Vahdat Hall

The Vahdat Hall complex, with its unique features, is among the top cultural and artistic complexes in the Middle East. Since its establishment, it has consistently hosted the most prominent national and international artistic programs and witnessed the presence of renowned artists from Iran and the world in various fields of music and theater, as well as the organization of numerous events, inaugurations, and closing ceremonies across the country.

On January 7, 1982, during the ceremony marking the first day of the Islamic Unity Week at the Rudaki Grand Hall, the name “Rudaki Hall” was changed to “Vahdat Hall” with the proposal of the then Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance.

Vahdat Hall is one of the most advanced and largest opera, music, and theater halls in Iran, designed by Eugene Aftandilian based on the Vienna Opera House . Its construction began in 1957 on Ostad Shahriar Street (formerly Dr. Arfa Street) and was completed after 10 years in October 1967, named after Abu Abdullah Jafar ibn Muhammad Rudaki , the first Persian-speaking poet and musician of Iran.

The total area of Vahdat Hall is 15,700 square meters , with 3,845 square meters of horizontal foundation. The entire building spans 7 floors and basements, covering 21,000 square meters . The building includes two basements (housing stage electromotors, lighting magnets, and related power systems), a concert hall with a stage and audience seating on the ground floor, three balcony levels in a horseshoe shape, and an administrative building. The exterior of Vahdat Hall is covered with travertine and multicolored stones.

 Ground Floor 

The ground floor of the hall includes entrance doors, a lobby, dressing rooms, restrooms, staircases, a western corridor, elevators, lighting and sound control rooms, and the main stage. There are 10 entrance doors on the northern side facing Ostad Shahriar Street, all made of double-paned glass.

Vahdat Hall is equipped with three elevators : one with a capacity of 2 people located inside the stage, and two others adjacent to it—one with a capacity of 12 people and the other with a capacity of 9 people—located at the end of the western corridor, providing access to the administrative building, Rudaki Hall, Dehlavi Hall, and rehearsal studios.

The height of the ground floor lobby is 5.75 meters , with a plastered and mirrored ceiling illuminated by 8 crystal chandeliers . The floor is covered with marble, while the corridors and staircases on both sides are carpeted.

On the west side of the ground floor, vitrage panels (paintings on glass) depicting mythological stories from ancient Persian literature are installed, created by Master Ali Akbar Sadeghi. The southern wall of the ground floor lobby, designed in a semicircular shape, is 17 meters wide and 2.4 meters high . This artwork, created by Master Mehrmah Golestaneh , features beautifully crafted stone and ceramic designs of Persian musicians. On the ground floor, 4 entrance doors on the left and 4 entrance doors on the right allow guests to enter and exit the hall.

Vahdat Hall Stage 

The stage of Vahdat Hall measures 18 x 20 meters and is designed in a crescent shape, resembling a picture frame, with 20 rows of seats accommodating 522 spectators . The circular dome-shaped ceiling, inspired by the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Isfahan, is 19 meters high and made of intricate metal latticework, evoking the image of a sunflower for the audience. At the center of the ceiling, a beautiful circular crystal chandelier with a diameter of 7 meters is installed.

Vahdat Hall includes the ground floor and 3 balcony levels , with a total seating capacity of 732 spectators . The exterior of the balconies is semicircular, with interior plasterwork inspired by Achaemenid walls. The walls of all balconies are adorned with embossed velvet fabric in maroon, crafted by artisans from Kashan. 63 crystal wall sconces in 3 rows are installed on the walls of each balcony level, complementing the large central chandelier to illuminate the hall.

 Floors of Vahdat Hall 

• First Floor Leads to Balcony 1 , which includes the VIP section and western and eastern seating areas. The VIP section is reserved for journalists and special guests, offering a direct view of the main stage. It has its own entrance and corridor. On the left and right sides of the VIP section (western and eastern sides), there are 10 doors providing access to 78 seats .
• Second Floor Leads to Balcony 2 . The southern wall of the lobby on this floor features ceramic designs inspired by ancient Persian miniatures, captivating every viewer. The special seating area on this floor measures 7.5 x 10 meters and is adorned with a beautiful chandelier. This area is separated from the main hall by a velvet curtain—red on the hall side and blue on the seating side. It is reserved for high-ranking national guests and distinguished international invitees. On either side of the special seating area, there are 10 eastern and 10 western doors , providing access to 88 seats for artistic program audiences.

