Herzog & de Meuron's Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg will finally welcome its first guests on November 5, following nearly a decade tainted with cost overruns and planning delays. Located in the rapidly developing HafenCity district, the crown-shaped concert hall proudly announced its completion this past Monday to the city in giant gleaming letters that spelled out “FERTIG”, or “Completed” in German.

Starting Saturday, the City of Hamburg will hand over day-to-day management to HamburgMusik. The complex includes three concert halls (the largest one seating 2,100 and designed by acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota), a music education area, and a “Plaza” where guests can take in panoramic views of the surrounding harbor. The restaurants, cafes and bars, and the hotel will also open. However, it seems the grand opening festivities will begin when the Elbphilharmonie hosts its first concert on January 11.

You can also check out a cross-section of the project in the gallery below.

Previous news about the Elbphilharmonie on Archinect:

Take a look at Herzog & De Meuron's Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg

Hamburg Concert Hall: Blame game begins in €800-million hall saga