Elbphilharmonie

Discover the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks! Since its opening in 2016, this architectural masterpiece majestically rises in HafenCity and attracts around one million visitors each year. Experience the fascinating combination of unique design and cultural diversity, from classical music to jazz and readings. Visit the stunning observation deck and enjoy breathtaking views over Hamburg. Secure your tickets now for unforgettable concerts and exciting tours!

Elbphilharmonie: Concert hall on the North Elbe

The Elbphilharmonie is located on the former Kaiserhöft, a historic part of the harbor that was created in 1865 through the straightening of the Johns’schen Ecke. Once characterized by industrial harbor use and the neo-Gothic brick architecture of the Speicherstadt, this site has developed into a symbol of modern architecture and culture in Hamburg.

The vision to build a concert hall at this iconic location was born in 2001 by architect Alexander Gérard and art historian Jana Marko. After many years of planning, the first construction plans were presented to the public in 2003, and the groundbreaking took place on April 2, 2007.

Originally planned for 2010, the construction faced multiple delays before the Elbphilharmonie finally opened in November 2016. The total cost of around 866 million euros was covered by the city of Hamburg, private investors, and generous donations.

In addition to the concert hall, the Elbphilharmonie also houses apartments, a hotel, and a public observation deck that offers visitors breathtaking views over the city and the harbor.

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg: Architecture & Construction

The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg impresses with 18,000 tons of steel and a height of 110 meters above sea level. Its distinctive glass facade spans 16,000 square meters and is a hallmark of the Hamburg skyline.

Designed by the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the glass structure of the former Kaispeicher A evokes sails, water waves, and icebergs—also known as the “glass wave.” The building extends over 26 stories, varying in width from 85 meters in the east to 22 meters in the west.

The main concert hall accommodates around 2,200 people, complemented by two smaller venues: one with 550 seats and the Kaiserstudio with about 170 seats. Visit the Elbphilharmonie and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Hamburg—the outdoor walkway at 37 meters offers a unique 360-degree perspective of the city.

number of visitors per year

Around 1 million people visit the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie every year.

Address

Platz d. Deutschen Einheit 4, 20457 Hamburg

opening hours

Plaza: daily 10am – midnight (last entry 11:30pm)

Info point in the entrance area: daily from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m

Visitor Center (2G), Am Kaiserkai 62: daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m

events at the elbphilharmonie

In addition to classical music, the concert hall also hosts jazz concerts, solo performances by famous artists, readings and many other formats. Tickets for events are available from the ticket dealer Eventim, among others.

ticket prices

The ticket prices depend on the events. Guided tours are also possible. Use the offers of our partner. The plaza of the Elbphilharmonie can be entered free of charge. Note, however, that this area has limited capacity, so visitors may have to wait a bit. We recommend a guided tour.

tickets