Arts and culture: performing arts
Performing arts venues can be used for a variety of events ranging from concerts, recitals, drama, dance, and opera. These buildings have an important part to play for communities and in some cases may be a community’s only access to the performing arts.
Get in touch with our team

Performing arts venues can be used for a variety of events ranging from concerts, recitals, drama, dance, and opera. These buildings have an important part to play for communities and in some cases may be a community’s only access to the performing arts.
We design spaces that can adapt use for a variety of settings from amplified performance to spoken word and natural acoustic concerts. Understanding the way spaces will be used, the different users, requirements and experience is crucial to design success.
Our expertise includes new venues and existing and heritage venues that have evolved over time. Improvements in acoustic and theatre technology allow an increased range of uses of performing arts venues, particularly for heritage buildings and being upgraded for contemporary use. Our multidisciplinary specialists and theatre experts collaborate closely with architects and clients to create leading edge user experiences in performing arts venues.
In the early 1950’s, our founder, Ove Arup, was engaged to undertake the structural design of the Sydney Opera House alongside Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Since then, we have continued our relationship with the Opera House, in over 300 projects, spanning 60 years, from repairs to refurbishments through our many different services, including acoustics, civil engineering, structural engineering, theatre planning, security, building diagnostics, façade engineering, fire engineering and pedestrian planning.
Explore
Find out more about how our services can support you:
Projects
Explore more arts and culture projects

Supporting the enduring legacy and regeneration of a valued art center
Storm King Art Center Capital Project, United States of America

Designing an addition to an iconic museum through multidisciplinary innovation and digital-first approaches
The Richard Gilder Center at the American Museum of Natural History, United States of America

Designing a creative outlet and unique venue for Bidi Bidi - transforming cultural life for Africa’s largest refugee settlement
Bidi Bidi Performing Arts Centre, Uganda

Securing the future of a 15th century building in the heart of Yorkshire
York Guildhall, United Kingdom
Arts and culture
Arup has played a defining role in the development and design of some of the world’s favourite cultural buildings. We work as partners to our clients, always approaching projects with insights into how to serve their needs and the needs of their audiences.
