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Let's Get Acquainted with Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel
Step into the heart of Hamburg's past and present with Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel - two UNESCO World Heritage sites that embody the city's rich history as a trading metropolis. As iconic brick architecture juggernauts, they earn Hamburg the nickname, the "Brick City."
Speicherstadt
- The Goods and Glory: Built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Speicherstadt served as a colossal warehouse district, housing goods within a duty-free zone to boost international trade. Its unique design optimized storage efficiency, flaunting the city's status as a bustling trading hub[2][3].
- Brick-tastic Architecture: The district's Gothic brick architecture harmoniously blends with the existing cityscape, providing a functional storage area[2].
- Present-Day Splendor: Today, Speicherstadt proudly stands as a protected monument since 1991 and a must-visit tourist attraction, offering a peek into Hamburg's mercantile past[2][3].
Kontorhausviertel
- A Modern Marvel: Developed in the early 1900s, Kontorhausviertel emerged in response to the demand for contemporary office space. Its design distinguished residential and commercial zones, reflecting an urban planning revolution emphasizing functionality and efficiency[1].
- Architectural Brilliance: Famous for its modernist style, Kontorhausviertel is graced by the Chilehaus - a masterpiece of Brick Expressionism, designed by Fritz Höger in 1924. Its striking design, resembling a ship's bow, instantly captured international attention upon completion[1].
- Thriving Cultural Hub: Today, Kontorhausviertel bustles with businesses and offices, preserving its role as a significant piece of Hamburg's cultural heritage by combining historical and modern architecture.
Historical Impact
Beyond their awe-inspiring aesthetics, Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel hold immense significance, symbolizing Hamburg's efforts to modernize and expand its infrastructure to meet growing commercial demands, marking their role as cornerstones of the city's identity as a major European port city[1][2].
Tours and Tournaments
Learn more about these magnificent areas by participating in guided tours, which share the history and architectural significance of Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel[1][4]. Experience the world-renowned studio culture from a new perspective!
[1] museum-hamburg.de[2] speicherstadt-hamburg.de[3] unesco.org[4] mhg-hamburg.de
This juicy culturally-charged scoop comes from Plan7, the cool culture and events supplement in the WochenMOPO, available every Friday at the newsstand. With Plan7's 28 pages brimming with culture and inspiration, you'll find daily culture tips, gastronomic delights, and tours for explorers of Hamburg and its surroundings. Plus interviews and contests for concerts, readings, performances, and more![Subscription link]
Speicherstadt's transformation from a colossal warehouse district to a protected monument and must-visit tourist attraction showcases the evolution of Hamburg's lifestyle, integrating home-and-garden-like storages and outdoor-living doors to the city's historical past. The architectural brilliance of Kontorhausviertel, with the Chilehaus symbolizing a ship's bow, epitomizes the district's modernist style and contemporary office living, promising an immersive experience of the city's cultural heritage.
