The Academy of Music

Built in 1857, the 140-year-old Academy is considered to be an historical and architectural gem. This concert hall and opera house is the oldest known and continuously run opera house in America and the country’s only authentic 19th-century opera house. Auerbach Glasow provided architectural lighting for the phased renovation of the Academy. The architectural lighting challenge was to modernize the facility without comprising the building’s historical integrity.

Much of the existing lighting was left untouched but the antiquated dimming control system was upgraded and all low efficiency lamping was replaced. The stately grand chandelier was completely rewired and new downlights were installed within it. Based upon historical research of early photographs, the wall sconces on the orchestra level were added back to their original locations.

Architect: Vitetta
Completion: 2002