A journey through Hamburg's art and cultural scene

Elb city Hamburg

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.

Near the Holy Trinity Church in St. Georg, sculptor Horst Hellinger designed a public art installation Schiffsbleche in 1986. Steel sheets, about two and a half meters high, rise from a slightly sloping base. They come from scrapped ships in the Hamburg harbor. Their slight curvature recalls ship hulls.

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 in Hamburg, the striking Deichtor rings of the Körber Foundation and Richard Serra's impressive steel sculpture T.U.W. (Trade Workers Union) from 1980 can be seen.

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 Mann und Frau (2004) by Stephan Balkenhol, we must look up to the sky. These approximately five-meter-high figures in front of the Hamburg Central Library exude a remarkable calmness and distance, while their gazes wander into the distance. Their physical presence dominates the square and invites you to explore the surface texture and look up along their 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 discussion and critical reflection with his memorial against fascism and war. It stands as a counter-monument to the war-glorifying 76er monument from 1936 and vividly illustrates the suffering of war. On May 8, 1985, the first part of his sculpture „Hamburger Feuersturm“ was unveiled, a testament to the 40,000 victims of the British bombing of Hamburg.

The second part, „Untergang von KZ-Häftlingen“ (1986), commemorates the many concentration camp prisoners who died during a bombing raid on the „Cap Arcona“ shortly before the end of the war.

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 Hamburg Kunsthalle and the Museum of Art and Crafts (MKG) undoubtedly deserve attention, there are also some lesser-known museums in Hamburg that will 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, located in Deichtorstraße 1-2 in Hamburg-Altstadt, are among the significant institutions for contemporary art and photography in Europe. The two architecturally appealing historic halls with their striking open design made of steel and glass were built between 1911 and 1914.

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

Insights 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?

Kampnagel is a center for performing arts and is one of the largest production houses for independent performing arts in Europe. Here, innovative pieces are performed that can't be seen in any other city. It's a place for bold, contemporary performances, dance theater, and experimental works that allow you to 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 classical drama to modern pieces. A visit here gives you the feeling of being part of Hamburg's vibrant theater community.

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

A stroll through the Blankenese district with its picturesque stepped streets is like a journey into another time. Once a fishing village, it's now a charming neighborhood with magnificent villas and winding alleys. Get lost in the picturesque streets and let yourself be inspired by the stories that every house and alleyway has to tell.

Don't forget the Altona district, a borough that once belonged to Denmark and offers a fascinating history and vibrant art scene. Visit the Altona Museum to learn more about the cultural and historical development of this unique neighborhood. Here, you can dive into maritime history and understand how Altona developed its current artistic and cultural diversity.

Hamburg, with its dreamy neighborhoods along the Elbe, is not only a tourist magnet for visitors from around the world. More and more people in retirement are settling in the Hanseatic city. Even in old age, you can still enjoy the atmosphere and cultural offerings of the Elbe metropolis. The Elbschloss  Seniorenresidenz in Hamburg, wonderfully located in the beautiful Hamburg neighborhood of Nienstedten, surrounded by the splendor of the Elbe suburbs, offers a high quality of life.

Musical experience offering

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

For Street Art enthusiasts, Hamburg is a true paradise. An exploration tour through the alternative Schanzenviertel district will present you with some of the city's best street art. Here, you'll find murals and graffiti by local and international artists.

Discover a unique Street Art tour in Hamburg in the following video by StreetArtMag that highlights often-overlooked artworks.

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 „Hammerbrooklyn“. This innovative container architecture, serving as a cultural center, is regularly creatively designed by various artists (mainly Street Artists). You'll be surprised by how much life and creativity can emerge in such a minimalist space.

Literature & Reading Culture

Literature enthusiasts should definitely visit the Hamburg City Library. This impressive library is not only a place of quiet and knowledge but also offers regular 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 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 for art and culture enthusiasts, summer is ideal due to the many outdoor events and festivals. The Christmas market in winter also offers a charming atmosphere.

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

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