PHIL Haarlem in Haarlem
Haarlem's 150-year-old concert hall in the city centre: a 1,228-seat Grote Zaal and a 408-seat Kleine Zaal, a 10-minute walk from Haarlem station.
Photo credits
Rows of red seats on the floor of the Grote Zaal of PHIL Haarlem, with the golden balcony above: PHIL Haarlem
Quick answers
- Capacity
- Grote Zaal 1,228 · Kleine Zaal 408
- Address
- Lange Begijnestraat 112011 HH Haarlem
- Nearest station
- Haarlem, 10 min walk
- Closest parking
- De Appelaar, 1 min walk, fills fast
- Doors
- At least 1 hour before
- Cloakroom
- Included in your ticket
- Tickets
- Last-minute €12.50 (up to 30, CJP)
- Contact
- +31 23 512 12 12
Holidays at PHIL Haarlem
Open on the holidays: these nights are in the agenda.
- ChristmasFamily Sing-Along Christmas Concert - Sing Christmas Hits with Your Whole Family
- ChristmasHändels Messiah by Maarten Engeltjes and PRJCT Amsterdam - Second Christmas Day matinee
- ChristmasSlodde en Vos in Winter Wonderland (3+) - Musical antics and catchy songs
- New Year's DayNew Year's Concert - Welcome the new year together with music!
PHIL Haarlem agenda: upcoming events
Tonight, this week and the months ahead at this venue in Haarlem.
Last night at PHIL Haarlem: Camerata RCO & pianist Florian Verweij - Dvořák, Sjostakovitsj, Festive classical! - Mozart's Krönungsmesse in a festive programme with four other classical choral works
This week
November 2026
Plan your visit to PHIL Haarlem
How many people fit in PHIL?
- Grote Zaal
- 1,228 seats (768 floor, 460 balcony); floor clearable for standing
- Kleine Zaal
- 408 seats (283 floor, 125 balcony)
- Van Beinum Zaal
- 132 theatre, 160 reception
- Van Warmerdam Zaal
- 120 theatre, 150 reception
Up to 1,228 people fit in the Grote Zaal: 768 on the floor and 460 on the balcony. The halls overview lists 1,150 seats, while the Grote Zaal page details 1,228. For standing shows the floor seats are removed, freeing 350 m2 of open floor.
That is nearly twice the 660 seats of the Stadsschouwburg theatre hall, the other of what PHIL calls the two largest stages of Haarlem. Patronaat’s pop hall fits 950 standing but only 300 seated.
| Venue | Hall | Concert capacity |
|---|---|---|
| PHIL Haarlem | Grote Zaal | 1,228 seats (768 floor, 460 balcony); floor clearable for standing |
| Stadsschouwburg Haarlem | Schouwburgzaal | 660 seated |
| Patronaat Haarlem | Stage 1 | 950 standing; 300 seated |
Seating: ranks, legroom and which seats to choose
Both halls sell seated for most concerts, and the organiser sets the exact layout per show. PHIL publishes a seat plan for each hall: the Grote Zaal page carries the stoelenplan download and the Kleine Zaal page its own plattegrond. Use the rank on your ticket: the lower the rank, the less you see of the stage.
- Grote Zaal ranks
- Four ranks; the higher, the better the view
- Kleine Zaal ranks
- Two ranks
- Wheelchair Grote Zaal
- Rows 1, 2 or 12, depending on layout
- Wheelchair Kleine Zaal
- Row 7
- Seat plans
- Downloadable per hall, plus floor plans
Most concerts in the Grote Zaal sell in four ranks and most in the Kleine Zaal in two, which can differ per concert. Legroom is fine on most seats in both halls, except the side balconies of the Grote Zaal.
- The floor and the middle balcony have fine legroom on most seats; the side balconies of the Grote Zaal look intimate but tighter. The lower your rank, the less of the stage you see, so check the seat plan for your show.
- Families: seat raisers are available for youth and family concerts.
- Standing at a pop show? The Grote Zaal floor seats come out to free 350 m2 of floor; standing concerts let you walk in and out freely.
- Wheelchair users: book through [email protected]. In the Grote Zaal your companion sits next to, in front of or behind you; in the Kleine Zaal next to you on a raised seat.
How a concert evening at PHIL works
From the door to the encore, in order.
- Check the event page for your times. PHIL opens its front doors at least one hour before every performance, often 90 minutes for pop shows, and the hall doors follow 45 to 60 minutes before the start: for a 20:00 start count on the front door around 18:30 and the hall door around 19:00, for a 20:30 start around 19:00 and 19:45.
- Most evening concerts start at 20:00 or 20:30 and end around 21:30 to 22:00. Sunday matinees typically start at 15:00; the end varies with the programme (a Sunday concert without an interval ran 15:00 to 16:30). Every event sets its own times.
