40 Years of the Cologne Philharmonic—We’re Celebrating With You!

The Cologne Philharmonic is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special program open to visitors of all ages. On Sunday, September 13, 2026, starting at 1:30 p.m., the concert hall will host concerts, guided tours, workshops, and other events.

The focus is on the Cologne Philharmonic Hall as one of the central venues for musical life in Cologne. For four decades, it has shaped the city’s cultural landscape with world-class concerts, diverse musical formats, and a program that blends classical music, early music, jazz, world music, and contemporary soundscapes.

To mark the anniversary, various areas around the Philharmonie will be open to the public: The program will take place, among other locations, in the foyer of the Cologne Philharmonie, the Rheingarten foyer, and on Heinrich-Böll-Platz. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the venue from different perspectives—by listening, participating, and engaging with the music and the space.

The anniversary event is aimed at both long-time concertgoers and guests who would like to rediscover the Cologne Philharmonic. In the immediate vicinity of the Museum Ludwig, the Cathedral, and the Rhine, a day of culture will take place in the heart of downtown Cologne.