Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy

Object Type
Opera Houses

Builder
Fondazione Teatro alla Scala, Milano

Architects
Studio Emilio Pizzi, Milano

Completion
2025

Expertises
Building Acoustics
Room Acoustics
Acoustic Measurements
Teststand Measurements

From 2018 to 2024, the Teatro alla Scala in Milan underwent a comprehensive acoustic restoration. The aim was to make the acoustics of the historic theater hall, which had previously been perceived as “dry”, more lively and to significantly improve the acoustic feedback from the hall to the stage and orchestra pit. The core of the measure was the removal of sound-absorbing surfaces, particularly in the boxes, which extended the reverberation in the room and increased the overall sound volume. Acoustic modifications to the seats in the stalls also contributed to the improvement. The result is a much more vital room acoustic with a natural timbre and the all-important acoustic response from the hall for the musicians and singers.

The measures were supplemented by a new, flexible orchestra shell, which has been used successfully for two years. Minor acoustic adjustments in the orchestra pit round off the measures. All interventions were carried out under strict monument preservation conditions, so that the historical character of the opera house was fully preserved.
Parallel to the restoration work, a large orchestra rehearsal hall was built in the adjacent new “Palazzina” building. This is complemented by several smaller rehearsal studios, which now offer professional rehearsal conditions for ensembles of all sizes. Existing rehearsal rooms in the old building were also acoustically revised and upgraded.

Extensive measurements before and after the conversion phases prove the acoustic improvements, which are confirmed by both the audience and the artists.

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