Konzerthaus Berlin – Berlin’s Centre of Classical Concerts

Konzerthaus Berlin – The Centre of Berlin Classical Concerts:

Konzerthaus Berlin – Photo by Manfred Brückels

In its previous incarnation, the Konzerthaus Berlin was once the Königliches Schauspielhaus, a theatre built by by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. Located on Berlin’s historic Gendarmenmarkt Square in the central Mitte district, it was considered to be a masterpiece of German classicism architecture.

The Famous Schauspielhaus

The Schauspielhaus theatre was commissioned by King Frederick William III of Prussia and built by Schinkel between 1818 and 1821.  This Berlin theatre has hosted many grand performances including the premiere of Carl Maria von Weber’s opera “Der Freischütz”, the Berlin premieres of Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9 in D minor and Goethe’s “Faust I”.  Eminent composers and conductors like Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner and many others have all performed here.  The last concert took place in April 1945 before the Schauspielhaus was damaged by Allied bombing.

Birth of the Konzerthaus Berlin

When the replacement of the Schauspielhaus was built between 1979-1984, it was decided that the reconstructed building would be a concert hall.  The Konzerthaus Berlin’s exterior, including the many sculptures of composers, is a faithful replication of Schinkel’s design whereas the interior was adapted in a Neoclassical style to meet the changed purpose of the building.  Its acoustics are considered to be amongst the best of concert venues in the world.

Konzerthaus Berlin’s official opening ceremony took place on January 1, 1987 to coincide with the celebration of Berlin’s 750th anniversary.  The Konzerthausorchester Berlin is the official orchestra for the Konzerthaus Berlin.  Prior to August 2006 it was known as the The Berlin Symphony Orchestra.

Classical Centre of Berlin

The Konzerthaus Berlin is today the classical centre of the city with hundreds of performances taking place each year. If you’re interested in seeing this magnificent concert hall, the guided tours of the Konzerthaus Berlin usually take place every Saturday at 1.00 pm and costs € 3.00 per person.  There are also free walk-through tours lead by volunteers.

Concerts at the Konzerthaus Berlin:

You can see what’s on and book your concert tickets HERE.

Hotels near the Konzerthaus Berlin:

See the list of hotels near the Konzerthaus Berlin, read hotel reviews and make your Berlin hotel booking HERE..

How to Get to the Konzerthaus:
S Bahn | Friedrichstraße; Unter den Linden (5 minutes walking distance)
U Bahn | U2 subway station Hausvogteiplatz or Stadtmitte
U6 subway station Französische Straße or Stadtmitte

For more Berlin Info, see HERE.

Address:
Konzerthaus Berlin
Gendarmenmarkt 10117 Berlin-Mitte

Map of Berlin:

Things to do in Berlin

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