A tour through Hamburg's art and culture scene

Hamburg pearl of the north, is far more than just a trading center with a bustling port; it is a melting pot of art and culture. From the vibrant streets of this Hanseatic city to its numerous museums, theaters, and festival halls, Hamburg offers its culture-loving visitors a wealth of treasures.

In this short virtual tour, we take you on a journey through the secret gems and often overlooked cultural highlights of the dazzling Elbe metropolis.

Art in public spaces: The city as a walkable gallery

Let's begin our exploration with a look at Hamburg's impressive collection of public artworks. As you stroll through the streets, you'll likely notice the many sculptures and installations that adorn the city.

Near the Church of the Holy Trinity in St. Georg, the sculptor Horst Hellinger a plaza in 1986 featuring the walk-in artwork "Ship Sheets ." Steel sheets, approximately two and a half meters high, rise from a slightly sloping base. They were salvaged from scrapped ships in the Port of Hamburg. Their gentle curve is reminiscent of ship hulls.

The artwork symbolizes the decline of Hamburg's once-prosperous shipbuilding industry. The ravages of time, along with rust, gnaw at the metal sheets, which are now covered in graffiti. The power and poetry of this formation can only be truly appreciated when walking among the panels. One gains diverse perspectives and views of the surroundings and can even feel the gentle movement of the large sheets in the wind.

The artwork faced considerable resistance from local residents over many years. In 2004, relocating it to the harbor was considered but ultimately rejected. The contrast with the church is initially striking. Isn't the ship also a very old symbol of the church?

Besides Hellinger's installation, three other artworks can be found in the square surrounding the church. These include a bronze replica of the medieval Calvary on the original granite steles, dating from 2006; the cobblestone cross " Names and Stones " (1994) by Tom Fecht, commemorating those who died of AIDS; and the bronze equestrian statue of St. George slaying the dragon by Gerhard Marcks, dating from 1959.

Near the Deichtorhallen Hamburg stand the distinctive Deichtor rings of the Körber Foundation as well as Richard Serra's impressive steel sculpture TUW (Trade Workers Union) from 1980.

This sculpture consists of three vertically positioned Corten steel plates, which, at an angle of almost eleven meters in height and over three and a half meters in width, maintain a captivating equilibrium. Despite its massive materiality, the sculpture conveys a sense of lightness and invites viewers to consider it from different perspectives. Serra offers no direct interpretation but encourages us to adopt new perspectives and question our way of seeing. It is noteworthy that this outstanding artwork has been located in Hamburg since 1989, having previously been exhibited in New York.

Stephan Balkenhol imposing bronze sculptures Man and Woman (2004), we must direct our gaze upwards. These figures, roughly five meters high, in front of Hamburg's Central Library, radiate a remarkable calm and distance as their eyes wander into the distance. Their physicality dominates the space and invites us to explore the texture of their surfaces and look upwards along their long legs.

The man embodies typical features of Balkenhol's style, reminiscent of his earlier works such as Four Men on Buoys (1993, partially renewed in 2020) and at the same time evokes discussions about racism – an aspect that is reinforced by his darkened skin color.

Alfred Hrdlicka's memorial against fascism and war calls for discussion and critical reflection. It stands as a counter-monument to the war-glorifying Monument of 1936 and powerfully illustrates the suffering caused by war. On May 8, 1985, the first part of his sculpture "Hamburg Firestorm" unveiled, a testament to the 40,000 dead from the British bombing of Hamburg.

The second part, “Drowning of Concentration Camp Prisoners” (1986), commemorates the many concentration camp refugees who died in a bombing raid on the “Cap Arcona” shortly before the end of the war with images of drowning victims carved into a block of marble.

Edgar Augustin Reclining Woman (1976) , located just a few steps away, creates a tranquil oasis amidst the traffic. The bronze figure of the reclining woman in Stephansplatz leads seamlessly into the adjacent Planten un Blomen park. One of his sculptures, Two Rugby Players, can be found in Gustav Mahler Park, directly behind the Casino Esplanade on the opposite side.

In 2022, Hamburg celebrated 41 years of public art. Since the early 1980s, Hamburg has developed into one of the most important cities for public art, thanks to numerous projects and artworks. A video documentary directed by Helena Wittmann illuminates the transformation from art integrated into architecture to art in public spaces in the Hanseatic city (Sound: Nikoloz Mamatasashvili; Editing: Maya Connors; Sound Design/Mixing: Kris Jakob)

You can find many more inspirations for public artworks in Hamburg and throughout Schleswig-Holstein, as well as information about the respective artists, at www.sh-kunst.de . Kunst@SH presents a fascinating selection of permanently installed artworks in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg, uniting artistic diversity across spatial and conceptual boundaries. Discover a wide range of sculptures made from materials such as metal , wood, ceramic, and stone, as well as reliefs, mosaics, and paintings that connect people through their ideas.

Museums beyond the classical mainstream

While the Kunsthalle Hamburg and the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (MKG) undoubtedly deserve every attention, there are also some lesser-known museums in Hamburg that will absolutely enrich your visit.

Enter the Gallery of Contemporary Art – a section of the Kunsthalle specializing in modern art. Here you will find an impressive collection of 20th and 21st century works that will challenge and inspire you.

Don't miss the MKG , the Museum of Arts and Crafts. But instead of the main exhibition, you could specifically visit the often overlooked special exhibitions on vintage design and fashion. These insights into design culture offer a unique perspective on the connection between art and everyday culture.

