Haus des Rundfunks
This is Berlin calling
A perfect sound for your concert: the concert hall in the Haus des Rundfunks dates back to the 1930s, but its acoustics still excites music purists. And its architecture is still modern.
A concert in the Haus des Rundfunks is always a trip back in the history of Berlin radio. And, as you look around, you'll find that it's also one of the finest examples of modern architecture in Berlin.
Modern architecture for a broadcasting house
The Haus des Rundfunks was one of the first purpose-built broadcasting buildings in Europe. Designed by architect Hans Poelzig, it was inaugurated in 1931 after two years of construction. It is one of the best examples of modern architecture in Berlin. The closed-off structure of the building complex is ideal for isolating the sound in the broadcasting studios, all of which face the inner courtyard to protect them against street noise. The imposing façade is covered with black clinker bricks and reddish-brown ceramic tiles.
Concerts in the broadcasting studios
The studios are also used for concerts and radio recordings. The Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester regularly performs in the large broadcasting stuio, which can accommodate audiences of up to 900. The Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester also performs there, including its wildly popular series classical music series for children and teenagers. The studios retain their post-war look from the 1950s, while its sophisticated technology and particularly good acoustics have also survived the tests of time. It has its own foundation to prevent any vibrations from the rest of the building from being transferred. Concerts are also held in the small broadcast studio with seats for 150.
"Achtung, Achtung, hier ist Berlin!"
The Haus des Rundfunks is also a place with a rich history. It was from here that the first regular television broadcasts began in the 1930s. After the war, it was the seat of the SFB, the West Berlin radio station. The ringing of the Freedom Bell in the Schöneberg Town Hall was used to identify the station acoustically. Today, the Haus des Rundfunks houses the Berlin studios of Radio Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB), the result of the 2003 merger of SFB and Ostdeutsche Rundfunk Brandenburg (ORB).
Guided tours: on the trail of radio history
The Haus des Rundfunks is open to visitors for guided tours. Register by calling +49 (0) 30 97 99 3-12497.
