Lyric Opera of Chicago: Seat Replacement

The Lyric Opera of Chicago selected Bulley & Andrews to complete one of its largest renovation projects in nearly a century. The opera house closed its doors to redesign seating to enhance accessibility and visibility for future productions.

Total seating capacity in the opera house was reduced from approximately 3,575 seats to 3,280 seats, while the main floor aisles were modified to increase the seating count in the center section and other premium locations. The slope of the aisle floors entering the theater were modified and the cross aisle on the main floor was relocated, all with the goal of improving accessibility for disabled and able-bodied patrons of the opera.

The two balconies in the theater also received modifications to create additional ADA seating locations with improved sight lines. The scope of work was completed while preserving the building’s historic art deco architecture and the space’s acoustical integrity.