Navy Pier is here for good -- and it always has been.
In 1909, architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham laid out an important vision.
“The lakefront by right belongs to the people … it should be made so alluring that it will become the fixed habit of the people to seek its restful presence at every opportunity.”
More than a century later, Navy Pier still belongs to the people. The generosity of philanthropic, individual, foundation and corporate donors ensures that Navy Pier remains free and accessible as the People’s Pier today.
There’ve been many challenges along the way. So to help guarantee the Pier’s future; to protect its commitment to culture, education and the arts; and to remove its operational burden from city and state taxpayers, Navy Pier became a non-profit organization in 2011.
Today, it’s the generous support of philanthropic, individual, foundation and corporate donors that allows Navy Pier to provide the Chicago community with more than 250 free annual arts and cultural programs each year.
Navy Pier is here for good
But it will only continue to be with your help.
Now, as Navy Pier enters its second decade as a nonprofit, it seeks enthusiastic supporters and partners who share in its vision to help it be a vibrant civic space that makes memories for families and guests from across the street and around the globe. Help us keep this lakefront treasure the People’s Pier for centuries to come.
Told by Jason Vasquez, Manager of Corporate & Volunteer Relations
Boys & Girls Clubs Of Chicago
“Visiting Navy Pier every summer is one of the biggest highlights to our kids. To have such an iconic space to run, play and explore what the city has to offer is crucial to our Club members. We must continue to maintain and contribute to such an iconic Chicago institution.”
Program Officer, Polk Bros. Foundation
JC Aevaliotis
“I really love the idea of the ‘People’s Pier,’ the vision in Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. Chicago is truly unique in how much of its amazing lakefront is retained as public land, and the Pier is an important part of that legacy.”
Musician with Sixteen Candles
Dave Ensslin
“Navy Pier is a place that “get’s it”. All of the staff that I have worked with at Navy Pier are upbeat and and you can feel that they are passionate about their job and truly enjoy being there. That just sets the tone for the incredible and welcoming experience that Navy Pier is. Navy Pier is more than another gig, it’s a tradition. It’s an experience!”
Pier Fitness Instructor
Robert Sanchez
“The best part are the people I get to meet each week. It is always a beautiful thing to see so many new and familiar faces year after year. Through Tuesday’s classes I have been able to build relationships with people I might not have had the opportunity to otherwise.”
Performing Artist
Brooke Reams
“Performing at Navy Pier has made a huge impact on me. I meet new people every time I play here. And playing at an outdoor venue with such a large and diverse audience has been a learning experience for me as a performer.”
