The hall, a listed building designed by the architect Siegfried Wolske and opened in 1959, will close for two years. It will undergo a major refurbishment at a cost, according to current estimates, of around Euro 60 million. Technology, in particular, will be brought up to date. Thanks to around Euro 5 million from the Sparkasse Cologne/Bonn, the chamber music room studio can now be extended. It will also be used as an additional rehearsal space for the Beethoven orchestra.

On Friday, media representatives were given a last look behind the scenes. Günter Schikorra from the city buildings management department explained that the Beethovenhalle is in good condition and well looked after. The problems are the old technology, the labyrinth of corridors and that the hall does not have disabled access everywhere. There are also issues with harmful substances and safety regulations, which have become stricter over time. These will be taken into account in the refurbishment.

Before the real works can begin, the employees have their hands full preparing: around 5000 chairs need to be stored, various technical systems, which will be used again later, need to be dismantled and stored. Restorers will help wrap and protect anything that cannot be dismantled, such as the Faßbender mosaic in the foyer, the Wolske window in the ticket hall and the large Klais organ in the concert hall.

Modernising the technology also presents a challenge. The new ventilation system under the roof should be as quiet as possible so the members of the orchestra can play without being disturbed by any background noise. “It will look like the engine compartment of a modern sports car up there,” said Schikorra. Once the various works are completed, the Beethovenhalle itself, however, should retain its original appearance as far as possible.

Original text: Lisa Inhoffen. Translated by Kate Carey.