- Take your seat in time: once the concert has started, PHIL cannot guarantee entry to the hall or your seat. Standing concerts are the exception: you can always walk in and out.
- Leave coats and large bags in the cloakroom or a locker, and switch your phone off to airplane mode before the music starts.
- Stay for a drink: the PHIL Café and the foyers stay open after the show.
Drinks and food at PHIL
PHIL is a concert hall with a café, not a restaurant: come for a drink or order a borrelplank. The PHIL Café and the other foyers open with the doors at least one hour before every show, and you can stay for a drink afterwards.
At selected concerts PHIL serves Specials: extra menus announced with the event. The agenda marks them.
- PHIL Café and foyers
- Drinks and borrelplank before and after
- Specials
- Extra menus at selected concerts
Tickets, discounts and returns
Buy tickets through the PHIL website or the official sellers named on your ticket: tickets from Eventim, the Nationale Theater Kassa or Ticketmaster cannot be taken back by PHIL.
- Last-minute (up to 30, CJP)
- €12.50 on the day itself
- HaarlemPas
- €7.50 for second-rank concerts
- Children up to 12
- Free to youth shows (season 26/27); reserve seats
- Returns
- Up to 48 hours before, €2.50 per ticket
- Young or a CJP holder? The last-minute discount applies to PHIL's own concerts only, not to youth and family shows, festivals or hired events.
- With the HaarlemPas you pay €7.50 for concerts with second-rank seats.
- Children up to 12 go free to youth performances in season 26/27, up to three children per paying adult; always reserve their (free) seats, since tickets are checked at the door.
- Returned a ticket? Tickets bought on the PHIL site can go back up to 48 hours before the concert for €2.50 per ticket; service costs are not refunded.
- Warning from PHIL: never buy through Topticketshop.nl, which charges far above the official price.
Cloakroom and lockers
Leave coats and large bags downstairs: for safety reasons PHIL prefers no coats or large bags in the hall. A staffed cloakroom sits in the basement before and after each concert, and its use is included in the admission price unless stated otherwise.
Prefer a locker? The entrance area holds medium lockers at €2.50 and large ones at €4.00. Scan the QR code with your phone on the spot; reserving ahead is not possible.
- Cloakroom
- Guarded, in the basement; included in ticket
- Medium locker
- €2.50
- Large locker
- €4.00
- How lockers work
- Scan the QR code on the spot; no reservations
Accessibility at PHIL
PHIL is well accessible for visitors with disabilities and wheelchair users. The Grote Zaal sits at ground level, an accessible toilet is on the ground floor, and the Kleine Zaal and Van Warmerdam Zaal are reachable by lift. Book wheelchair spaces through [email protected].
If you are hard of hearing, PHIL offers an audio system that lets you receive the hall sound personally and tune it to your hearing. Reserve it when you buy your ticket; against that ticket and valid ID the equipment is lent free at the cloakroom. Guide dogs are welcome, and hosts assist visitors with visual impairments.
- Step-free
- Grote Zaal at ground level; lift to Kleine and Van Warmerdam Zaal
- Accessible toilet
- Available on the ground floor
- Wheelchair booking
- Through [email protected]
- Hearing support
- Personal audio system, free loan at the cloakroom
House rules: late arrival, phones and what stays out
PHIL wants concerts to start on time, so latecomers wait for a suitable moment and may miss the show entirely when it has no interval. At standing concerts you can always go in and out.
Switch your mobile phone off or to airplane mode before the concert starts: a pleasant concert experience for everyone, and a moment offline for you.
- Late arrival
- Entry or your seat not guaranteed after the start
- Standing concerts
- You can always walk in and out
- Phones
- Off or airplane mode during the concert
- Coats and large bags
- To the cloakroom or lockers, not into the hall
Getting to PHIL by train, bike or car
PHIL sits in the middle of Haarlem’s centre, between shops and restaurants. Haarlem station is about a ten-minute walk away.
From Amsterdam Centraal the direct train takes about 15 to 16 minutes, with some 148 trains a day and no changes. From Schiphol, R-net bus 300 runs direct to Haarlem station in about 45 minutes, every 8 to 10 minutes during the day (amsterdam-explorer figure). PHIL itself puts Haarlem about 20 minutes from Schiphol and Amsterdam. Buses stop 1 minute away at the Spaarne, where tour buses can also stop to let groups in and out.
From Amsterdam Centraal
Direct train, about 15–16 min, some 148 a day
From Schiphol
R-net bus 300 direct, about 45 min, every 8–10 min
Last train home
Haarlem to Amsterdam Centraal 23:47 (timetable sites)
- Cycling? Use the free guarded racks in Smedestraat, 250 m away: open Mon–Wed 07.30–24.00, Thu 07.30–02.00, Fri–Sat 07.30–05.00 and Sun 12.00–18.00.
