Opening of the Elbphilharmonie

For a long time, the construction of Hamburg's new cultural landmark caused frustration. To be precise, it lasted 10 years. But today, just one day before the grand planned opening of the Elbphilharmonie, the skepticism of recent years is scarcely felt. Instead, excitement is spreading. No wonder, as the two-day opening celebration promises a spectacular event, to which the Chancellor and the President are invited. For several days now, the Elbphilharmonie has been shining bright under high-performance spotlights. But not only the lighting technicians are buzzing with anticipation. Everything is set for the opening of the architectural highlight in Hamburg's HafenCity.

Until now, the Elbphilharmonie was primarily known for its long construction time. The building's completion was originally scheduled for 2010, but it was delayed by nearly six years. Now, the symbol of the chaos surrounding the Berlin airport construction is finally set to open, drawing both excitement and skepticism among Hamburg residents. The majority, however, at least it seems, are looking forward to the opening of the concert hall. It is expected to enrich the cultural landscape of Hamburg and Germany and is already regarded as a new landmark of the Hanseatic city with its modern design resembling a wave of water, two concert halls, a hotel, and a central platform at 37 meters height. The opening is set to be at least as spectacular as the building itself. In the large concert hall, which seats up to 2,100 people, violins and trumpets will play at the opening, while Chancellor Merkel and President Gauck mingle among the 2,100 guests.

Among them are also nearly 1,000 visitors who managed to snag a ticket in the lottery. Outside, a light show will transform the concert into images that will illuminate night-time Hamburg. Of course, the masterminds and architects behind the mammoth project will be present as well. This includes acoustician Ayuhisa Toyota, architects Pierre de Meuron, Jacques Herzog, and Ascan Mergenthaler. The opening ceremony will be hosted by moderator Barbara Schöneberger.

For those who cannot attend, NDR.de will broadcast the ceremonial act, light show, and the opening concert live. Hamburg residents and visitors can at least experience the light show outdoors. The best views are from the harbor or the Landungsbrücken.

But even after the grand opening, 'Elphi', as the concert hall is also called, will continue to attract attention with classical and modern concerts, a luxury hotel, and unique architecture. Tickets for the first season have long been sold out. How the Elbphilharmonie develops after the wave of excitement subsides remains to be seen.

The Elbphilharmonie was built at a historic site, in today's HafenCity. In 1875, the largest warehouse of the Hamburg port was constructed here. In the Kaiserspeicher, cocoa, tea, and tobacco were stored until the 1990s. In 2007, the outer walls of the warehouse were integrated into the construction of the new Elbphilharmonie. At that time, the opening of the largest concert hall in Hamburg was still scheduled for 2010, with total costs estimated at 186 million euros. With nearly seven years of delay and 800 million euros in costs, Elphi now finally opens its doors to classical music fans from around the world.

The centerpiece of the Philharmonie is the large concert hall, which not only boasts unique acoustics but also offers excellent visibility of the stage from all seats. The cladding consists of 10,000 gypsum fiberboards that form the 'White Skin' of the hall. The glass facade, clearly visible from afar, consists of 1,100 differently curved glass elements that reflect sunlight outward. The interior design was created by designers Marcel Besau and Eva Marguerre. The young Hamburg design duo focused on selected furniture and modern design, all in harmony with the building's architecture.

By the way, it is said that the construction costs for Elphi soared due to architectural miscalculations and unnecessary expenses. For example, discussing the restroom fittings, which are said to include toilet brushes worth 292 euros and towel dispensers costing 957 euros. The responsible parties later corrected the price of the toilet brushes to 41 euros each.

Anyone who couldn't secure a ticket for the opening ceremony and the first already sold-out season still has the opportunity to explore the Elbphilharmonie. For instance, in the Plaza. It forms the junction between the traditional warehouse and the glass new building, offering a panoramic view of the Hamburg harbor and the sights of the Hanseatic city from a height of 37 meters. For those seeking even more luxury, there is also an integrated luxury hotel, the Westin Hamburg. In addition to a 1,300 m² wellness area, there is a fitness area, 244 rooms, and suites, as well as a restaurant. At the opposite west tip, 45 apartments are for sale. The majority of the extravagant apartments are reported to already be sold, with prices around 35,000 euros per square meter.

Additionally, you will find a restaurant, futuristic lobbies, a small hall that, with 550 seats, is still large enough for chamber music and jazz concerts, and the Kai Studios. Here, rehearsals, music programs, and workshops are planned to take place. The best way to reach the Plaza and the concert halls is by the Tube, an 82-meter long, slightly curved escalator that runs through the building. For now, you can look forward to the opening ceremony and concert, which will be broadcast not only on NDR.de but also by several radio stations.