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Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Case Study

Sound Designed for the Art of Motion Pictures

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Built EnvironmentBuilt Environment

Industry

Museums, Arts & Culture

Location

California

Architect | Architect of Record | Theater Consultant | Exhibit Designer

Renzo Piano Building Workshop | Gensler | Arup Theater Consultants | WHY Architects

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a 300,000-square-foot cultural destination in Los Angeles that brings together new construction and the transformation of an existing historic structure into a museum dedicated to the art of motion pictures. Jaffe Holden, a Trinity Consultants team, provided acoustics and AV design to support theaters, exhibitions, and public spaces.

Vision

The project was designed to create an environment where sound enhances storytelling and visitor engagement. Acoustic and AV systems support both cinematic presentation and exhibition experiences. Looking ahead, the museum continues to deliver high-quality audio environments for a wide range of audiences.

Partnership

The design team, including Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Gensler, Arup Theater Consultants, WHY Architects, and the broader structural, mechanical, and electrical team, collaborated to align architectural and performance goals. Jaffe Holden integrated acoustic and AV systems within the museum’s complex program.

Services Performed

Trinity Consultants’ Jaffe Holden team provided acoustics and AV design for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, supporting theaters, exhibitions, and public spaces. Services included architectural acoustics, sound isolation, mechanical system noise control, and audio and video systems design to deliver immersive and accessible experiences.

Value-Add

The Geffen and Ted Mann Theaters were designed for optimal cinematic sound distribution with multi-speaker arrays and custom acoustic treatments. Dolby Atmos systems support high-quality sound presentation in both theaters, with approximately 40 speakers in the Geffen Theater and 30 in the Ted Mann Theater. Sound isolation strategies separate the theater from the rooftop terrace above. Induction loop systems provide hearing assistance across theaters, exhibits, and public spaces.

300,000

sq. ft.

1,000

seat David Geffen Theater

288

seat Ted Mann Theater

LEED Gold

Thanks to Jaffe Holden’s exceptional design, the Institute of Contemporary Art’s Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater has consistently impressed both audiences and performing artists since opening in 2006. The discrete acoustical treatment above our hardwood ceiling, as well as the rippled design of the theater’s entire East wall, plays a crucial role in managing reflections and ensuring both clarity and warmth. Additionally, the team’s expert noise isolation design allows for seamless co-existence between the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, our lobby, and our galleries, even as significant development has transformed the surrounding Seaport District. Their expertise continues to be invaluable, and we deeply appreciate their ongoing support in maintaining the integrity of their original acoustical vision.

Ryan Arnett | Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
Director of Production