American Repertory Theater at Harvard University announced on October 14, 2026 that the largest performance space at its new home will be named The Blavatnik Theater in recognition of a major gift from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, founded by businessman and philanthropist Sir Leonard Blavatnik (MBA ’89).
Made possible through the generosity of Len and Emily Blavatnik, the fully flexible venue in the David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Creativity & Performance is designed to foster artistic innovation and creative collaboration while advancing A.R.T.’s commitment to expanding the boundaries of theater.
“Harvard and A.R.T. bring together exceptional talent and creativity. We are delighted to support this innovative new theater, where artists will bring ambitious ideas to the stage,” said Blavatnik.
In May 2027, A.R.T. will welcome audiences to The Blavatnik Theater’s inaugural show: Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production directed by Diane Paulus and brought to life by the music of David Bowie.
“The Blavatnik Theater is a truly magnificent space that will give artists endless opportunities to create transformative theatrical experiences for decades to come. We celebrate Len Blavatnik’s commitments to imagination, innovation, and to reaching audiences around the world. I am profoundly grateful to Len and Emily for their generosity in support of Harvard and of A.R.T.’s mission to expand the boundaries of theater, always including the audience as a partner,” said Paulus, Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director of American Repertory Theater at Harvard University.
The Blavatnik Theater is where A.R.T. will produce large-scale productions like the ones created over the last two decades that have gone onto Broadway and toured the world while maintaining a unique level of intimacy and energy between audience and performers.
The Blavatnik Theater is one of two dedicated indoor performances spaces in the Goel Center. Inspired by the sight lines and intimacy of A.R.T.’s current venue, the Loeb Drama Center, the theater will accommodate multiple stage positions, seating configurations, and theatrical designs. Its 700 seats—160 more than the current venue—will be distributed across the main level and two levels of galleries.
Retractable seating, movable galleries, and adjustable stage elements will allow the space to be transformed for each production, from a traditional theater to a thrust-stage configuration or open studio that will accommodate 1,000 standing. Flexible rigging and integrated lighting, sound, and video systems will give artists further freedom to reimagine the relationship between the stage and the audience.
The A.R.T. has been the professional theater on Harvard’s campus since its founding in 1980. It draws artists from around the world to develop musicals, plays, and operas, enriched by partnerships with faculty members and schools across the University.
The naming gift builds on Blavatnik’s longstanding relationship with Harvard and his commitment to advancing innovation, education, and the arts. A member of the Harvard Global Advisory Council, he has supported University initiatives through the Blavatnik Family Foundation spanning biomedical research, life-science entrepreneurship, and public policy, including a historic commitment to Harvard Medical School and the Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator.
The Blavatnik family has also supported music, dance, opera, ballet, and theater internationally, helping leading institutions advance arts education, develop artists and new work, and expand public access to live performance.
The new home for the A.R.T. is located at 175 North Harvard Street in Boston’s neighborhood of Allston, a thriving hub of innovation and creativity where neighbors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and the arts are coming together to encourage collaboration, discovery, and community. The center will anchor Harvard’s growing arts presence in the neighborhood and provide flexible, adaptive spaces to rehearse, create, teach, and convene. Many individuals across Harvard and beyond have contributed generously to making the building a reality.
The A.R.T. received certificate of occupancy last week. A ribbon cutting marking the Goel Center’s public opening will be held Monday, April 5, 2027.