Orchestra Hall opened in 1974 with a very successful acoustic design by Cyril Harris. The 2012-13 renovation replaced the original lobby with a larger, more functional space that includes a new event space known as the “City Room.” Schuler Shook worked with architect KPMB to provide an architectural lighting design for the lobby and City Room that reinforces the drama of the spaces and provides operational efficiency and flexibility.

In the hall the auditorium and stage floors were replaced, and all paint finishes were updated. Schuler Shook specified all of the overhead lighting, but the new fixtures were painted and “clustered” on the ceiling in a manner very similar to the original design. New LED and automated fixtures were added above the stage to provide greater flexibility for the Minnesota Orchestra “Pops” concert series and other contemporary programming. Portable LED and quartz fixtures were added to the existing inventory, and new mounting locations were integrated into the hall design.

Behind the scenes, the dimming and lighting control system was completely replaced and additional circuits and data distribution were provided to support all programming. Rigging capabilities were upgraded with new winches and rigging points to support audio, lighting, curtains and other production elements. Power and cable sleeves were added in strategic locations to better support rental and touring equipment.