The building of the Elbe Philharmonic is a visitor magnet for Hamburg

Hamburg/Prague – Five years ago, on January 11, 2017, one of the most unique buildings of the past decade, the new Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, was ceremoniously opened. The landmark of the port city, whose roof resembles the stormy surface of the North Sea, did not come to fruition easily. The planned construction period stretched to three times longer, and costs increased as well. However, the building elevated Hamburg's ratings in tourist guides, and the concert hall by the Elbe has become a visitor magnet. Concerts at the Elbphilharmonie, affectionately nicknamed "Elphi" (shortened from the German name Elbphilharmonie), are often sold out.

The new Elbphilharmonie, construction of which began in 2007, was originally supposed to be completed by 2010, but due to legal disputes and other delays, it finally happened in 2016. Meanwhile, costs significantly increased. The glass-covered "superstructure" of one of the original port warehouses, whose roof reaches a height of 110 meters, ultimately cost 866 million euros (22 billion crowns). The building was designed by architects from the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron. The ceremonial opening was attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Joachim Gauck, with performances by the philharmonic orchestra of the NDR television and radio station conducted by Thomas Hengelbrock.

The new landmark of Hamburg is located in the area of the former port, in the new district of HafenCity. The concert hall accommodates 2,100 listeners. The building also includes a hotel, apartments, smaller concert halls, and restaurants. An interesting feature of the building, for which Czech glassworks Floriánova huť contributed to the interior design, is the observation platform located 37 meters above the ground.