The Elbphilharmonie concert hall is one of the most iconic buildings in Hamburg, Germany. The architectural masterpiece that stands on the banks of Elbe River is not just a concert hall, but a cultural symbol of Hamburg, where people from all over the world come to celebrate, enjoy and appreciate music. The concert hall was designed by the renowned Swiss architects, Herzog & de Meuron, who transformed the old Kaispeicher A warehouse into an architectural marvel, blending deeply traditional roots with modern innovation.
The Elbphilharmonie embodies the perfect harmony and balance between old and new. The original Kaispeicher A warehouse was built in 1966 and was meant to store cocoa, tobacco, and tea that were transported through the Port of Hamburg. The architects ingeniously combined the existing warehouse structure with a new glass structure wrapped around it, creating a grand impression.
The new addition to the structure is a long swept-back curved piece, akin to sails on a boat, giving the Elbphilharmonie its iconic look. Inside, visitors are welcomed into the grand foyer with a massive undulating wave-like ceiling. Each of the 1,000 hand-blown glass panels in the ceiling weighs about 37 kilograms, and altogether they amount to a staggering 12,000 pieces of glass.
The Elbphilharmonie stands proud as the tallest inhabited building in Hamburg, measuring at 110 metres high. The building is even taller than the famous St. Michaelis Church, which used to be the tallest building in Hamburg. Since its opening in 2017, the Elbphilharmonie has been awarded numerous accolades and praises for its breathtaking design and acoustic perfection. Notable recognition includes Best Building Project at the 2017 World Architecture Festival, among others.
The Grand Hall is the centrepiece of the Elbphilharmonie, where concerts and events attract thousands of music lovers worldwide. The hall can hold about 2,100 people and is known for its awe-inspiring acoustics, which is essential for optimal event experience. The architects designed the Grand Hall to provide a unique experience to the audience. The hall features a vineyard-style seating arrangement, with terraces of audience boxes surrounding the stage, allowing the audience to surround the performers, almost as if they were inside the orchestra itself.
The materials used in the hall are of utmost quality to ensure that the sound quality is world-class. The ceiling of the Grand Hall is recognisable for its peculiar 'white skin' finish, which reflects and optimises the sound quality for the best possible acoustics.
The Kaistudio is a smaller auditorium, intended for small concerts and events, as well as chamber music. Unlike the Grand Hall, the Kaistudio is more modern in its design, with its black-coloured walls and furnishings. The hall can hold up to 550 people and features a large window that offers a magnificent view of the city of Hamburg.
The Elbphilharmonie project took almost 10 years to complete, from 2007 to 2016.
The total cost of the project was about €865 million, which is double the initial budget.
Yes, visitors can access the rooftop observation deck via a curved outdoor escalator. From the top, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and the river Elbe.
Yes, visitors can book guided tours of the Elbphilharmonie, which include a behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Hall, the Kaistudio, and the plaza.
Yes, the Elbphilharmonie has several restaurants and bars on site, including a fine-dining restaurant, a bistro, and a beer garden.
The easiest way to get to the Elbphilharmonie is to take public transport. Visitors can take the subway or bus to Baumwall Station or take the ferry to the Elbphilharmonie Pier.
