Hamburg's new opera: Danish office wins architecture competition!

Hamburg's new opera: Danish office wins architecture competition!

Hamburg is setting a strong example for culture and architecture: the Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group was selected to design the new opera in Hamburg's Hafencity. The decision was made unanimously by a jury that included representatives of the city, the Kühne Foundation and external experts. Mayor Peter Tschentscher emphasized that the new opera should be a meeting place for all Hamburg residents. This reports Deutschlandfunk culture.

The winning design, which was presented on Thursday in Hafencity, impressed the jury with its transparency, lightness and accessibility. Klaus-Michael Kühne, who is making up to 330 million euros available to the project, heralded a new chapter in Hamburg's cultural history with his commitment. The city itself is covering part of the total costs of 147.5 million euros, which are estimated at around 500 million euros.

Architectural visions for the Hafencity

The Bjarke Ingels Group has already made a name for itself with impressive projects such as the pavilion at the Serpentine Gallery in London and the Amager Bakke waste incineration plant in Copenhagen. The new design with walkable roofs and large glass surfaces that are reminiscent of waves is sure to cause a stir in Hamburg too. The central hall will accommodate 1,500 spectators and is lined with wood. In addition, the building is crowned by pavilions, a café and a bar, which offer wonderful views over the port of Hamburg, such as NDR reported.

The planning phase will take around two years before the feasibility of the building comes into focus. However, critics have expressed reservations about the selection of participating offices and the Kühne company's Nazi past. Culture Senator Brosda made it clear that the financial risks lie with the patron and not with the city.

A space for cultural encounters

Although the name of the new opera house has not yet been decided, the city spoke out against the title “Kühne Opera”. The new opera should not only be an architectural masterpiece, but also a true space for cultural encounters in Hamburg. Expectations are high, and if the planners have their way, this project could link the Hafencity even more closely with the Hanseatic city.

The construction of the new opera in Hamburg opens an exciting chapter in the city's history. A good place for all Hamburg residents – there’s something there! It remains to be seen how the planning progresses and when the first visitors can enter the new cultural center.