A glimpse into our foyers

As we mentioned earlier: in 2010, Muziekcentrum Frits Philips Eindhoven officially became Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. The emblem that had long adorned the façade, a combination of a harp and a temple, was replaced by a set of stylised M’s. This change went hand in hand with the major renovation of the foyers. One thing was certain: Muziekgebouw Eindhoven was to become an innovative hotspot in the city. And how could it be otherwise, with Philips having been closely connected to the hall since its opening?

Light

The lighting design in the foyers was a true showpiece of the renovation. The ceiling played a central, even crucial role. In total, more than thirteen hundred square panels were installed, each illuminated from above with LED lights. The colour and intensity of the lights can be adjusted, allowing the foyers to be lit in a way that perfectly suits any concert or event. The lighting can even serve as signage: waves of light gently move towards the auditorium doors, subtly guiding visitors in that direction.

Light also plays an important role in the long bench in the ASML Foyer. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary bench. But the moment someone sits down, the buttons in the upholstery light up like twinkling stars.

Signing

After the renovation, the foyers were filled with dozens of projectors, used to display signage, hall numbers and concert promotions. Since last year, in 2024, the projectors have become a thing of the past. They were replaced with screens designed to further enhance the visitor experience.

And speaking of experiences: the spot where our ticket desk and cloakroom are now once featured a large LED wall, welcoming visitors and, in the early days, even displaying a live feed of Twitter posts mentioning Muziekgebouw Eindhoven.

Instruments

The foyers also contain several references to musical instruments, hardly surprising in a concert hall. Did you know, for instance, that each of the bars in the different foyers is inspired by a family of instruments? The gold-coloured bar in the City Foyer is modelled on the inside of a grand piano. The wooden bars in the ASML Foyer and the Frits Philips Foyer pay tribute to the woodwinds, while the metal bar in the Second Foyer takes its cue from the brass section.

And then there are the loveseats. These chairs and benches ‘with a canopy’ were inspired by instrument cases, with a hard exterior and a soft interior. The coloured cushions also vary depending on the foyer: yellow cushions are often linked to the City Foyer, green to the Frits Philips Foyer, and pink to the Second Foyer. Shortly after the reopening, some of the seats were even fitted with a touchscreen and sound system, allowing you to listen to music right from your chair.

Art

The bust of Frits Philips gazes contentedly over ‘his’ foyer. The bronze sculpture, created by artist Olly de Vries-van Abbe, is a tribute to the man whose name the hall proudly bore for many years. Or rather: to the man to whom Eindhoven owes so much. Muziekgebouw Eindhoven also owes a great deal to the patrons of M•Fonds. These generous donors help make it possible for young talent to take to the stage. Their names are all displayed on the gleaming “tree of notes” in the ASML Foyer.

This is just a glimpse of what the foyers of Muziekgebouw Eindhoven have to offer. Would you like a full tour of the building, including a behind-the-scenes look? For just €50 a year, you can become an M•Friend. As a Friend, you’ll occasionally be invited for a guided tour but even better: you’ll also enjoy discounts of up to 20% on tickets and gain priority access to ticket sales. You can find more information on the M•Friends page.