Konzerthaus Berlin is a concert hall on Gendarmenmarkt, in Berlin’s Mitte district. Its neoclassical exterior forms part of the square’s ensemble with the French and German churches; inside, concerts take place in elegant halls known for clear acoustics. The programme includes orchestral music, chamber performances and organ recitals on the large Jehmlich organ. Check the schedule and book ahead if you want to attend. At Christmas, a seasonal market fills the square in front of the building.
A theatre turned concert hall
The building began as a theatre, opening in 1802. The current neoclassical structure was built in 1821 to designs by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. For much of its history, the venue was known as the Schauspielhaus, later the Königliches Schauspielhaus and the Preußisches Staatstheater. Actors of the 19th century performed on its stage.
The building was badly damaged during the Second World War. After restoration, it reopened in 1984 as a concert venue. Its history as a theatre remains part of the building’s identity, even as its present programme centres on music.
The building on Gendarmenmarkt
Konzerthaus Berlin stands on Gendarmenmarkt, alongside the French and German churches. Together, the three buildings frame one of Berlin’s best-known squares. The concert hall’s neoclassical exterior is a reconstruction of Schinkel’s playhouse, with a detailed façade that is worth viewing from the square. Two statues stand at the top of the steps.
Construction work has affected the exterior at times, with scaffolding and netting obscuring parts of the design. Check conditions before making a special trip to see the façade. The square is also a useful place to take in the surrounding architecture, including both churches and the statue of the poet Friedrich Schiller at its centre.
Concert halls and the programme
The venue has several performance spaces, including the Great Hall, Apollo Hall and Werner Otto Hall. Its programme includes orchestral concerts, chamber music and organ recitals. The Great Hall’s organ is a large Jehmlich instrument at the back of the stage; an account of the instrument gives its size as about 5,811 pipes.
The concert experience is the main reason to go inside. The Great Hall is known for clear acoustics, and the building’s interior combines classical white and gold decoration. Check the schedule before your visit to choose a performance, then arrange tickets in advance. The venue’s website is listed at konzerthaus.de.
The square in the holiday season
During the Christmas season, a market occupies the square in front of Konzerthaus Berlin. It gives the setting a festive character, with the concert hall and neighbouring churches as its backdrop. The market can make Gendarmenmarkt especially busy, so allow for crowds if you are attending a performance or stopping to see the buildings.
A visit to the square can be paired with the French and German churches. If you are going for a concert, check the entrance route beforehand: the main entrance is below the stairs, and construction has made it harder to spot at times.
Preguntas frecuentes
What kind of concerts take place at Konzerthaus Berlin?
The programme includes orchestral concerts, chamber music and organ recitals.
Where is Konzerthaus Berlin?
It is at Gendarmenmarkt 2 in Berlin’s Mitte district, beside the French and German churches.
What is the history of Konzerthaus Berlin?
The venue began as a theatre in 1802. The neoclassical building was built in 1821, damaged during the Second World War and reopened after restoration in 1984.
