Bosch security technology installed at the renowned Bolshoi Theatre

When Moscow's famous Bolshoi Theatre was refurbished between 2005 and 2011, Bosch was assigned to develop and install a state-of-the-art security system including fire prevention, public address, evacuation and video surveil-lance technologies. The new system was supposed to provide not only a comprehensive, interoperable network but also to be as unobtrusive as possi-ble - blending in with the building's beautiful architecture in the Russian clas-sical style.

"The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the world's most striking opera and ballet houses and of greatest cultural significance to the Russian Federation", says Christoph Hampe, Country Sales Manger Bosch Security Systems. "It was crucial for us not to interfere with its historical beauty and valuable interior de-sign".

Since the re-opening in October last year, fire protection is assured by more than 8,000 detectors and 2,000 interface modules. Titanus aspirating smoke detectors as well as Fireray 2000 linear smoke detectors were chosen - both product types are inconspicuous in design, resistant to contamination and re-liable even under difficult environmental conditions. Some of the cabinet loud speakers mounted were even covered with cloth, matching the wall color. If the theatre needs to be evacuated, precise voice messaging via the Praesideo Digital Public Address and Emergency Sound System ensures a smooth and safe evacuation process. Furthermore, to protect all visitors from pickpockets or other unwanted guests, more than 350 indoor and outdoor cameras were installed. Their images are displayed on 20 screens in the control room and the overall set-up is managed through 20 Divar digital video recorders as well as two matrix ALLEGIANT control systems.

"Working at the Bolshoi Theatre was a special experience for all of us", says Vashkovyak Egor, the Deputy of General Director "The detailed finishing of the gala halls, spectator hall, lobby and corridors required extreme accuracy and the surface's friability made the internal wiring very difficult - we were honored to take up such a challenge and secure a venue of this scale with our technology".