In the heart of Hamburg’s Speicherstadt, the Dialoghaus Hamburg invites you to an extraordinary experience: the Dialogue in the Dark. Here, you are invited to an immersive exhibition that will surely turn your usual thinking and behavior upside down.

What makes the Dialogue in the Dark so special?

The Dialogue in the Dark is a change of perspective. In complete darkness, you navigate through various scenarios: a bustling park, a busy cityscape, or a cozy café. Without visual stimuli, other senses are sharpened – you hear more intensely, feel surfaces more consciously, and perceive smells more distinctly. This is because your ability to see is taken away – of course, only temporarily. Blind or visually impaired guides will accompany you through completely darkened rooms and expose you to everyday situations.

A special highlight is the Dinner in the Dark. In total darkness, you enjoy a multi-course menu and experience what it is like to rely exclusively on taste, smell, and touch. This culinary journey not only tests your senses but also offers an unforgettable experience that lingers long after.​

Tip: For an even more intense experience, it is advisable to avoid strong perfumes or fragrant cosmetics before your visit. This way, you can perceive the subtle smells and sounds of the darkness unadulterated.

1. The exhibition was founded by Andreas Heinecke in 1988 and has been permanently on display at the Hamburger Dialoghaus since 2000.
2. The Dialogue in the Dark has already been shown in over 30 countries and more than 130 cities worldwide.
3. About 60 percent of the staff at the Dialoghaus are visually impaired or blind – a consciously inclusive approach.
4. A guided tour lasts between 60 and 90 minutes depending on the day of the week and provides intense experiences in complete darkness.
5. In addition, there is the exhibition Dialogue in Silence, which deals with nonverbal communication and hearing impairment.
6. Since its opening, several hundred thousand people have visited the exhibition in Hamburg.
7. The entire building is designed to be accessible and thus allows participation for people with various disabilities.
8. Interactive workshops are offered for schools and companies, strengthening themes such as teamwork, empathy, and communication.
9. The Dialoghaus is located at Alter Wandrahm 4 – right in the middle of the historic Speicherstadt, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
10. The aim of the exhibition is to promote more empathy and social understanding through direct experiences.

The Dialogue in the Dark is aimed at all age groups from seven years old. For families, it offers a shared experience that strengthens bonds and encourages conversations. School classes benefit from the educational aspects and the promotion of empathy and teamwork skills. Companies utilize the exhibition for team-building measures and for training communication skills.
 

Note: The team recommends Dialogue in the Dark starting from  years.

 

   

Note: The tours take place at scheduled times and generally start every 15 to 30 minutes. Since the number of participants per tour is limited, it is advisable to book tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and public holidays.

The Dialogue in the Dark at the Hamburg Dialogue House offers a unique opportunity to experience the world from the perspective of blind people. By consciously foregoing the sense of sight, other senses are heightened, leading to profound insights and a new understanding of the challenges and abilities of visually impaired individuals. The interactive nature of the exhibition promotes empathy, communication, and reflection on one's own perception.