History of The Pavilion

Surrounded by lush forests, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater that provides the greater Houston region with an array of classical and contemporary entertainment in a setting of unparalleled beauty. The Pavilion is owned and operated by The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization, and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. George P. Mitchell, chairman of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. and founder of the Woodlands, along with his wife Cynthia Woods Mitchell, for whom The Pavilion is named, had dreamed of creating a first-class performing art facility for The Woodlands since the community's inception in 1974. They envisioned such a facility as a venue for classical events as well as popular music. The dream became a reality when The Pavilion opened with a star-studded gala weekend in April 1990. Since then, it has earned praise from both artists and audiences. Entering its 12th year, The Pavilion presents approximately 80 events every April through October; events ranging in style from rock to classical, jazz to country, and modern opera to contemporary American ballet. In 1992, thanks to a generous gift from Cynthia and George Mitchell to the Houston Symphony's endowment fund, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion became the official Summer Home of the Houston Symphony. As a result, The Pavilion presents a series of 10 classical performances featuring the symphony every season. Past performers at The Pavilion have included Houston's own internationally acclaimed performing arts organizations - the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, and Houston Grand Opera - as well as popular touring artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bette Midler, Van Halen, Tina Turner, Elton John, Rod Stewart and Cher, among others. Following an extensive facility expansion in 2000-01, The Pavilion accommodates up to 17,000 guests. Beneath its soaring white fabric roof is covered, reserved seating for 3,000. There is room for 1,900 guests in the uncovered reserved area and 12,100 on the hillside lawn. The Pavilion's national commercial attractions are produced and promoted by SFX Entertainment. Classical arts events are produced and promoted by The Pavilion's own management organization. In recent years, The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands has emerged as a vital link in exposing large numbers of people to the classical and performing arts. With numerous educational outreach programs that reach approximately 26,000 students throughout a 13-county area, and several community outreach programs that enlighten and enrich the lives of thousands of people every year. The Center plays an essential role in making the arts accessible to the masses. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, a regional performing arts venue, is located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands, Texas. The Woodlands is a master-planned community of approximately 65,000 residents located 27 miles north of downtown Houston.