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 foray we take you on a journey through the secret jewels and often overlooked cultural highlights of the dazzling Elbe metropolis.

Art in public space: the city as a walk -in gallery

Let's start our discovery tour with a look at Hamburg's impressive collection of public works of art. If you stroll through the streets, you will probably notice the many sculptures and installations that decorate 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 decay of the once prospering shipyard industry in Hamburg. The ravages of time gnaws together with the rust on the sheets, which are now sprayed with graffiti. The strength and poetry of this formation can only be felt when walking through the panels. You get different perspectives and views of the surroundings and you can even feel the light movement of the large sheets in the wind.

The artwork actually received a lot of resistance from the residents for many years. In 2004 a relocation to the port was considered, but then rejected. The contrast to the church is astonishing. Isn't the ship a very old symbol for the church?

In addition to Hellinger's installation, three other works of art can be found on the square around the church. It is a bronze replica of the medieval Calvary on the original granite steals from 2006. The paving stone cross name and stones (1994) by Tom Fecht to memory of the AIDS-died. In addition, the bronze equestrian statue of the dragon slate St. Georg by Gerhard Marcks from 1959 can be admired.

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.

This consists of three high -edged corten steel plates, which linger in an exciting balance with an inclination of almost eleven meters and over three and a half meters. Despite its massive materiality, the sculpture conveys ease and calls on to look at it from different perspectives. Serra does not provide a direct interpretation, but encourages us to take new perspectives and to question the type of vision. It is remarkable that this outstanding work of art has been in Hamburg since 1989 after it was previously found 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 characteristics of Balkenhol's style, reminds of his earlier works such as the four men on Bojen (in 1993, 2020 partially renewed) and at the same time creates discussions about racism - an aspect that is reinforced by its 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".

The lying end (1976) by Edgar Augustin creates a quiet oasis in traffic just a few steps away. The bronze figure of the lying woman on Stephasplatz perfectly leads to the adjacent park planned and Blomen. One of his sculptures, two rugby players, can be found in the Gustav-Mahler-Park, right behind the Casino Esplanade on the opposite side.

Hamburg had already celebrated 41 years of art in public space 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 works of art. A video documentary, directed by Helena Wittmann, illuminates the change from art in building to art in public space in the Hanseatic city (sound: Nikoloz MamaSashvili Cut: Maya Connor's sound design/sound mixing: Kris Jakob)

You can find many more inspirations on public works of art in Hamburg and all of Schleswig-Holstein as well as information about the respective artists at www.sh-kunst.de . Art@SH presents you with a fascinating selection of permanently installed works of art in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg, which combines artistic diversity across spatial and mental borders. Discover a wide range of sculptures made of materials such as metal, wood, ceramics and stone as well as reliefs, mosaics and paintings that combine people through their ideas.

Museums beyond the classic 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.

Enter the present gallery - part of the Kunsthalle that specializes in modern art. Here you will find an impressive collection of works of the 20th and 21st centuries that will challenge and inspire you.

Under no circumstances miss the MKG , the Museum of Art and Trades. But instead of the main exhibition, you could visit the often overlooked special exhibitions via vintage design and fashion. These insights into the design culture offer a special perspective on the connection of 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 is also a lively theater scene off the big stages. The Thalia Theater and the German Schauspielhaus must of course be mentioned, but what about the 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 enjoyment on time travel: Hamburg's historic quarter

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 the home of the legendary Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, but did you know that the city is also the setting for a variety of other musical experiences? St. Michaelis Church , called "Michel", is not only architecturally impressive, but also known for their excellent organ concerts. A visit at lunchtime for the 30-minute organ game is an unforgettable experience.

An insider tip is the smaller but no less impressive Laeiszhalle . Here you can not only enjoy classic concerts, but also jazz and contemporary music. The acoustics of this historic concert hall is breathtaking and offers an incomparable 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, who appears from the stencil graffiti of an unknown artist at the Hamburg Kunsthalle, could almost serve as a symbol of the past corona apandemia: "Mask, out and go on a tour of discovery!" .

Unknowns took the brass sign of the Hamburger Kunsthalle with the inscription "Anonymous, without title, 2020, Hamburger Kunsthalle, property of the public" , although it was appropriate there. There could be an indication of the author of the artwork on Instagram at @Neal_hamburg Although it is not explicitly promoted "art in public space" It is a modern interpretation of the trompe-l'eil painting "Escape from criticism" (1874) by Pere Borell del Caso , which was exhibited in 2010 in the Bucerius Kunst Forum.

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 bookstore Cohen + Dobernigg in the Sternschanze. This independent bookstore is a meeting point for literary heads and offers a curated selection of books that will captivate it.

Frequent questions answered shortly

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 such as insider tip Hamburg (insider tiphamburg.de), Kulturlotse.de, hamburgerkultur.de, events.hamburg or the official website of the city of Hamburg. Local cultural magazines and flyers in cafes and cultural houses also offer a good overview.

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

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.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/