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Tonhalle St. Gallen: A Symphony of Art Nouveau and Acoustics

Experience world-class performances in St. Gallen's architectural and acoustic masterpiece, the Tonhalle, home to the St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra.

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The Tonhalle St. Gallen is a concert hall that serves as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, meetings, and banquets. Home to the St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra, this architectural gem, built in Art Nouveau style between 1906 and 1909, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and innovative design.

A brief summary to Tonhalle St. Gallen

Local tips

  • Book tickets in advance, especially for popular performances, to secure the best seats.
  • Arrive early to explore the venue's beautiful architecture and enjoy a drink at the Restaurant Concerto before the show.
  • Check the concert schedule online for special events or guest performances during your visit.
  • Consider combining your visit with a stroll around St. Gallen's Old Town, rich in history and charm.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the St. Gallen train station, walk northeast along Bahnhofstrasse, then turn right onto St. Leonhardstrasse. Continue onto Marktplatz, then turn left onto Multergasse. Turn right onto Schmiedgasse, then continue onto Brühlgasse. Turn left onto Museumstrasse. The Tonhalle will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the St. Gallen train station, take bus line 1 towards St. Gallen, Stephanshorn. Get off at the 'St. Gallen, Kunstmuseum' stop, which is directly across the street from the Tonhalle. The bus ride is approximately 5 minutes. A single ticket costs CHF 2.30.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the St. Gallen train station to the Tonhalle takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is CHF 15-25.

  • Parking

    The closest parking garage is Cityparking Brühltor, located at Torstrasse 12. From the parking garage, there is a direct underground access to the Tonhalle. Parking rates are CHF 2.00 for the first hour and CHF 1.00 per 30 minutes thereafter during the day (07:00-24:00, Sunday-Friday). Night rates (24:00-07:00, Monday-Sunday) are CHF 1.20 for the first hour and CHF 0.60 per 30 minutes thereafter. A day pass (24 hours) costs CHF 25.00.

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Discover more about Tonhalle St. Gallen

The Tonhalle St. Gallen, located on Museumstrasse, is more than just a concert hall; it's a cultural landmark in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Constructed between 1906 and 1909, this architectural masterpiece stands at the intersection of the Old Town and the museum district, offering a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. The Tonhalle's design, a blend of Art Nouveau with Neobarock elements, was conceived by architect Julius Kunkler, who also played first violin in the orchestra for eleven years. The building's construction was revolutionary for its time, utilizing a reinforced concrete frame designed by Robert Maillart. This innovative approach not only provided structural integrity but also contributed to the hall's exceptional acoustics. Throughout its history, the Tonhalle has hosted numerous renowned guest orchestras and conductors, including Artur Nikisch, Richard Strauss, Felix Weingartner, and Arturo Toscanini. Othmar Schoeck served as the conductor of symphony concerts from 1917 to 1944, further cementing the hall's reputation as a premier musical venue. A significant renovation in the early 1990s enlarged the stage, improved facilities for conductors and artists, and added the Restaurant Concerto, ensuring the Tonhalle remained a state-of-the-art performance space. Further enhancements in 2010 optimized the hall's acoustics with a redesigned stage and the addition of a gold-leafed "Klangwolke" (sound cloud) in the dome area. Today, the Tonhalle St. Gallen continues to be the residence of the St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra, offering a diverse program of symphony concerts, chamber music, and educational events. It also serves as a venue for cabaret, jazz, banquets, and meetings, ensuring its place as a vital cultural center in the region.

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