtesy of Jacob's Pillow N15 medium

“We took something that was the ultimate tragedy — the loss of a theater that had served audiences and artists for 30 years — and decided to build a theater deeply grounded in the Earth and equipped for the future,”

Pamela Tatge, Artistic Director at Jacob's Pillow in The Berkshire Eagle
Print
Key elements of the new Doris Duke Theatre include a central quad framed by a stone ‘scramble,’ with open views of the surrounding Berkshires. The theatre’s entrance at grade level connects the building to nature, creating a seamless space for gathering, performance, and reflection.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Jamie Kraus 20240719 PillowRock IndigenousArtists pJamieKraus 0024
From left: Artists Misty Cook, Kathi Arnold, Brenda Mallory, and Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. on the Jacob’s Pillow campus during a reception and site visit in July. Jamie Kraus photo. © Christopher Duggan

"The site's unique setting—diverse vegetation and dynamic landscapes—inspired immersive spaces connecting people to nature. Collaborating with Indigenous artists was a privilege, ensuring the design honors cultural traditions while fostering connection, reflection, and performance."

Juan Guzman Palacios, Associate at Marvel
Print
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel 2024 01 16 JPNT East entrance
To the east, landscapes designed in collaboration with Indigenous artists celebrate their knowledge and practices, featuring an Indigenous Garden and a communal firepit. These elements reflect the land’s cultural traditions and recognize the original inhabitants, whose stories and heritage inform Jacob’s Pillow and shape its identity.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N8 medium
To the west of the theatre, a central quad is framed by a sculptural “scramble” crafted from locally sourced stone, inviting dancers and visitors alike. This dynamic space offers areas for lounging, rehearsal, and celebration, fostering community engagement and interaction.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N30 medium
An ADA-accessible path to the theatre offers an immersive walking experience through the Indigenous garden, connecting visitors to the arts and the region’s Indigenous history.
2148 The New Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow Rendering Mecanoo & Marvel N4 medium
Inspired by the region’s natural beauty, the new Doris Duke Theatre’s landscape harmonizes with its surroundings, reflecting the rich local ecology of the Berkshires.

Location

Becket, MA

Client

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival

Typology

Size

Landscape: 2 acres; Architecture: 19,300 SF

Design Team

Danielle Cerone, Yadiel Riveria, Juan Guzman Palacios, Erin Kelly, Daniel Eizo

Consultants

Mecanoo (Designer), Silman (Structure), Charcoalblue (Theater Consultant), Jeffrey Gibson (Indigenous Artist), Alteri (MEP/FP), FMS (lighting), CCI (Code and Accessibility), MwSkins (Facade), Foresight (Civil)