Berlin Philharmonic
Berliner Philharmonie is a highly acclaimed contemporary designed concert hall that is home to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - one of the top-rated orchestras in the world.
The concert hall, designed by architect Hans Scharoun, first opened in 1963. It is renowned for its excellent acoustics and for having a good view of the stage from any seat in the house.
Unlike most concert halls, the orchestra in the Berlin Philharmonic performs from the center of the audience. The ceilings emulate the sloped sides of a tent and the 2440 seats are arranged in terraces around the central stage.
If you sit at the back of the orchestra you can see the conductor face on, just like the performers.
If you love classical music, you'll definitely want to try to take in a concert at the Berlin Philharmonic during your visit.
At 1 pm every Tuesday from September through June they even hold free lunchtime concerts, not in the main hall but in the foyer. These offer a wonderful opportunity to see the venue and enjoy some fabulous music for free.
Berliner Philharmonie is part of the Kulturforum located just west of Potsdamer Platz.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Fees vary by event. Visit the official website for an event calendar. Tuesdays from September through June they hold free lunchtime concertsBerlin Philharmonic Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Address: Herbert-von-Karajan-Straße 1, 10785 Berlin, Germany
Phone: 030 254880
Official Website: Berlin Philharmonic
Berlin Philharmonic Reviews
Rated
out of 5 Joined a public tour of the Berlin Philharmonic building. Fantastic! The tour was relaxed and informal. We got lots of really good information and we got to see both halls from the inside: the large concert hall and the smaller one. Fascinating! Interesting aspect that the whole building has a very democratic aspect. From last minute reduced tickets to access for all. At the end of the €10 tour we received free codes for the online digital concert series.
Coco Tollgaard - 2 weeks ago
I saw that they offered a free lunchtime concert and made sure to add it to my itinerary!
I arrived an hour early and there was already a short queue to get in. Once inside, there is free coat check. You can pretty much sit wherever there’s a spot available! As you can see, some folks are just sitting on the stairway.
Luckily as I was early, I was able to go lineup and grab a bowl of goulash along with a glass of wine to enjoy the show (~10€). The sound really carries in the venue and it was a wonderful way to spend an hour or so of my day, highly recommended. Absolutely beautiful music and performance!
Cassandra Gonzales - 2 months ago
Amazing concert hall, every seat has a view of some or all of the orchestra. The seats are banked such that it would need to be an exceptionally tall person in front to restrict your view. The design of the roof increases the acoustic balance. Fabulous performances full of energy, emotion and vitality. Visited on 28/9/2023
Margaret Hook - 5 months ago
I attended a private event here and found the experience very nice. The space is large and was able to hold many people. The inside of the concert hall is beautiful and designed in a way that allows for all guests to have a good viewing and listening experience no matter their location. I look forward to returning for a public concert.
Jennifer Johnson - 4 months ago
Lucky to see the Alphaville 40th Anniversary - the Symphonic Tour here in June 2023. It's a incredible building, and the auditorium is no standard shape. The acoustics were phenomenal, and we really enjoyed the evening's entertainment.
Christine Morrison - 2 months ago
Directions
How to get to Berlin Philharmonic by U-Bahn, S-Bahn
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Line(s): U2, S1, S2, S25, S26
Nearest U-Bahn, S-Bahn Station(s): U Potsdamer Platz, Berlin Potsdamer Platz Bahnhof
From Potsdamer Platz, walk west along Potsdamer StraBe. After it curves to the left look for the entry to Berliner Philhamonie on your right.
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