Elbphilharmonie Hamburg
The Elbphilharmonie is a concert hall in the HafenCity quarter of Hamburg, Germany, on the Grasbrook peninsula of the Elbe River. It is one of the largest and most acoustically-advanced concert halls in the world.
Having first been proposed in 2003, it was only completed in 2016 and was officially inaugurated with concerts and a lightshow on 11 January 2017.
Designed by Swiss architectural practice Herzog & de Meuron, the building comprises a large, quartz-like glass structure sitting on top of an existing brick warehouse. With a maximum height of 108 m (354 ft), it is the tallest inhabited building in Hamburg.
The structural strength of the old warehouse was enhanced to bear the weight of the new addition, which is identical in plan form but rises up like a wave from the eastern to western end. The glass façade, consists of flat, curved, and 'carved' open panels, and can have images projected onto it. The façade also changes appearance during the day through its reflection of the sky, water and surrounding city.
The building complex contains a philharmonic hall, a chamber music hall, restaurants, bars, residential apartments, a hotel, and a terrace with panoramic views of Hamburg.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles of Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.