From Theatre to Cinema to Theatre Again: The Acoustic History of the Vittorio Emanuele II Theatre of Benevento Through Simulations

The Vittorio Emanuele II Theatre of Benevento was designed with a horse-shoe shaped plan, following the architectural trend 1860. The project, originally designed by architect Francesconi, was modified after World War II due to the development of cinema, which replaced traditional theatrical performances. To accommodate this shift, the room volume was reduced, as the screen was installed at the fire curtain level, effectively eliminating the fly tower. Additionally, the wooden balustrade was replaced with glass to provide a clearer view of the screen. Acoustic measurements were carried out inside the theatre according to ISO 3382-1. The main acoustic parameters were evaluated and compared with the theatre’s original function as a performance venue. The measured and simulated results indicate that the acoustic response is well-suited for an amplified audio system, though it is perceived as drier compared to its historical function