The actual Théâtre National de l’Opéra Comique, a national historical monument, was reconstructed in 1898 by the architect Louis Bernier, after the previous building was destroyed by a fire.

In recent years, it has undergone an ambitious renovation plan in different steps that includes:

  • the orchestra pit ;
  • the interior acoustics of the audience chamber ;
  • the acoustical design of a chandelier for dealing with the sound focusing problems and improve sound clarity at the parterre;
  • the reconstruction of the rehearsal space located above the theatre.

And, more recently:

  • the total refection of the theatre’s air-conditioning system ;
  • the renovation of the audience chamber’s interior architecture;
  • the restauration of the historical foyers and administrative spaces;
  • the clean-up of the façades.

Studio D A P was in charge for the acoustic design of this ambitious renovation.

After completion of the first series of works in 2007, the musical programme includes baroque and contemporary opera as well as the opera comique genre. The orchestra pit renovation included a variable acoustics system as well as a variable geometry system. The final concept considered the following aspects:

  • An acoustic study based on in situ measurements as well as on a 3D computer model;
  • A thorough study on orchestrations and musicians distribution according to the ensemble size, repertoire and conductors’ conducting habits.