ElbPhilharmonie

A visit to the Elbphilharmonie is a special experience for all the senses. The music, of course, takes centre stage. In the Grand Hall, this assumes a double meaning: the terraced rows of seats rise up high around the stage in a circle. This creates an extraordinary sense of proximity to the musical action, especially since Yasuhisa Toyota’s acoustics make every note ring out as clear as crystal.

As you make your way around the building, there are amazing views to discover at every turn. This is because the Elbphilharmonie – designed by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron – was built right in the middle of the river Elbe.

A shimmering wave of glass on a solid brick warehouse from the 1960s, and between them a publicly accessible viewing platform that functions as a meeting place and launch pad for discovering the rest of the building: not only the Grand Hall and the Recital Hall, but also the hotel, restaurant and souvenir shop.

The special materials used in the interior design invite you to touch and feel them, especially the acoustic wall panelling in the Grand Hall and the Recital Hall. And hands-on experience is also provided in the Elbphilharmonie »World of Instruments« in the Kaistudios, where musical instruments from around the world await to be played and discovered.