Right on Amsterdam’s famous Museumplein, surrounded by world-class museums, stands the Concertgebouw, one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks.
Opened in 1888, this concert hall is world-renowned for its perfect acoustics and is consistently ranked among the top three concert halls in the world for symphonic music.
Free Open Day
In 2023, after major renovations, the Concertgebouw held a one-day free open event to celebrate its reopening. It was such a hit that they brought it back again in 2024!
I missed it the first year, so this time I reserved my spot early and showed up first thing in the morning. Even then, there was already a line forming, and by noon it was packed — a huge success once again.
This year featured 11 different artists and chamber orchestras, with 44 mini-concerts packed into a single day!
Even for someone like me, with zero knowledge of classical music, it was such an easy and welcoming way to enjoy live performances.
Families with young kids were everywhere — and honestly, that was one of the best parts of this free event. No one minded if the kids got loud or fussy. It made the whole place feel open and joyful.
The Main Hall
I managed to catch a mini chamber orchestra concert in the main hall, and wow — even for a total amateur like me, the sound was breathtaking.
Hearing music in one of the world’s best concert halls was an unforgettable experience.
The event also allowed us to explore the building freely — even the seats behind the stage! It’s the kind of access you rarely get, making it a truly unique opportunity.
The Small Hall
In the smaller hall, they hosted a mix of vocal, piano, and percussion performances. Some sessions were so popular I couldn’t get in, but I was lucky enough to snag a front-row spot for one of the shows.
One mini-concert even turned into a singalong with the performer — the whole crowd joined in! It was a fun, lighthearted moment that made the space feel so alive.
There were also workshops where kids and parents made their own instruments. Normally this hall feels quite formal, but on this day, it became a playful, family-friendly space for everyone to enjoy music.
Exploring the Building
One thing that makes the Concertgebouw so fascinating is its unusual architecture — there are even windows in the ceiling! Honestly, I came as much for the design as for the music.
Visiting early was a smart move; by midday it was absolutely packed.
Around 11 a.m., the café opened, so I grabbed a coffee. Just sipping coffee in such an elegant space made me feel sophisticated — even if it was in a paper cup!
They also had a special 50% discount on future concert tickets available only during the open event day.
Lunch Concerts
Apart from the Open Day, the Concertgebouw also hosts free weekly lunch concerts on Wednesdays (except during summer).
Tickets are released about a week in advance on their website. They’re free but sell out fast, so you’ve got to be quick!
The lunch concerts are held in the small hall and last around 30 minutes. No dress code, no pressure — just drop by and enjoy.
Check lunch concert tickets >>