Acoustic Renovation of Arena Theatre in Bratislava

Project Overview

The Arena Theatre in Bratislava, one of the city’s most iconic cultural venues, underwent a complete acoustic renovation to enhance both the audience experience and the performers’ comfort on stage.

The goal was to achieve an acoustically balanced environment that met professional performance standards while preserving the theatre’s visual and historical character.

DECIBEL’s engineering team was selected to carry out the project based on a detailed acoustic study that guided the design, material selection, and installation process.

Challenge

The theatre’s acoustic environment presented multiple challenges like controlling reverberation in a large hall with varying surfaces, maintaining speech and music clarity, and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.

The solution had to deliver exceptional sound control without compromising aesthetics or visitor comfort.

Scope of Work

• Delivery and installation of acoustic panels in all areas of the theatre
• Installation of black acoustic felt panels with fireproof finishes mounted on a grid with mineral wool
• Acoustic cladding of side walls using black MDF panels with fire resistance
• Rear wall installation with distinctive wavy cladding made of flexible wood
• Acoustic treatment of the experimental hall with Echo Wall panels of varying thicknesses and LF Resonator

Solution

DECIBEL implemented a comprehensive acoustic system that addressed the theatre’s complex needs. The primary sound absorption was achieved with custom fireproof acoustic felt panels, strategically placed according to the acoustic study.

The walls and ceilings were treated with a combination of flexible wooden cladding and MDF panels, balancing function and aesthetics.

In the main hall, where precision in low-frequency control was essential, DECIBEL installed Echo Wall acoustic panels along with the innovative LF Resonator, a new-generation solution designed to tackle deep bass frequencies that standard acoustic panels cannot effectively manage.

Result

The renovation transformed the Arena Theatre into an acoustically refined performance space. Reverberation time was optimised, speech and music clarity improved, and the audience now experiences sound exactly as intended by the performers.

The theatre’s modernised look complements its rich cultural legacy, proving that technical precision and artistic beauty can coexist seamlessly.

This project was done in collaboration with our partners from POTICHU. 

LF Resonator

The DECIBEL LF Resonator is a custom-built acoustic panel engineered to absorb low bass frequencies around 125 Hz. Its hybrid design combines a wooden structure, sound-absorbing filling, and a tuned membrane for highly effective low-frequency control.

The panel is available in two standard sizes (1200x600 mm; and 600x600 mm) with a 150 mm thickness and features a premium textile finish in 22 colour variations, allowing seamless integration into any interior. The surface is easy to maintain and can be cleaned with mild agents or vacuumed without damaging the fabric.

Get in touch with DECIBEL to learn how our advanced acoustic solutions  including the innovative LF Resonator can elevate sound quality in performance spaces, studios, or any environment where sound precision matters.