Concert hall
The Concertgebouw
Amsterdam's grand 1888 concert hall, famed worldwide for its acoustics, hosts over 700 concerts a year across classical, jazz, pop and film music, from the Concertgebouw Orchestra in the Main Hall to free weekly lunchtime recitals.
The story
Forty-five composers' names are inscribed on the balconies of the Great Hall, from Orlando di Lasso to Richard Strauss and Stravinsky. Architect Adolf Leonard van Gendt designed the building, constructed between 1883 and 1888, and it opened on 11 April 1888 with a 120-piece orchestra and a 500-member choir performing Wagner, Handel, Bach and Beethoven. Today the programme runs to more than 700 concerts a year, split between the Main Hall and the Recital Hall. Alongside symphonies and baroque recitals come jazz, pop and film-music nights. Lunchtime concerts, usually on Wednesdays outside July and August, are free and range from public rehearsals by the orchestra to young chamber ensembles, while the Sunday Morning Concert offers an hour of music. Restaurant LIER and Café Viotta handle food and drink, and the building rewards a walk at intermission.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Book early for popular performers and orchestras, as good seats go fast and some rear seats look onto a pillar.
- ✦Arrive on time, because latecomers are not admitted once the concert has started.
- ✦Seats behind the orchestra give a striking view, while the front rows put you right up close to the players.
Plan your visit
More places in Amsterdam
All 25 places in Amsterdam
Convention center, Conference center, Event venueAmsterdam RAI
Jazz club, Concert hallBIMHUIS
Modern French restaurantBistro de Fles
Function room facility, MonumentCentrale Markthal
Movie theaterFilmHallen
Event venue, MonumentGashouder Westergasfabriek
Museum, Art gallery, Art museum, Heritage museum, Tourist attractionH'ART Museum (Hermitage Amsterdam)
Art museum, Book store, Botanical garden, Film and photograph library, Heritage building, MuseumHuis Marseille, Museum for Photography