Musikverein

The Musikverein is Vienna's most famous concert venue and the home of the Vienna Philharmonic. It was built for the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, the city's society of friends of music, to designs by the Danish-born architect Theophil Hansen, and it was inaugurated in January 1870. Hansen gave it a Neoclassical exterior in terracotta and cream, and inside a series of halls named after composers and patrons.

The heart of the building is the Great Hall, known to the world as the Golden Hall, which is seen by millions of television viewers every year during the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert. It is a long, narrow shoebox about 49 metres long and 19 metres wide, with gilded caryatids, crystal chandeliers, a painted ceiling and a large organ, and it seats around 1,744 people plus a few hundred standing. Its acoustics are celebrated, all the more so because Hansen designed it before the science of architectural acoustics existed. The smaller Brahms Hall is used for chamber music and recitals, and newer halls below ground host more experimental formats.

The best way to experience the building is at a concert. The programme runs almost every day through the main season, from orchestral concerts and visiting ensembles to chamber recitals. Popular concerts sell out early, especially those of the Vienna Philharmonic, so book through the Musikverein's own ticket shop or box office. Cheaper standing places are available for some concerts, and seats with restricted views can also be good value. Smart casual dress is usual.

If you cannot attend a concert, guided tours of the building are offered in German and English on most days except Sundays and public holidays. Because the Musikverein is a working concert hall, tours can be postponed or cancelled at short notice for rehearsals, so check the timetable and book online. Groups of more than eight need to arrange a separate tour.

The Musikverein stands just off Karlsplatz, a few minutes' walk from the State Opera and the Ring. Karlsplatz underground station (U1, U2, U4) is the nearest stop. Combine it with the Karlskirche across the square, or with dinner in one of the restaurants around the Ring before an evening concert.