Image Copyright: Gisela Pape

The Philharmonie was built from 1960 - 1963, under the management of Hans Scharoun. With that, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra got again a head office after the 2nd World War and the Berliner a representative concert building after the temporary home, the college for Music became too small. The asymmetrical building at the edge of the Tiergarten is completely orientated on the function of the interior. Hinting at the exceptional form and the, by now dead conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berliner baptised the building 'Zirkus Karajani'. The concert hall, pentagonal and with amphitheatre like rising seating arrangements surround the central stage (outstanding acoustics) and has 2200 seats. The surrounding foyers are connected with entries. In the south is the chamber music hall attached (1984-87) with 1000 seats, which is also called Little Philharmonie. In the west is the Institute for Music Research with the Instrument - Museum situated.

City District: Tiergarten

Address Matthäikirchstr. 1

Transport Links
Bus 129, 148,248, 341

Opening Times
Guided tours usually from 9am onwards