- Driving? See the parking section: five garages are nearby, De Appelaar one minute away.
- Heading home after a 22:00 finish? Walk to the station in about ten minutes: Trainline lists the last train from Haarlem to Amsterdam Centraal at 23:47. These are timetable-site figures, not NS’s; weekend and night times vary, so check 9292ov.nl on the day.
Parking near PHIL: every garage and walking time
Five garages sit within about thirteen minutes on foot. De Appelaar is by far the closest but fills up fast later in the afternoon, when the queue at its entrance can block the road toward De Kamp, so have a backup in mind.
| Garage | Address | Walk to PHIL | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| De Appelaar | Damstraat 12, 2011 HA | 1 min | €4.70 per hour (8.00–23.00); €4.50 flat night from 23.00; max €39.30 per day |
| De Kamp | De Witstraat 1, 2011 DV | 7 min | €4.10 per hour; €4.10 flat evening 19.00–8.00 (Thu from 21.00); max €34.40 per day |
| Raaks | Zijlvest 45, 2011 VB | 9 min | €4.10 per hour; €4.10 flat evening 19.00–8.00 (Thu from 21.00); max €34.40 per day |
| Stationsplein | Lange Herenstraat 11, 2011 LK | 10 min | €3.30 per hour, counted per 20 minutes; max €30.00 per day |
| Houtplein | Wagenmakerslaan 1, 2012 DJ | 13 min | €4.10 per hour; €4.10 flat evening 19.00–8.00 (Thu from 21.00); max €34.40 per day |
- Evening out? De Kamp, Raaks and Houtplein charge a flat €4.10 for the whole evening (19.00–8.00) instead of the hourly rate. De Appelaar, the closest garage, is the most expensive in the evening until 23.00.
- Thursday is the exception: on late shopping night the hourly rate runs until 21.00 and the flat evening rate starts at 21.00. A Thursday 20:00 concert therefore starts on the hourly rate.
- Stationsplein counts per 20 minutes and has chargers for electric cars; it sits opposite Haarlem station.
- Rates change: check the signs and parkeren-haarlem.nl on the day.
Contact, box office and address
The audience service and ticket sales team answers by phone and email on weekdays from 13.00 to 17.00.
- Phone and email
- 023 - 512 12 12, [email protected]
- Open
- Monday to Friday 13.00-17.00
- Counter
- Friday 13.00-17.00 and 1 hour before each concert
- Visit
- Lange Begijnestraat 11, 2011 HH Haarlem
- Artist entrance
- Philip Frankplein 2a, 2019 HB Haarlem
About PHIL Haarlem
PHIL is Haarlem's music house in the city centre, between the shops and restaurants around Lange Begijnestraat. It is part of Stichting Stadsschouwburg en PHIL Haarlem, together with the red-plush theatre of the Stadsschouwburg.
The building grew from the 1856 Sociëteit Vereeniging gentlemen's club into the Municipal Concert Hall of 1923, was thoroughly renovated from 1999, reopened as Philharmonie in 2005 and shortened its name to PHIL in 2023. The Grote Zaal was rebuilt in 2013 into a multifunctional hall with flexible seating and a movable floor.
Today the programme mixes classical virtuosos and orchestras with a growing pop, jazz and family offering, plus the famous organ that the city obtained for the hall a century ago.
- Address
- Lange Begijnestraat 11, 2011 HH Haarlem
- Halls
- Grote Zaal (1,228) and Kleine Zaal (408)
- First concert
- 1873, celebrated as 150 years in 2023
History: from gentlemen's club to PHIL
In 1856 the Sociëteit Vereeniging, a club for middle-class gentlemen, bought the building on Lange Begijnestraat. Its large concert hall became the cultural heart of the city, and in 1923 the municipality took it over as the Gemeentelijke Concertzaal to house the Cavaillé-Coll organ from Amsterdam's Paleis voor Volksvlijt.
Virtuosos from Maurice Ravel and Arthur Rubinstein to Sergej Rachmaninov and Igor Stravinsky played the hall. Around the turn of the century the maze-like building was thoroughly renovated by Frits van Dongen from 1999, reopened as Philharmonie in 2005 with the new Kleine Zaal, and the Grote Zaal was rebuilt in 2013 with flexible seating and a movable floor. The name was shortened to PHIL in 2023.
