Palais Garnier Auditorium: Acoustics and Seating

The horseshoe plan wraps audience and stage in mutual presence. Sound travels, returns, and settles.

🔊 Sabine at a Glance

Estimated reverberation time $T$ for volume $V$ and equivalent absorption $A$:

$$T approx 0.161, rac{V}{A}$$

As occupancy rises, $A$ increases—shorter $T$, more clarity.

📐 Seats and Sightlines

• Curved balconies preserve lateral reflections.
• Box fronts help early energy.
• Orchestra pit balances proximity and blend.

Sit slightly off‑center for lateral sparkle.

Try a matinee from gallery seats; compare evening warmth.