A foray through Hamburg's art and cultural scene

Elbstadt Hamburg , the pearl of the north, is much more than just a trading center with a busy harbor; It is a melting pot of art and culture. Via the lively streets of the Hanseatic city to the numerous museums, theaters and festival houses: Hamburg offers its cultural -loving visitors an abundance of treasures.

In this small virtual tour, we take you on a journey through the secret jewels and often overlooked cultural highlights

Art in public space: The city as a walkable gallery

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

the sculptor Horst Hellinger a place with the accessible artwork ship sheet near the Holy Trinity Church in St. Georg . Steel sheets that are around two and a half meters high protrude from the slightly beveled base. They come from scrapped ships in the port of Hamburg. Her light curvature is reminiscent of shipyards.

The artwork symbolizes the decline of Hamburg's once thriving shipyard industry. Time and rust are eating away at the sheets, which are now sprayed with graffiti. The power and poetry of this formation can only be felt when walking between the plates. You get different angles and views of the surroundings and can even feel the slight movement of the large sheets in the wind.

The artwork received a lot of resistance from residents for many years. In 2004, relocation to the harbor was considered but rejected. The contrast to the church is surprising at first. Isn't the ship also a very old symbol for the church?

In addition to Hellinger's installation, three other artworks can be found on the square around the church. They include a bronze replica of the medieval Calvary on the original granite stones from 2006. The cobblestone cross Namen und Steine (1994) by Tom Fecht commemorates those who died of AIDS. You can also admire the bronze equestrian statue of St. George, the dragon slayer, by Gerhard Marcks from 1959.

Near the Deichtorhallen Hamburg are the striking Deichtor Rings of the Körber Foundation and Richard Serra's impressive steel sculpture TUW (Trade Workers Union) from 1980.

It consists of three upright Corten steel plates, which are in a tense balance with a height of almost eleven meters and a width of over three and a half meters. Despite its massive materiality, the sculpture conveys lightness and invites you to view it from different angles. Serra does not provide a direct interpretation but encourages us to adopt new perspectives and question the way we see. It is remarkable that this outstanding artwork has been in Hamburg since 1989, after being previously located in New York.

In the presence of the imposing bronze sculptures man and wife (2004) by Stephan Balkenhol, we have to look at the sky. These approximately five meters high figures in front of the Hamburg central library emit a remarkable calm and distance, while their eyes wander into the distance. Their physicality dominates the space and invites you to explore the surface texture and to look at up along her long legs.

The man embodies typical features of Balkenhol's style, recalling his earlier works like Vier Männer auf Bojen (1993, partially renewed in 2020) and simultaneously evoking discussions about racism – an aspect reinforced by his darkened skin color.

Alfred Hrdlicka calls for the discussion and critical thinking with his memorial against fascism and war. It stands as an extension of the war in 1936 and clearly illustrates the suffering of the war. On May 8, 1985, the first part of his sculpture "Hamburg Feuersturm" unveiled, a testimony to the 40,000 deaths of the British bombing of Hamburg.

The second part, "downfall of concentration camp prisoners" (1986), reminds of drowned drowning in a marble block of the many concentration camp refugees who died shortly before the end of the war during a bomb attack on the "Cap Arcona".

Die Liegende (1976) by Edgar Augustin creates a quiet oasis in the traffic just a few steps away. The bronze figure of the reclining woman at Stephansplatz perfectly transitions to the adjacent Planten un Blomen park. One of his sculptures, Zwei Rugby-Spieler, can be found in the Gustav-Mahler-Park, just behind the Casino Esplanade on the opposite side.

Hamburg celebrated 41 years of art in public spaces in 2022. Since the early 1980s, Hamburg has developed into one of the most important places for art in public spaces with numerous projects and artworks. A video documentation directed by Helena Wittmann sheds light on the shift from art at buildings to art in public spaces in the Hanseatic city (audio: Nikoloz Mamatasashvili, editing: Maya Connors, sound design/mixing: Kris Jakob)

You'll find more inspiration for public art in Hamburg and throughout Schleswig-Holstein, as well as information on the respective artists, at www.sh-kunst.de. Kunst@SH presents you with 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 various materials like metal, wood, ceramics, 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 of Art and Trade (MKG) undoubtedly earn any attention, there are also some less well -known museums in Hamburg that will absolutely enrich your visit.

Visit the Gallery of Contemporary Art – a part of the Kunsthalle that specializes in modern art. Here, you'll find an impressive collection of 20th- and 21st-century works that will challenge and inspire you.

