Philanthropist Doris Duke, a name synonymous with generosity and philanthropy, left an indelible mark in various spheres of life.
A New Era for Jacob's Pillow: The Reimagined Doris Duke Theatre and the Perles Family Studio
After a devastating fire in 2020, the Doris Duke Theatre at Jacob's Pillow, a renowned dance center in Western Massachusetts, has risen from the ashes, reimagined and reborn. The Dutch architecture firm Mecanoo, led by Francine Houben, was commissioned to design the new theatre, collaborating with New York-based Marvel (architecture and landscape) and theatre consultants Charcoalblue, as well as Indigenous artists including Jeffrey Gibson.
The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre opened its doors in July 2025, boasting a spacious 20,000 sq. ft., more than double the size of its former footprint. The new theatre is a testament to the evolution of Jacob's Pillow, from a homestead to a world-class dance mecca, reflected in a series of renovations and additions over the years.
The design embraces wood as a primary material, continuing the site’s vernacular of timber agricultural structures established by earlier buildings like the Ted Shawn Theatre from the 1930s. The theatre is constructed mainly from spruce-pine-fir cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels sourced from Canada and clad in thermally treated pine with textured layering, creating a "magic wooden box" aesthetic that harmonizes with the natural landscape.
A distinctive aspect of Mecanoo’s design is its incorporation of Indigenous principles and symbolism, notably organizing the building around the cardinal directions. This concept, connected to the Indigenous Medicine Wheel, was developed with input from Jeffrey Gibson, a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and an artist. The approach reflects respect for the site’s history and culture while fostering a connection between the theatre, the land, and its users.
The Perles Family Studio, designed by Boston-based Flansburgh Architects and completed in 2017, is a contemporary interpretation of a timber barn/performance space. The timber-clad performance space is fitted with flexible, retractable seating for various audience and performer configurations. Full-height sliding doors allow the Perles Family Studio to operate as a more permeable space, building on the Pillow's tradition of using the landscape as a backdrop for performances.
The veranda of the Perles Family Studio provides passive shading and a permeable threshold between the theatre and its landscape. The area surrounding the Perles Family Studio was designed by New York practice Marvel with input from interdisciplinary artist and curator Jeffrey Gibson. The eastern entrance of the studio features an indigenous garden and communal fire pit that reflect the cultural traditions of the people who first inhabited the land.
The 'magic wooden box' within the Perles Family Studio contains an overhead steel catwalk with livestream and AI capabilities. The Perles Family Studio and the reimagined Doris Duke Theatre aim to retain the simplicity and intimacy of the original while integrating technology and increasing capacity. They also strive to reflect Jacob's Pillow's evolving sense of self and its role as a bridge between generations.
Jacob's Pillow was founded by modern dance pioneer Ted Shawn in 1931. Shawn, who parted ways with his wife Ruth St. Denis in 1931, used Jacob's Pillow as a base for his all-male dance troupe. The area is also home to picture-book settlements of clapboard houses, well-attended churches, and carefully tended lawns. The landscape surrounding the Perles Family Studio and the reimagined Doris Duke Theatre is a serene backdrop, with mountains, beavers, bears, and forest trails creating a picturesque setting for these architectural marvels.
The reimagined Doris Duke Theatre and the Perles Family Studio are more than just buildings; they are a testament to the spirit of innovation, respect for tradition, and a deep-rooted connection to the land that defines Jacob's Pillow.
[1] The New York Times
[3] Architectural Record
[4] Dezeen
[5] The Boston Globe
- In the summer of 2025, technology and innovation were on full display at Jacob's Pillow, as the reimagined Doris Duke Theatre opened its doors, boasting advanced livestream and AI capabilities in the Perles Family Studio.
- Exclusive interviews with Indigenous artist Jeffrey Gibson, who played a significant role in the design process, were featured in culture and lifestyle sections of The New York Times and Dezeen.
- Environmentally-conscious architecture and landscape design were highlights of the renovation project, with renewable materials and native plantings showcased in Architectural Record and The Boston Globe.
- Food enthusiasts will be delighted to learn about the communal fire pit and indigenous garden near the Perles Family Studio, providing a cultural culinary experience that echoes the history of the land.
- Home-and-garden lovers can admire the serene landscape surrounding the Perles Family Studio and the reimagined Doris Duke Theatre, filled with idyllic settlements, churches, and forest trails, featuring in articles on picturesque landscapes and country living.
