The hidden room above one of Paris's oldest theatres

At the Comédie-Française, the real change from the latest renovation sits out of sight, above the auditorium.

La Comédie-Française Theatre Design | Case Studies

The restored 1900 wrought-iron structure, framed against the Paris rooftops beyond.

A famous theatre, and the space above it

The Salle Richelieu is the main auditorium of the Comédie-Française, one of the oldest and most celebrated theatres in Paris. Its latest renovation restored the auditorium audiences know.

But the most significant change happened somewhere the public never sees: the dome directly above it.

The dome is a historic part of the building, built around a wrought-iron structure created by Julien Gadet in 1900. For years it had been used to house the theatre's HVAC equipment.

Reclaim the space, keep the history, block the noise

Project info

Project name

La Comédie-Française Theatre

Client

La Comedie Francaise

Location

Paris, France

Architecture

Agence Brossy & Associés

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Products used

Rockfon® Mono Acoustic

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“Rockfon Mono Acoustic was installed throughout the curved dome, preserving it entirely. It is now a splendid and functional space, insulated acoustically from the theatre below.”

Stéphane Delaby

— Architect, Agence Brossy & Associés

Rockfon Mono Acoustic integrates into the dramatic vaulted curves of the dome.

The exposed wrought iron adds historic character to the newly renovated space.

The HVAC systems were reorganised to allow for the change.

The theatre reopened after 12 months of renovation.

Reclaiming the volume of the dome

“By reducing the space allocated to technical equipment, we reclaimed half the volume of the dome and highlighted the wrought iron structure created by Julien Gadet in 1900”, explained project architect Stéphane Delaby of Agence Brossy & Associés. The installation of Rockfon Mono Acoustic not only retained the theatre's historical features, but also meets modern acoustic requirements.