Elbphilharmonie
Hamburg
The Elbphilharmonie, popularly known as Elphi, is a renowned concert hall located in Hamburg's HafenCity district on the Grasbrook peninsula by the Elbe River. Completed in 2016 and inaugurated in January 2017, it stands as Hamburg's tallest inhabited building at 108 meters. The structure uniquely combines the preserved facade of the historic 1963 Kaispeicher A warehouse with a striking modern glass superstructure, designed to resemble a hoisted sail, water wave, iceberg, or quartz crystal. The building houses three concert venues: the Great Concert Hall with a vineyard-style seating arrangement accommodating 2,100 visitors and featuring acoustics designed by Yasuhisa Toyota; the Recital Hall for 550 guests; and the Kaistudio for educational events with 170 seats. The Great Hall also contains a pipe organ built by Klais Orgelbau. A public observation deck called the Plaza sits atop the preserved warehouse section, offering panoramic views of Hamburg and the river. The Elbphilharmonie is a cultural landmark and a centerpiece of the HafenCity redevelopment, celebrated for its innovative architecture and exceptional acoustics, hosting diverse musical performances from classical to jazz and world music.
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Tip: For visitors, the best time to experience the Elbphilharmonie is during the warmer months when the Elbphilharmonie Sommer festival offers a rich program of orchestral, pop, jazz, and world music concerts. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance due to high demand. The Plaza observation deck is publicly accessible and provides stunning views, ideal for a daytime visit. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours of the concert hall and educational programs are offered and can be booked ahead to enrich the visit experience.
Interesting facts
- •The Elbphilharmonie is Hamburg's tallest inhabited building at 108 meters.
- •Its glass facade includes about one thousand curved windows, some individually shaped to resemble a crystal.
- •The Great Concert Hall's acoustics were designed by Yasuhisa Toyota using approximately 10,000 microshaped drywall plates to optimize sound dispersion.
- •The project cost escalated from an initial estimate of €200 million to about €870 million upon completion.
- •The Elbphilharmonie Plaza is accessible to the public and offers panoramic views of Hamburg and the Elbe River.
- •The building integrates the historic Kaispeicher A warehouse facade, preserving Hamburg's industrial heritage.
History
The Elbphilharmonie project originated from a 2001 concept by Hamburg developer Alexander Gérard and was designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron.
Construction began in 2007 on the site of the Kaispeicher A warehouse built in 1963.
Initially planned for completion in 2010 with an estimated cost of €241 million, the project faced delays and cost overruns, culminating in a final cost of approximately €866 million and completion in late 2016.
The concert hall officially opened on 11 January 2017 with performances by the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra.
Despite criticism over budget and schedule, it has become a symbol of Hamburg's cultural renaissance and urban development.
Place Guide
Plaza Observation Deck2016
A publicly accessible viewing platform located on the 8th floor atop the original warehouse facade, offering panoramic views of Hamburg's harbor, the Elbe River, and city skyline.
Great Concert Hall2016
Main concert venue seating 2,100 guests in a vineyard-style arrangement surrounding the stage, featuring world-class acoustics designed by Yasuhisa Toyota and a pipe organ built by Klais Orgelbau with 69 registers.
Recital Hall2016
A smaller hall designed for chamber music, recitals, and jazz concerts, accommodating 550 visitors, providing an intimate atmosphere for diverse performances.
Kaistudio2016
A 170-seat venue dedicated to educational activities and small-scale concerts, fostering music learning and community engagement.
Contact
Phone: 040 3576660
