Classical opera and dance concert halls Berlin & Brandenbourg

Founded in 1882, the Berlin Philharmonic has seen a succession of the most illustrious conductors, but it was not until 1955 that it acquired worldwide status, with the appointment of Herbert von Karajan as its conductor. In this magnificent yellow building, designed by the architect Hans Scharoun, the acoustics are quite simply exceptional. It is also possible to visit the building almost every day on guided tours in German or English.

It is the classical counterpart of the Philharmonic and the second temple of classical music in Berlin. In 1821, a Schinkel construction replaced the Langhans Theatre (Brandenburg Gate) which was destroyed by fire. The bombing of 1943 will come to an end, but the building will be rebuilt identically in 1979. In the retro ambience of the small and large hall, the performances of the musicians are religiously attended. The Musikclub programmes musical-literary meetings and performances for children.

Next to the city's major opera houses, this one is a bit of a UFO: located in the formerly working-class district of Neukölln, this theater has established itself as Berlin's "fourth opera house" by means of lesser-known creations. The range of genres is very broad: experimental chamber music, great romantic operas, musicals, music hall, operettas - there's something for everyone, opening the doors of opera to everyone. Housed in a former ballroom, the large auditorium seats 120.

It is the oldest opera house in Berlin: Frederick the Great entrusted its construction to Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorf with the intention of making it his Court Opera. Since 1743, the geniuses of music have walked the steps of this institution without interruption: Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Meserbeer, Richard Strauss, Otto Klemperer and many others. This great house continues to enjoy tremendous popularity today, thanks also to the fame of its director, Daniel Barenboim. Since its restoration, the opera house has been sublime.

Destroyed by the bombings, the Deutsche Oper was rebuilt by the Berlin architect Fritz Bornemann in a resolutely modern and functional style. The facade on the street is severe but the foyer and the windows are gigantic. With 1,865 seats, it is one of the largest theaters in the city. The program includes the great classics: Verdi, Mozart, Wagner, etc. The Staatsballett Berlin also presents some of its productions here. A great house in the European opera landscape.