Classic Open Air on Gendarmenmarkt
Since 1992, the Classic Open Air has been held every July at Gendarmenmarkt in Mitte, with the stage positioned on the steps of the Konzerthaus between the German and French Cathedrals. The square has been open again since March 2025 after renovation. In 2026, over 30,000 guests attended on six evenings, for acts like David Garrett and Alphaville. It is the most classical among Berlin's open-air concerts.
The Classic Open Air takes place at Gendarmenmarkt in Mitte
Gendarmenmarkt is located between the Konzerthaus, the French Cathedral, and the German Cathedral. Karl Friedrich Schinkel built the Konzerthaus in 1821 as a theater, the French Cathedral was built from 1701 to 1705 and got its tower in 1785, the German Cathedral dates from 1708 and was reopened as a museum in 1996 after its destruction. From 2022 to the end of 2024, the square, covering approximately 14,000 square meters, was renovated for around 21 million Euros and reopened on March 13, 2025. The Classic Open Air returned to the square after a two-year break. The stage is on the steps of the Konzerthaus, the venue has two step-free entrances and 26 wheelchair spaces in blocks D, E, G, and H. The festival has existed since 1992 and is organized by Classic Open Air KG, which has been majority-owned by DEAG Classics since 2022.
The 2026 program at Gendarmenmarkt
The 32nd edition ran from July 9 to 14, 2026, over six evenings and attracted over 30,000 guests, according to the organizer. It was opened by the Konzerthausorchester Berlin under Joana Mallwitz with pianist Hayato Sumino and a program of Gershwin and Weill, including Rhapsody in Blue. On the second evening, Giovanni Zarrella sang his Italian Summer Night. This was followed by Joja Wendt with Naturally 7, cellist Jodok and the Big Band of the Bundeswehr, and David Garrett with his Millennium Symphony. The Dutch duo HAEVN performed with a twelve-member string ensemble. For the finale, Alphaville played with the Orchestra of the New Philharmonic Frankfurt. The cheapest price category started at approximately 65 Euros, while tickets in the premium categories were over 200 Euros.
Top10 Redaktion
Erfahrungsbericht vom 11.10.2026
Price Level
In 2026, the cheapest category started at approximately 65 Euros, tickets in the premium categories cost over 200 Euros.
Public Transport
U2 to Hausvogteiplatz, U2 and U6 to Stadtmitte, U5 and U6 to Unter den Linden. Friedrichstraße and Brandenburger Tor train stations are also within walking distance.
Parking
There are several public parking garages around the square. The accessible parking garage in the Friedrichstadt Passagen is about 100 meters from Entrance 1.
Bags and Personal Items
Bags up to DIN A4 are allowed, plus one non-alcoholic beverage up to 0.5 liters in PET or Tetra Pak. Food, alcohol, glass, backpacks, walking stick umbrellas, flags, and drones are not permitted.
Weather
Performances take place even in rain; they are only cancelled in case of danger.
Accessibility
Both entrances are step-free; 26 wheelchair spaces are available in blocks D, E, G, and H.
Opening Hours
- Mon + Tue: 09:00 – 16:30
- Wed: Closed
- Thu + Fri: 09:00 – 16:30
- Sat + Sun: Closed
