Metropolitan Opera House

The Metropolitan Opera House on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York is the largest repertory opera house in the world, renowned for top-notch opera performances and recognizable in the background of many movies and television shows. It opened in 1966, replacing the original 1883 opera house at Broadway and 39th Street. With a seating capacity of 3800, over 200 operas are performed every year with a total attendance of 800,000 people.

The fire alarm system for the building was original to the 1966 construction and no longer met code regulations. Our team of fire life safety experts designed a modern fire alarm system replacement, including multiple variances to meet the complex needs of this historic world-class site. Our behind-the-scenes comprehensive review provided solutions for the theatre proscenium, stage smoke and heat venting, and lobby fire and smoke safety as well as production and construction areas behind the stage.

Jensen Hughes provided services to design a replacement fire alarm system for the entire building compliant with the 2014 New York City Building Code and referenced standards. We obtained a letter of approval from FDNY for the fire alarm system, as well as finalized the Certificate of Occupancy for the building, including final sign off on multiple construction projects.

Our work also includes managing the phased installation of the complete fire alarm system while maintaining progress on planned construction projects. When complete, theater staff, production companies, artists, performers and the audiences they attract and delight will be protected by unobtrusive measures that allow their shows to go on.