Concertgebouw

The Concertgebouw is a concert hall in Amsterdam's Museumkwartier neighborhood in the Netherlands, known for its classical architecture and acoustic properties. The main hall seats around 2,000 people and features an elaborately decorated ceiling with ornamentation, while a smaller recital hall provides a space for more intimate performances.

Architect Dolf van Gendt designed the building in the neoclassical style, and it opened on January 1, 1888. The hall's acoustics gained international recognition in the 20th century, making the venue an important address for classical music in Europe.

The hall takes its name from the Dutch word for concert building and became a center of Dutch musical life. Locals attend performances by symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles in a setting that connects classical concerts with the city's tradition.

The building hosts more than 700 performances per year, including symphony concerts and chamber music evenings at various times of the day. Visitors can book tickets in advance and should arrive a little earlier for evening concerts to use the cloakroom and find their seats.

The main hall was originally designed without modern amplification, so musicians are heard purely through natural reflection. This acoustic clarity made the space a preferred recording location for orchestras from around the world.

Location: Amsterdam

Inception: 1886

Architects: Dolf van Gendt

Official opening: 1888

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Website: https://concertgebouw.nl/en

GPS coordinates: 52.35631,4.87908

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:30