In the Library

Setting the Scene with Theater Architecture and Set Design

From amphitheaters of the ancient world to the digitally outfitted entertainment centers of today, the theater venue is constantly evolving. But in the 18th and 19th centuries, theaters presented unique problems for architects. While excellent acoustics were critical, so was design, as a theater was meant to represent the modern city in which it stood yet also serve as a lasting and noble reflection of that city’s cultural patrimony. This focus installation recounts the comedy and drama that unfolded during this pivotal era in architecture and design as told through a collection of nearly two dozen rare books.

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