In the heart of Hamburg, between the central station and the Speicherstadt, lie the Deichtorhallen – two imposing buildings with an open steel-glass construction. Originally planned as market halls, they are now among the most important exhibition spaces for contemporary art and photography in Europe. Over more than 5,000 square meters, large-scale installations, international photography, and contemporary art alternate on an impressive scale.

What Makes the Deichtorhallen So Special

What stands out immediately is the architecture. The expansive steel structure creates a unique atmosphere – industrial yet delicate. Here, photographs in museum size hang, installations that fill entire rooms stand, or you find yourself in the midst of a multimedia artwork. The two halls that make up the Deichtorhallen are clearly divided thematically:

• The North Hall, the House of Photography.
• The South Hall, the hall for contemporary art.

The House of Photography houses one of the most important collections of German photography history: the F. C. Gundlach Collection. In addition, there are temporary exhibitions with an international focus – ranging from social documentary photography to fashion photography. Visitors not only get to see works of art but also presented societal issues.

In the Hall for Contemporary Art, the present is at the center. Works from painting, sculpture, media art, or performance are presented. Thematically, it often revolves around identity, consumption, power relations, or the environment – always current, often provocative, and deliberately staged on a large scale.

Good to know: The Falckenberg Collection in Harburg also belongs to the Deichtorhallen. If you have some extra time, you can discover contemporary art in the former factory hall there – guided tours are, however, mandatory and should be booked in advance.

• The halls were built between 1911 and 1914 as wholesale market halls.
• There are two separate exhibition areas: the House of Photography and the Hall for Contemporary Art.
• The focus of the exhibitions is on contemporary art and international photography.
• The Deichtorhallen are among the largest exhibition houses of this kind in Europe.
• The light-filled steel-glass construction is a listed monument.
• Since 1989, the halls have served the art – the renovation was accompanied by artists and architects.
• The Falckenberg Collection (Harburg) has been complementing the program since 2011.
• The name "Deichtor" comes from the old city gate that used to stand here.
• Regularly, festivals, talks, film screenings, and performances take place here.
• The Deichtorhallen cooperate with international museums – including the MoMA in New York.

Whether you're already an art connoisseur or just want to experience something new: Adults will find challenging exhibitions that address current topics. There are always special programs, tours, and workshops for young people. Children can participate in special family tours – otherwise, the museum experience is more geared towards older children and adults. There are special programs for school classes and students that connect art and society.

 

Tip: Every first Thursday of the month, entry is free after 4 PM – ideal for an evening visit!

The Deichtorhallen is a strong example of how Hamburg asserts itself as an international art location. Here, you don't just find exhibitions, but spaces that invite you to think, discuss, and explore. The changing formats make every visit new and surprising – all within an architecture that is an experience in itself.