Concertgebouw, Amsterdam

Concertgebouw, Amsterdam

The Royal Concertgebouw on Museumplein is a Neoclassical concert hall that hosts classical orchestras and operas as well as modern world music.

The Royal Concertgebouw on Museumplein is a Neoclassical concert hall that hosts classical orchestras and operas as well as modern world music. Renowned for its acoustics and ambience, it is ranked among the finest concert halls in the world. The annual program is excellent and features world-renowned orchestras. Book your tickets today to ensure you don't miss out on an unparalleled musical experience.

The Concertgebous was built in 1883-'88 to designs by Adolf Leonard van Gendt, inspired by the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, which was later destroyed in 1943. The ornate Neo-Renaissance façade is surmounted by 3.25 metre high gilded lyre, a symbol of music and Apollo's instrument of choice. The modern glass lobby was added by Pi de Bruijn during a major renovation in 1985-'88. The Concertgebouw has 4 concert halls:

• Grote Zaal or Main Hall – Measuring 44 meters long, 27.5 meters wide, and 17.5 meters high, the room can accommodate about 2000 people. The walls and balcony ledges feature the surnames of 46 classical composers. It has a large organ by Michaël Maarschalkerweerd, with the box designed by Van Gendt himself. While it is ideal for late Romantic compositions like Mahler's works, it has hosted concerts by rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and Pink Floyd.
• Kleine Zaal or Recital Hall - Measuring 20 metres long and 15 metres, it can accommodate 437 people It is an intimate space ideal for chamber music and Lieder.
• Choir Hall – It is a cozy room for 150 people, hosting smaller events such as piano recitals, jazz concerts and children’s productions.
• Mirror Hall - The cushy room, ornately decorated with chandeliers and wine motifs, is mainly used as a coffee room and lobby area.

The Concertgebouw also hosts free lunch concerts at 12.30 pm on Wednesdays, presenting performances by up-and-coming artists. Check the Concertgebouw website for details of free concerts. Free tickets for Recital Hall performances are available at the entrance from 11:30 a.m. Main Hall performances do not require tickets.