The Deichtorhallen Hamburg , located at Deichtorstraße 1-2 in Hamburg's Old Town, are among the most important institutions for contemporary art and photography in Europe. The two architecturally striking historic halls, with their distinctive open design of steel and glass, were built between 1911 and 1914.

A true hidden gem is Spicy's Spice Museum . Here you'll experience the history and diversity of spice culture in a way that challenges your senses. A tour through this museum is not only educational but also offers a sensory explosion of scents and aromas.

A glimpse into Hamburg's theatre scene

Hamburg is known worldwide for its musicals, but it also boasts a vibrant theatre scene beyond the major stages. The Thalia Theatre and the Deutsches Schauspielhaus must of course be mentioned, but what about Kampnagel ?

Kampnagel is a center for the performing arts and one of the largest production venues for independent performing arts in Europe. It stages innovative pieces that can't be seen in any other city. It's a place for bold, contemporary performances, dance theatre, and experimental works where you can experience the boundaries of art.

Another small but excellent theater is the Monsun Theater in Altona. It offers an intimate atmosphere and a diverse program, from classic dramas to modern plays. A visit here makes you feel like you're part of Hamburg's vibrant theater community.

Artistic enjoyment on a journey through time: Hamburg's historic districts

A stroll through the Blankenese district, with its picturesque stairwells, is like stepping back in time. Once a fishing village, it's now a charming neighborhood with magnificent villas and winding alleyways. Lose yourself in the charming streets and let yourself be inspired by the stories that every house and alleyway has to tell.

Not to be forgotten is the Altona district , a formerly Danish area boasting a fascinating history and a vibrant arts scene. Visit the Altona Museum to learn more about the cultural and historical development of this unique neighborhood. Here you can delve into its maritime history and understand how Altona developed its current artistic and cultural diversity.

Hamburg, with its idyllic neighborhoods along the Elbe River, is not only a magnet for tourists from all over the world. An increasing number of retirees are also settling in the Hanseatic city. Even in advanced age, one can still enjoy the atmosphere and cultural offerings of this metropolis on the Elbe. The Elbschloss  senior residence in Hamburg , beautifully situated in the charming Hamburg district of Nienstedten, surrounded by the splendor of the Elbe suburbs.

Musical experience

Hamburg is home to the legendary Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, but did you know the city is also the setting for a wealth of other musical experiences? St. Michael's Church , affectionately known as "Michel," is not only architecturally impressive but also renowned for its outstanding organ concerts. A visit at lunchtime for the 30-minute organ recital is an unforgettable experience.

A hidden gem is the smaller, but no less impressive, Laeiszhalle . Here you can enjoy not only classical concerts, but also jazz and contemporary music. The acoustics of this historic concert hall are breathtaking and offer an unparalleled sound experience.

Street art and alternative art

For street art lovers, Hamburg is a true paradise. Exploring the alternative Schanzenviertel will reveal some of the city's best street art. Here you'll find murals and graffiti by both local and international artists.

Discover a unique street art tour in Hamburg StreetArtMag

The unknown figure emerging from the stencil graffiti by an unknown artist at the Hamburger Kunsthalle could almost serve as a symbol of the past Corona pandemic: "Mask on, get out and go exploring! "

taken possession of the brass plaque belonging to the Hamburger Kunsthalle, bearing the inscription "Anonymous, Untitled, 2020, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Public Property," A clue to the artwork's creator might be found @neal_hamburg "public art ," this artwork nevertheless qualifies as such. It is a modern interpretation of the trompe-l'œil painting "Escape from Criticism" (1874) by Pere Borrell del Caso , which was exhibited at the Bucerius Kunst Forum in 2010.

A real highlight is "Hammerbrooklyn" . This innovative container architecture, which serves as a cultural center, is regularly used creatively by various artists (especially street artists). You'll be surprised how much life and creativity can emerge in such a minimalist space.

Literature & Reading Culture

Literature lovers should definitely visit the Hamburg City Library . This impressive library is not only a place of peace and knowledge, but also regularly offers readings and events that will open up new literary worlds for you.

A smaller, but no less inspiring place is the Cohen + Dobernigg bookstore in Sternschanze. This independent bookstore is a meeting place for literary minds and offers a curated selection of books that will captivate you.

Frequently asked questions answered briefly

When is the best time to visit Hamburg?

Hamburg is a worthwhile travel destination all year round, but summer is ideal for art and culture enthusiasts, as many outdoor events and festivals take place. The Christmas market in winter also offers a charming setting.

Where can I find information about current exhibitions and cultural events?

Up-to-date information about exhibitions and events can be found on websites such as Geheimtipp Hamburg (geheimtipphamburg.de), Kulturlotse.de, hamburgerkultur.de, veranstaltungen.hamburg, or the official website of the City of Hamburg. Local cultural magazines and flyers in cafes and cultural centers also offer a good overview.

Are there any special events that take place regularly and that I should attend?

Yes, events like the Reeperbahn Festival, the Hamburg Theatre Night and the Long Night of Museums are annual highlights that you shouldn't miss.

Hamburg is a city that offers an immeasurable wealth of art and culture. Whether museums, theaters, or street art – the diversity is breathtaking. Let yourself be inspired by the city's creative facets and immerse yourself in a world full of discoveries. And perhaps, like me, you'll find a special moment or a beloved work of art that will stay with you for a long time.