Realization of an Utopia
The construction and opening of the Philharmonie
1960-1963: Construction of the Philharmonie at the changed location Kemperplatz in Berlin-Tiergarten.
1963: Opening of the Philharmonie with a ceremonial act and a festive concert by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan’s direction on October 15.
Aerial view of the Philharmonie shell with the Brandenburg Gate in the background.
© Reinhard Friedrich
“Architecture as an instrument – with the new Berlin Philharmonie it has become an event … With the spatial dimensions of width and height the dimension of time has married itself, the musical. Space has been created for a society of free people who carry their moral and artistic intentions into a world that they give shape to through their own actions, in ever new ventures. In ever new sounds.”
Ulrich Conrads, architecture critic and publicist (Berlin Philharmonie, seen by Liselotte and Armin Orgel-Köhne, viewed by Ulrich Conrads, Berlin 1964)
The Philharmonie in the middle of a wasteland. In the background, remains of the development at Potsdamer Platz.
© Reinhard Friedrich
Opening concert of the Philharmonie on October 15, 1963, with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Herbert von Karajan.
© Archiv Berliner Philharmoniker