The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg – One of the World's Best Concert Halls
On the historic Kaispeicher A, a spectacular concert hall with a fascinating glass facade is being built according to plans by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron: The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg will serve as a new architectural and musical landmark of the Hanseatic city, enabling unique concert experiences.
The Weinberg Principle: The Great Hall
With approximately 2,100 seats, the large concert hall forms the heart of the Elbphilharmonie. Like vineyard terraces, the audience levels are arranged around the podium. Orchestra and conductor are located in the middle of the hall, the tiers are interwoven and form a steep seating bowl that offers all visitors excellent sight and sound conditions. The effect of the Great Hall is reminiscent of a mix between the Berlin Philharmonie and the Milan Scala. Architecturally impressive is also the reflector at the sharply upward-tapering hall ceiling. It ensures the outstanding acoustics and simultaneously houses part of the lighting and stage technology. The acoustic concept was developed by one of the world’s best acousticians, Yasuhisa Toyota from Nagata Acoustics, and was verified by measurement using a precisely detailed 1:10 scale model of the hall.
An Organ from Bonn
A four-manual organ with 65 stops completes the large concert hall of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. A remote division with additional stops is planned in the reflector above the stage. The sound quality corresponds especially to the repertoire from the 19th century onwards but also meets the needs of contemporary music. The traditional workshop Johannes Klais Orgelbau from Bonn is building the organ.
Small Hall as a "Shoebox" and Kai Studio
In addition to the Great Hall, the Elbphilharmonie includes a chamber music hall and a small studio stage. Unlike the Great Hall, the Small Hall follows the classic "shoebox" concept. With its flexible platform technology and seating for up to 550 visitors, it is not only suitable for chamber music, jazz, or solo evenings but allows for numerous other uses. The Kai Studio 1, the third hall, is designed for about 170 visitors and will be the center of a lively music education area inside the former Kaispeicher. It also serves as a venue for contemporary and experimental music as well as a rehearsal space for ensembles and choirs. In addition to Kai Studio 1, six more rehearsal rooms as well as backstage and foyer rooms complete the music education area.
NDR Provides Resident Orchestra
In total, more than 800 concerts and events are held annually in the halls of the Elbphilharmonie and Laeiszhalle, including over 300 in-house concerts of the Elbphilharmonie (organized by HamburgMusik). The majority of concerts are performed by Hamburg orchestras, choirs, and ensembles, but private organizers also provide international highlights in the program. The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra is the resident orchestra of the Elbphilharmonie and performs a large part of the symphonic program of the house. The resident ensemble of the Small Hall of the Elbphilharmonie is the Ensemble Resonanz. The home of the Symphoniker Hamburg has always been the traditional Laeiszhalle, which they remain loyal to as a resident orchestra even after the opening of the Elbphilharmonie.
The musical program covers the entire range of classical music – from the Renaissance to contemporary music, from solo evenings and chamber music to large choir and orchestra concerts. The stylistic range also extends beyond classical music to jazz, pop, and world music.
"Planet Elbphilharmonie"
In addition to the concert halls, the Elbphilharmonie integrates a hotel with 244 rooms and 45 condominiums. The Kaispeicher itself, where cocoa was stored until the 1990s, houses rehearsal and storage rooms, a large music education area, gastronomy, a parking garage, as well as the wellness and conference area of the hotel. Between the Kaispeicher and the new building is a public space at 37 meters height – the Plaza. From here, the different usage areas are accessible, and visitors are offered a unique view over all of Hamburg. The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg is a true citizens’ philharmonic. Around 68 million euros in foundation funds were raised for the construction and operation of the in-house concerts.
Information on Accessibility
Access for Wheelchair Users and People with Limited Mobility
To the Plaza
The Great and Small Halls are only accessible via the Plaza.
The elevators to the Plaza (Elevator Group A) are signposted at the main entrance and can be reached through the corridor to the right of the large escalator.
To the Great Hall
Upon arrival at the Plaza, two elevators to the Great Hall are available. The central cloakroom is located on the 11th floor. Afterwards, take the elevator to the floor indicated on your ticket. Depending on the seat, there are steps to be managed inside the hall. The wheelchair spaces on the 13th and 15th floors are barrier-free accessible; barrier-free restrooms can be found in the foyer on the 12th floor on the north side and on the 13th floor to the right of the large bar. The staff on site will be happy to assist you.
To the Small Hall
An elevator to the Small Hall is available at the Plaza. The foyer, cloakroom, a barrier-free restroom, and the hall entrance are located on the 10th floor.
To the Kai Studios
The entrance to the Kai Studios is on the 2nd floor and can be reached directly by the elevators of Elevator Group B from one of the parking levels or from the main entrance through the corridor to the right of the large escalator.
Disabled Parking Spaces
Disabled parking spaces are available on levels 4 and 5 in the Elbphilharmonie parking garage.
Guidance System for Visually Impaired People
The tactile floor guidance system leads from the forecourt of the Elbphilharmonie into the building and to every single floor. At the end of each staircase railing, there is an indication of the current floor. The stair steps in the foyers and in the Great Hall are marked with indicators that can also be felt with a white cane. The staff in the building will be happy to assist with any questions.
If you bring a guide or assistance dog to the concert, please indicate this when booking.
Support for Hearing-Impaired People
Great Hall
Area E as well as sections of areas I and K are equipped with an induction loop. Hearing aid users can receive music and spoken contributions wirelessly if their own hearing aid is equipped with a compatible receiver. If needed, select the corresponding seats when booking and inform the entry staff. Additionally, mobile pocket receivers are available for loan at the cloakroom, which work throughout the hall. Personal headphones or induction loops for hearing aids with T-coil can be connected.
Small Hall
Mobile pocket receivers are available for loan at the cloakroom of the Small Hall. Personal headphones or induction loops for hearing aids with T-coil can be connected.
Parking at the Elphi
Parking spaces at the Elbphilharmonie and HafenCity are only available in limited numbers.
Elbphilharmonie Parking Garage: Platz der Deutschen Einheit
Speicherstadt Parking Garage: Am Sandtorkai 6 (approx. 750 m away)
Überseequartier Underground Garage: Überseeallee 3 (approx. 850 m away)
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