 Other Spaces on the Second Floor 

The second floor of Vahdat Hall, like the ground floor, features a spacious lobby with a mirrored ceiling, creating a visually stunning environment for audiences of artistic programs. The height of the lobby on the second floor is 7 meters , with a plastered and mirrored ceiling, illuminated by 8 crystal chandeliers , similar to the ground floor, welcoming art enthusiasts.

 Ceremonial Hall 

On the second floor, there is a beautiful and large room designated as the Ceremonial Hall . The height of this room is 7 meters , and its dimensions are 6.5 x 7.5 meters . The walls of this elegant room are adorned with beautiful blue curtains. This hall is used for special meetings of senior officials from ministries and ambassadors of various countries.

 The 6-Chandelier Area 

At the eastern entrance, adjacent to the Ceremonial Hall, there is a space with a ceiling intricately plastered and mirrored by talented Iranian artists, illuminated by 6 chandeliers . This area is used for press conferences with media representatives and brainstorming sessions for managers of organizations and institutions.

A large painting by Master Abolghasem Saeedi is displayed on the wall above the corridor leading to this area. The painting depicts several goddesses in a mystical dance with the sun. This artwork was restored in two stages after the revolution, first partially and then completely. Opposite to it, another large canvas by Master Rokneddin Sepehri Zanganeh is displayed. This modernist Iranian work, inspired by Persian miniatures and painting schools, depicts a royal court banquet.

• The third floor of Vahdat Hall leads to Balcony 3 , with 2 western and 2 eastern doors guiding audiences to their seats. The circular southern wall of the small lobby on this floor is covered with glass, beautifully painted with patterns and images by Mehrmah Golestaneh . Balcony 3 has a total seating capacity of 44 seats .

 Main Stage of Vahdat Hall 

Vahdat Hall has two main stage curtains . The blue velvet curtain of the hall opens and closes vertically (top to bottom), while the yellow curtain operates horizontally (side to side). Vahdat Hall also has two fireproof and fully acoustic iron curtain systems . The main iron curtain, adorned with the design of “Zal and Simurgh” by Master Kazemi , is placed in front of the stage opening, separating the audience seating from the stage. In case of a fire, it prevents the spread of flames from the stage to the audience area and vice versa. The iron curtains are made of multiple layers of acoustic, insulation, and fire-resistant materials, significantly reducing sound transmission from the stage to the audience. The iron curtain measures 14 x 10 meters and is operated by powerful electromotors and counterweights. A second iron curtain is installed on the left side of the main stage (from the audience’s perspective), offering the same functionality as the main curtain.

Proscenium 

The proscenium of Vahdat Hall has a standard height of 80 centimeters from the ground, with a main arch length of 15 meters . The distance between the two entrance openings of the lighting slots is 14.10 meters wide. The orchestra pit, with a length of 12.80 meters and a depth of 3.90 meters (maximum distance from the center of the arch to the fixed stage), provides an ideal space for opera, music, and orchestral performances. The orchestra pit can be lowered to a depth of 2.30 meters into the stage, allowing musicians to remain unseen during performances if necessary. The orchestra pit is controlled and operated by electro-mechanical systems (gears, powerful electromotors) manufactured in Germany and managed by the specialized technical team (stage machinery). The stage machinery system of Vahdat Hall is one of the best and most advanced systems in the Middle East and Asia, considering the time of its construction.

 Podiums (Platforms) 

The main stage of Vahdat Hall, with a total width of 12 meters and a depth of over 10.30 meters, features 3 movable stage systems known as Podium 1 (P1) , Podium 2 (P2) , and Podium 3 (P3) .

P1 and P2 have equal dimensions of 12 x 4 meters , while P3 measures 12 x 2.30 meters , collectively forming an area of 123.60 square meters . All three podiums can move 1.60 meters below ground level and rise up to 4.60 meters above the stage floor. Additionally, P1, P2, and P3 can create a slope of up to 7 degrees . The use of this feature (sloped surface design) is possible manually or via a handwheel, primarily before the stage setup begins; otherwise, no machinery operations can be performed on the stage floor.