- Founded
- 1856, as Sociëteit Vereeniging
- Municipal hall
- 1923, with the Cavaillé-Coll organ
- Renovated
- 1999-2005 by Frits van Dongen; Grote Zaal rebuilt 2013
- Renamed PHIL
- 2023
Photos
Photo credits
Rows of red seats on the floor of the Grote Zaal of PHIL Haarlem, with the golden balcony above: PHIL Haarlem
The Grote Foyer of PHIL Haarlem with its bar, tables and the glass staircase to the upper foyer: PHIL Haarlem
The wooden stage of the Kleine Zaal seen from above, ringed by rows of blue seats: PHIL Haarlem
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Frequently asked questions
How many people fit in PHIL Haarlem?
Up to 1,228 in the Grote Zaal (768 on the floor, 460 on the balcony; the floor seats come out for standing shows, freeing 350 m2 of floor), or 408 in the Kleine Zaal (283 on the floor, 125 on the balcony). The halls overview lists 1,150 seats; the Grote Zaal page details 1,228.
What are the best seats in PHIL?
The rank on your ticket sets the view: the Grote Zaal mostly sells in four ranks and the Kleine Zaal in two, and the lower the rank, the less you see of the stage. For the best overall view choose a higher rank. The side balconies of the Grote Zaal look intimate but have tighter legroom.
What time does a concert at PHIL start and end?
Most evening concerts start at 20:00 or 20:30 and end around 21:30 to 22:00. Sunday matinees typically start at 15:00; the end varies with the programme: a Sunday concert without an interval ran 15:00 to 16:30. Every event sets its own times, so check the event page before travelling.
What time do the doors open at PHIL?
PHIL opens its front doors at least one hour before every performance, often 90 minutes for pop shows. The hall doors follow 45 to 60 minutes before the start: for a 20:00 show, count on the front door around 18:30 and the hall door around 19:00; for a 20:30 show around 19:00 and 19:45. The exact times sit on the event page.
Where do I park for PHIL Haarlem?
De Appelaar (Damstraat 12) is one minute on foot but fills up fast and is the most expensive in the evening until 23.00. Backups within 13 minutes: De Kamp (7 min), Raaks (9 min), Stationsplein (10 min) and Houtplein (13 min). De Kamp, Raaks and Houtplein charge a flat €4.10 for the whole evening (19.00–8.00, Thursday from 21.00).
Is the cloakroom at PHIL free?
The guarded cloakroom in the basement is included in your ticket price unless stated otherwise. Prefer a locker? Medium lockers cost €2.50 and large ones €4.00; scan the QR code on the spot, reservations are not possible.
Can I take my coat or bag into the hall?
No: for safety reasons PHIL prefers no coats or large bags in the hall. Leave them in the guarded cloakroom or a locker by the entrance.
Where are the wheelchair spaces at PHIL?
In the Grote Zaal the wheelchair spaces sit on rows 1, 2 or 12 depending on the layout; in the Kleine Zaal on row 7. Book through [email protected]. In the Grote Zaal your companion sits next to, in front of or behind you; in the Kleine Zaal next to you on a raised seat.
How do I get to PHIL by public transport?
Take the direct train to Haarlem station: about 15 to 16 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal, with some 148 trains a day, then walk about ten minutes into the centre. From Schiphol, R-net bus 300 runs direct to Haarlem station in about 45 minutes. After a 22:00 finish, Trainline lists the last train from Haarlem to Amsterdam Centraal at 23:47; check 9292ov.nl on the day.
Can children come to PHIL, and do they pay?
Yes. Youth and family concerts run through the season with seat raisers for children. Children up to 12 go free to youth performances in season 26/27 (up to three per paying adult), but always reserve their free seats. Evening concerts have no minimum age published.
Can I get a discount on PHIL tickets?
Visitors up to 30 and CJP holders pay €12.50 on the day itself for PHIL's own concerts. HaarlemPas holders pay €7.50 for concerts with second-rank seats. Youth and family shows, festivals and hired events are excluded from the last-minute deal.
What happens if I arrive late at PHIL?
Once the concert has started, PHIL cannot guarantee entry to the hall or your seat; wait for a suitable moment. At standing concerts you can always walk in and out.
Is there a hotel near PHIL?
Yes. 239 hotel rooms sit within a 3-minute walk of PHIL, 291 within 10 minutes and 424 at the edge of the centre. The PHIL practical page lists them; the Grote Markt is a stone’s throw away.
Where is the artist entrance of PHIL?
At Philip Frankplein 2a, 2019 HB Haarlem, at the back of the building. Deliveries and loading use the same address.
Sources: PHIL: about us and history (October 21, 2026) · PHIL: halls and capacities (October 21, 2026) · PHIL: your visit (FAQ) (October 21, 2026) · PHIL: route and parking (October 21, 2026) · PHIL: drinks and food (October 21, 2026) · PHIL: contact and ticket sales (October 21, 2026) · PHIL: history (October 21, 2026)
