Sanctuary
About
The Sanctuary is a 700-seat indoor amphitheater that naturally slopes down a hill to reveal expansive vistas of Grace Farms’ native landscape. It was designed as a columnless space, with each seat placed to engage with the stage and the surrounding environment. The Sanctuary is used for a variety of formal gatherings and Foundation programs, including workshops, lectures, and performances. SANAA and other international experts (Nagata Acoustics and Harvey Marshall Berling Associates) advised on the acoustics and lighting in the Sanctuary, creating an ideal setting for performing artists including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Gallim Dance, Aloe Blacc, and India.Arie.
During the day, the Sanctuary is most often used as a contemplative space—enhanced by a textile artwork by Olafur Eliasson, which rests on the stage.
Sanctuary Experiences | Community
Sanctuary Experiences | Justice
Sanctuary Experiences | Nature
Sanctuary Experiences | Arts

Grace Farms Foundation and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation holds a half-day seminar, helping attendees to boost their advocacy skills and network with other not-for-profit leaders.

Grace Farms Foundation host the third annual cybersecurity convening organized by the US Attorney’s Office of Connecticut and the Institute of Internal Auditors - Westchester-Fairfield Chapter. During this convening, representatives from law enforcement and the private sector gathered together to brainstorm how to prevent and respond to data breaches or cyber threats.

Mark Fowler, Grace Farms Foundation’s Nature Initiative Director, leads a family-friendly program that featured stories of growing up on the set of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and highlighted the beauty and diversity of our planet’s wildlife.

Grace Farms Foundation welcomes a Buddhist Monk from the Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace for an open conversation focused on better understanding Buddhism's philosophy/religion and life application. The program was designed as a component of Grace Farms Foundation's Faith Initiative, which seeks to build empathy across lines of religious difference through multi-denominational and interfaith dialogue.

Grace Farms Foundation offers a free, public showing of a performative new work inspired by the Practicing Silence workshop. The performance featured dancers from the New York City Ballet ballet, choreography by Silas Farley, and the poetry of Ilya Kaminsky.
Architectural Facts
The Sanctuary is an 11,000 square foot amphitheater with seating for 700. Architectural details of a the space include:
- Reception vestibule
- Performance sound system by Nagata Acoustics
- 95-foot GLU-LAM ceiling beams
- Furnished with 100% LED and theatric lighting
- Thomas Moser designed amphitheater chairs
- Noise-canceling quiet room
- Green room for visiting presenters
- ADA-accessible tunnel for visitors and performing artists
Upcoming Events