Berlin’s Konzerthaus is one of the most famous and grandest arts venues in the city. Marvel at its grandiose façade and purchase tickets for a classical music performance inside its ornate main auditorium.
The Konzerthaus is the latest in a series of concert halls that stood on Gendarmenmarkt. Its predecessors were the 18th-century Französische Komödienhaus (French Comedy Theatre) and the 19th-century Schauspielhaus the current building is a reconstruction of the latter venue. During the rebuild, the interior was constructed completely afresh, although it still channels the original design.
Before you go in, inspect the columns and statues of the building’s stone façade. Look for the elegant neighboring French and German cathedrals, which also look out over Gendarmenmarkt.
If you want to see the inside, pay to join a guided tour. These take place on Saturdays and can be booked in advance.
Buy tickets for a show in the large concert hall. Among the many musical acts that perform here are the resident Konzerthausorchester Berlin, who regularly share the stage with classical musicians from all around the world. Arrive early and give yourself time to examine details of the décor, among them ionic columns and chandeliers. Once the music gets underway, pay attention to the quality of the sound the acoustics are said to be among the best symphonic concert venues in the world.
Don’t miss one of the Konzerthaus’ most impressive features: its enormous pipe organ. This instrument is capable of bringing a vast repertoire of music to life with its 5,811 individual pipes. The same organist has been playing this huge instrument since the Konzerthaus was reopened in 1984. Find a smaller organ in the small auditorium. This is mostly used for chamber music and children’s concerts, so that music lovers of all ages can enjoy its superior sound.
Consult the website to see what events are taking place at the Berlin Konzerthaus during your visit. To get here, ride the U-Bahn to the Hausvogteiplatz station or use public buses to reach the Gendarmenmarkt.
