The renovation included the addition of electronic screens on the back of each seat for the display of subtitles, and, despite the protests of preservationists, the construction of two modernist towers containing offices, dressing rooms, rehearsal space, and storage for sets. Carpeting and linoleum was removed, revealing the original marble floors, and new stage machinery was installed, replacing a steam-powered system that dated from 1937.

The 226-year-old opera house, the site of the world premieres of Verdi's Otello and Puccini's Turandot, previously underwent major modifications in 1867, 1921, and 1946, when damage from World War II bombing was repaired.