The surfaces of P1, P2, and P3 are equipped with portable hatches. By removing any of these hatches and installing a trapdoor system, an actor or object weighing up to 150 kilograms can be lowered into the stage or raised from beneath it.

The side curtains (valances) of Vahdat Hall’s stage, with lengths of 12 meters and 15 meters , are always hung on the sides of the stage. These curtains cover the backstage area while creating alley-like spaces for actors’ entrances and exits.

 Backstage Floors 

The basement consists of 2 floors , including an orchestra restroom, an air conditioning center, heating systems, transformers, magnetic amplifiers for adjusting projector lighting, a telephone exchange, stage machinery rooms, storage areas, and other necessary facilities.

 Revolving Stage 

The revolving stage system (located behind the main stage) measures 12 meters in width and 10.30 meters in depth , with a revolving stage of 10 meters in diameter at its center. The revolving stage can rotate at various speeds, both clockwise and counterclockwise. It can remain in its original position (behind the main stage) or replace the main stage, and it can simultaneously rotate around its axis while moving into the main stage position. The revolving stage can be pushed forward to the beginning of P2 or P1 . Around the revolving stage, there is a 2-meter space for vertical valance curtains, which also conceals the movements of actors and stage crew.

On both sides of the main stage and the revolving stage, there are 4 doors on the right and 3 doors on the left , leading to makeup and dressing rooms on the right and technical rooms on the left. If needed, the movable stage beneath the revolving stage can be raised to ensure the space below is not lower than the stage floor.

One of the key features of the revolving stage is the ability to use multi-faceted, double-sided set designs for theatrical performances and artistic programs. This allows for simultaneous stage rotation or set changes during a performance. Another advantage is the installation of large set designs on the revolving stage, which can also be swapped with stage wagons on the left side, even with set pieces installed. All these operations can be performed in the shortest possible time.

 Side Stage (Wagons) 

On the left side (from the audience’s perspective), there are two side wagon systems on rails with gears, measuring 4 meters in width , 12 meters in length , and 33 centimeters in height . The wagons can carry large set pieces weighing over 2 tons and transport them onto the main stage, replacing P1 and P2 . Another feature of the wagons is their ability to replace the main stage. This is possible when the main stage is lowered 33 centimeters below the fixed parts of the stage, allowing the wagons to swap places with it. The side wagons can enter the main stage individually or together. The main structure of the wagons is metal, with a wooden surface on top.

 Lifting Systems (Sidebars and Fly Bars) 

The stage of Vahdat Hall is equipped with 2 electric lifting systems on the left and 2 electric lifting systems on the right , known as Panorama 1 and 2 Left and Panorama 1 and 2 Right . These lifting systems are used to install curtains at the ends of the stage and for lighting equipment. Some of the lifting systems are electric, while others are manual counterbalance systems. The machinery lifting system of Vahdat Hall includes 10 electric lifters , labeled E1 to E10 , spaced approximately 75 centimeters apart from the beginning of P1 to the end of P3 . Each lifter can move set pieces weighing up to 100 kilograms .

Additionally, there are two electric panorama lifting systems (cycloramas) at the ends and two special lifting systems installed in a horseshoe shape, covering the entire stage from the left, right, and rear. Between these systems, there are 24 manual counterbalance lifting systems guided by counterbalance ropes on the right side of the stage.

It is worth noting that all the machinery facilities of Vahdat Hall are supported by a roof structure installed on the sixth floor of the hall. The machinery lifting systems are connected to the roof and the 30-meter-high metal stage structure via pulleys, sheaves, blocks, and pipes. This system can hide set pieces at a height of 15 meters in the stage ceiling.

 Portal Bridge 

One of the ceiling facilities of Vahdat Hall’s stage is the portal bridge (Stage Frame / Portal)), behind which the lighting system (Brueke) is located. The portal bridge can move vertically from 1 to 9 meters, allowing the stage opening to be adjusted for different programs. Additionally, lighting projectors can be installed on the electric lifting systems. There are also several manual lifting systems above the revolving stage. Due to the height limitations of the ceiling above the revolving stage, these systems cannot hide set pieces or curtains. On the side stages (wagons), there are also several electric lifting systems.