Don't miss the MKG, the Museum of Art and Crafts. Instead of the main exhibition, you could 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 , which are located in Deichtorstraße 1-2 in Hamburg-Alstadt, are among the important institutions for contemporary art and photography in Europe. The two architecturally appealing historical halls with their striking open steel and glass construction were built between 1911 and 1914.

A real insider tip is the Spicy's Gewürzmuseum . Here you can experience the history and variety of spice culture in a way that demands your senses. A tour of this museum is not only instructive, but also offers you a sensory explosion of scents and flavors.

Insight into Hamburg's theater scene

Hamburg is known worldwide for its musicals, but there's also a vibrant theater scene beyond the big stages. The Thalia Theater and the Deutsches Schauspielhaus are certainly worth mentioning, but what about Kampnagel?

The campnail is a center for performing arts and is one of the largest production houses for the free -performing arts in Europe. Innovative pieces are listed here that cannot be seen in any other city. It is a place for brave, contemporary performances, dance theater and experimental works where you can experience the limits of art.

Another small but excellent theater is the Monsun Theater in Altona. It offers an intimate atmosphere and a diverse program, from classic drama to modern pieces. A visit here gives you the feeling of being part of the lively theater community of Hamburg.

Art appreciation on a time travel: Hamburg's historical districts

A walk through the Blankenese district with its picturesque staircase is like a trip to another time. Formerly a fishing village, now a charming district with magnificent villas and winding streets. Lose yourself in the picturesque streets and let yourself be inspired by the stories that every house and alley has to tell.

Not to be forgotten is the Altona district , a district that previously belonged to Denmark and offers a fascinating story and a lively art scene. Visit the Altona Museum to learn more about the cultural and historical development of this unique district. Here you can immerse yourself deeply into the maritime story and understand how Altona developed his current artistic and cultural diversity.

Hamburg is not just a magnet for visitors from all over the world along along the Elbe beach along the Elbe beach. More and more people in retirement are also settled in the Hanseatic city. Even in old age you can still enjoy the atmosphere and the cultural offer of the Elbe metropolis. The Elbschloss  senior residence in Hamburg , wonderfully located in the beautiful Hamburg district of Nienstedten, offers a high quality of life.

Musical adventure offer

Hamburg is home to the legendary Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, but did you know that the city is also a venue for a variety of other musical experiences? St. Michaelis Church, affectionately called „Michel“, is not only architecturally impressive but also known for its outstanding organ concerts. A visit during lunchtime for the 30-minute organ play is an unforgettable experience.

A insider tip 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

Hamburg is a real paradise for lovers of Street Art. An exploration tour through the Alternative Schanzenviertel will present some of the city's best street works of art. Here you will find Murals and graffiti of local and international artists.

Streetartmag, discover a unique street art tour in Hamburg, which often focuses on overlooked works of art.

The unknown person emerging from the stencil graffiti by an unknown artist at the Hamburg Kunsthalle could almost serve as a symbol of the past Corona pandemic: „Put on a mask, go out, and start exploring!“.

Unknown individuals have taken possession of the brass plaque at the Hamburg Kunsthalle with the inscription „Anonymous, Untitled, 2020, Hamburg Kunsthalle, Property of the Public“, even though it was attached there. A hint about the creator of the artwork might be found on Instagram under @neal_hamburg. Although it's not explicitly promoted as „Art in Public Space“, this artwork is still considered as such. It's a modern interpretation of the trompe l'oeil painting „Escape from Criticism“ (1874) by Pere Borell del Caso, which was exhibited at the Bucerius Kunst Forum in 2010.

A real highlight is the "Hammerbrooklyn" . This innovative container architecture, which serves as a cultural center, is regularly creatively used by different artists (VA Street Artists). You will be surprised at how much life and creativity can arise 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 calm and knowledge, but regularly offers readings and events that will open up new literary worlds.

A smaller but no less inspiring place is the Cohen + Dobernigg bookstore in the Sternschanze. This independent bookstore is a meeting point 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 the summer is ideal for those interested in art and culture, as many outdoor events and festivals take place. The Christmas market in winter also offers an enchanting backdrop.

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

Current information about exhibitions and events can be found on websites like 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 provide a good overview.

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

Yes, events such as the Reeperbahn Festival, the Hamburg Theater Night and the long night of the museums are annual highlights that you should not miss.

Hamburg is a city that offers immeasurable wealth of art and culture. Whether museums, theater or street art - diversity is breathtaking. Let yourself be inspired by the creative facets of the city and immerse yourself in a world full of discoveries. And maybe you, like me, will find a special moment or a loving artwork that will be remembered for a long time.