The complex of the Elbe Philharmonic is a magnet for visitors

Hamburg - The building of the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg is enjoying relentless interest two years after its opening. A total of 8.5 million people have already visited the observation deck open to the public, DPA reported. Today marks exactly two years since the opening of this new symbol of the northern German port city.

The construction of the Elbphilharmonie was accompanied by disputes. The construction period extended by seven years and costs multiplied. The glass-covered "extension" of one of the original port warehouses, with a roof reaching a height of 110 meters, ultimately cost 866 million euros (22 billion crowns).

All of this seems to be forgotten. The Elbphilharmonie is world-famous and has raised Hamburg's profile in travel guides. The concert hall by the Elbe is a visitor magnet, and concerts are usually completely sold out.

The publicly accessible observation deck at a height of 37 meters has already welcomed 8.5 million visitors. Up to 16,000 people visit the platform known as Plaza daily.

The large hall of the philharmonic boasts a utilization rate of 99 percent. A total of 1.76 million people have attended concerts in the Elbphilharmonie, nicknamed "Elphi" (shortened from the German name Elbphilharmonie).

"The development of the Elbphilharmonie continues to be distinctly positive. The enthusiastic influx of visitors to the Plaza and concerts persists," said Hamburg's cultural minister Carsten Brosda.

"It is especially pleasing that those who have been here once evidently want to return. The reason, besides the fascinating architecture, is primarily the grand program, for which Christoph Lieben-Seutter is responsible as the director, utilizing the full potential of the building," Brosda said.

The new landmark of Hamburg, whose roof resembles the turbulent surface of the North Sea, is located in the former port area, in the new district of HafenCity. The concert hall accommodates 2,100 listeners, none of whom sit further than 30 meters from the musicians. The building also includes a hotel, smaller concert halls, and restaurants.