Assembly and Repair Workshop 

Adjacent to the side stages is the assembly and repair workshop , connected to the exterior via a 4 x 8-meter sliding iron door for unloading and loading set pieces. The workshop is equipped with vertical and horizontal cutting machines and multi-purpose systems. It also serves as the storage area for set pieces of ongoing performances. Additionally, there are platforms and podiums of various dimensions and heights ( 16, 33, 60, 80, and 120 centimeters ) in matte black, as well as movable staircases with a height of 16 centimeters in various sizes. These structures are highly effective in creating level differences for stage designs in theatrical performances and artistic programs.

 Lighting Facilities 

Behind the circular wall on the southern side of the ground floor lobby are the lighting control and adjustment rooms , separated from the main hall by a glass wall. The lighting system of Vahdat Hall was manufactured by ADB Belgium under a German license. The system includes 120 circuits of 2.5 kilowatts , distributed across various parts of the audience hall and stage via special metal couplings.

The most important feature of Vahdat Hall’s lighting system is the ease of access to lighting sources, the spacious and suitable areas, and the convenient access during lighting adjustments. In all projector installation areas, there are spaces for color filter frames with complete variety. On the left side of the stage and at the end of the main stage, there is an elevator system for accessing the lighting systems of the galleries and servicing the machinery electromotors.

In 1996 , the lighting system was updated, and the number of projectors in Vahdat Hall was increased. P.Spot – ADB 2000W and P.Spot – ADB 1000W projectors, as well as various halogen and 9-lamp Jupiter projectors with a power of ADB (24V, 2250W) , were installed.

The lighting console of Vahdat Hall is a Freedom A.D.B. model (manufactured in France) with DMX digital memory . This lighting system, equipped with 24 main masters , a master timer, flash, and monitor, operates alongside all the previous lighting systems since the hall’s inauguration. The lighting circuits of Vahdat Hall are installed in the support areas of the lighting sources, with circuits 1 to 120 having a power of 5 kilowatts and circuits 120 to 240 having a power of 2.5 kilowatts .

The relevant lighting circuits are as follows:

1. Kuppel

The dome is located at the center of the stage ceiling, within the inner circle of the chandelier in the audience hall. The lights in this area project from the inner circle of the chandelier toward the stage. There are ADB 2000W projectors with an approximate beam angle of 47 degrees directed at the stage. The radiant energy loss is 5% at an approximate distance of 17 meters , with a beam angle of about 65 degrees at the beginning of the proscenium.

2. Kabine

At the center of the rear of the audience hall, above the VIP seating area, is the lighting support area, known as the Kabine. The Kabine provides stage lighting at a 35-degree angle relative to the main stage. The technology used here includes ADB and Roberto Joliet projectors with a power of 2000W , as well as two Follow Spot projectors.

3. Left and Right RIneh (Rineh R&L)

The left and right rines are located on both sides of the proscenium, across four levels of slots, designed diagonally with variable angles of 25 to 80 degrees relative to the center of the stage. The rines are equipped with ADB 1000W and ADB 2000W projectors , as well as RΦV (Reich Vogel) and needle volt projectors of 500W and 1000W.

It is worth noting that the number and types of projectors in this area have increased and even changed over time. These areas (Kabine, Kuppel, and Rines) are divided into two sections within the audience hall and outside the curtains. This division allows for simultaneous lighting during performances without external lights (F.O.H.) hitting the curtains. This division system was part of the original control setup of Vahdat Hall.

4. Brueke

The bridge lighting area is located in two levels, with 4 rows of lighting sources behind the proscenium arch (proscenium), extending down to 1 meter above the stage floor . The projectors here are ADB and V&R with powers of 2000W and 1000W, including Fresnel , Pspot , and Convex types. The beam angles of these lighting sources vary from 50 to 90 degrees based on the height of the portable stands.

5. Turms

The left and right turms are located behind the proscenium walls across three levels, equipped with ADB and V&R (Reich Vogel) projectors with powers of 1000W and 2000W. These lights feature diagonal and variable angles from 30 to 80 degrees, left and right, toward the center of the stage.

