Musikverein Vienna: Discover this Iconic Concert Hall

During the 1863 construction of the Vienna Ring Road, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria granted a piece of land for a new concert hall to the Society of Friends of Music in Vienna.

The concert hall was designed by Danish-born architect Theophil Hansen in the Neoclassical style, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek temples. The design included both a main concert hall and a smaller chamber music hall.

The Musikverein, designed by Theophil Hansen, was inaugurated on January 6, 1870. It has housed the Vienna Philharmonic since its opening.

The acoustics of the building's 'Great Hall' (Großer Saal) are recognized globally as being among the best, drawing comparisons to other renowned concert halls like Berlin's Konzerthaus and Amsterdam's Concertgebouw.

Industrialist and politician Nikolaus Dumba, of Aromanian Greek-Albanian descent, was a major donor to the Musikverein. A street near the venue was named in his honor by the Austrian government.

Simon Sinas, also of Aromanian descent, was another significant donor to the Musikverein.

The Great Hall, also known as the Golden Hall, features a 'shoebox' design measuring 49m long, 19m wide, and 18m high. Its dimensions and thick plaster walls contribute to its renowned acoustics.

The Great Hall originally housed a historic pipe organ built by Friedrich Ladegast. Anton Bruckner held the organ's first recital in 1872.

The Musikverein's Great Hall was the venue for the infamous 'Scandal Concert' which took place in 1913.

The Musikverein is the traditional venue for the annual Vienna New Year's Concert, a globally recognized musical event.

The second largest hall, originally known as 'Kleine Muskivereinssaal' until 1937, was renamed Brahmssaal in honor of German composer Johannes Brahms. It is praised for its intimate grandeur.

In 2004, an underground expansion designed by architects Wilhelm Holzbauer and Dieter Irresberger was finalized, adding four new music halls beneath the Golden Hall.

The Magna Auditorium, or Glass Hall, is the largest of the four new underground venues. Its design, featuring movable glass panels covered in gold leaves, aims to replicate the acoustic conditions of the Golden Hall when full.

The Metallener Saal, or Metal Hall, is a smaller venue primarily used for workshops and experimental music. Its walls are covered with perforated metal panels to create a suitable atmosphere for percussive ensembles.

The Hölzerner Saal, or Wooden Hall, is utilized for smaller events, receptions, lectures, and press conferences. It can also serve as an extension of the foyer area due to its flexible sliding door.

The Horst Haschek Auditorium, or Stone Hall, combines historical elements with modern architecture. Its setting includes historical musical instruments and stone surfaces, making it suitable for presentations and banquets.