The Philharmonie de Paris is the truly powerful tool that the capital had been missing. The Grande Salle Pierre Boulez is open to symphonic music as well as contemporary music and dance. It can be modulated at will thanks to its partially retractable tiers. During symphonic concerts, the orchestra is placed in the centre of the hall and 2,400 seats are available. When the stage is moved to one side, 3,600 people can be standing. The hall has five tiers of seating with one rounded balcony that seem to hang over the parterre.