6. Versatz

The Versatz circuits are located on the stage floor, left and right, designed for ground-based projectors based on the requirements of each performance. The left and right Versatz circuits are parallel and double, located on the second proscenium wall and the stage floor behind the podiums. The beam angles of the ground-based projectors vary from 10 to 30 degrees based on the height of the stands.

7. Versatz Gallery

The catwalk system (narrow walkway) serves as the left and right galleries, featuring several lighting circuits accessible via the stage elevator.]

8. Rear Left and Right Versatz Galleries

This area is located behind the second proscenium wall, at the beginning of the second stage frame and the revolving stage. The gallery circuits are parallel to the floor Versatz circuits, and the floor of the revolving stage is parallel to the ground Versatz circuits.

9. Lighting Bridges

The first movable lighting bridge is equipped with 12 Fresnel projectors (2000W) designed for front-facing colored lighting on the cyclorama. The second fixed lighting bridge is located at the beginning of the second proscenium wall and arch, above the beginning of the revolving stage from the audience’s perspective. The second bridge was built in 1998 and features a SKY 60 projector.

10. Rear Gallery (Projection)

The rear gallery consists of two levels. The first level includes all projectors for special effects and lighting slides (rain, snow, moving clouds, fire, slides, etc.). The second level features a SKY (ARRI 60) projector responsible for backlit colored lighting on the cyclorama.

Sound Facilities 

Behind the circular wall on the southern side of the ground floor lobby are the stage sound control and adjustment rooms , separated from the main hall by a glass wall. Vahdat Hall boasts one of the most advanced sound systems in the world today, installed by an Iranian company on February 10, 2010 and subsequently launched and calibrated by the American company Meyer Sound .

Two main cluster arrays are located on the left and right sides above the main stage, providing sound for the hall. Each array consists of 12 speakers and 2 subwoofers. To cover blind spots that the main arrays cannot reach due to the hall’s layout, 8 smaller speakers are installed in the balconies, and 6 small Full Front speakers are placed under the stage proscenium. The sound power of Vahdat Hall, with these facilities, reaches 30,000 watts. For on-stage monitoring, 10 monitors of 380 watts are used. The entire sound system is controlled by a Galileo processor manufactured by Meyer Sound . In 2019 , Vahdat Hall upgraded its sound mixer from the Japanese Yamaha PM5D to the British DiGiCo SD10 , offering better performance and more immersive sound. The hall also features a wide variety of the world’s best microphone brands, welcoming artists from across the country.

 Visual Facilities 

The visual facilities of Vahdat Hall include 5 HIK VISION cameras installed in the VIP seating, special seating, left and right rakes, and portable setups. These cameras record and store the performances. Vahdat Hall is equipped with two movable cyclorama screens , and when necessary, images can be projected from behind or in front of the cyclorama using three SANYO projectors (models XF45 and XF30) and a Panasonic projector with a fisheye lens. These screens can be moved between E1 and E10 bars .

 LED Display 

The LED display is built using the latest global technology, offering the best image clarity. The display measures 5 x 9 meters and can broadcast images in 4K and 3D quality for various programs. Two portable displays of the same quality are located on the sides of the stage and are used when needed.

 Fire Alarm System 

The fire alarm system of Vahdat Hall consists of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers installed on the ceilings of various parts of the building. These sensors are connected to two display units installed in the electrical and security units. The system operates by detecting smoke from a fire, triggering an alarm, and displaying the fire’s location on the monitors.

 Fire Suppression System 

The fire suppression system of Vahdat Hall is manually operated and includes a water storage tank , ground pumps , fireboxes , and ceiling sprinklers . Fireboxes are installed on all floors and sections of the complex, consisting of a main valve, hoses, and multi-mode sprinklers. Ceiling sprinklers are only available in the backstage area and are manually operated. In the event of a fire, the ground pumps are activated by an operator, directing high-pressure water from the storage tank to the fireboxes and ceiling sprinklers. Fire extinguishers of various capacities and types are installed throughout the complex and are recharged annually as scheduled.