Hamburg. With its roughly 1.8 million inhabitants, Hamburg is not only Germany’s second-largest city but also the one with the highest number of income millionaires – many of whom are interested in art and culture.
Only recently, billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne – a Hamburg native now residing in Switzerland – offered his hometown a new opera house as a gift worth several hundred million euros. The city and the Kühne Foundation have agreed on a “world-class new building.” If all goes according to plan – which currently seems doubtful, as critical voices are growing louder – construction is scheduled to begin in 2030.
Following the Elbphilharmonie, which was initially budgeted at 77 million euros but ultimately cost 866 million, this would mark the next major architectural landmark. In comparison, the 15-million-euro donation from Hamburg’s Alexander Otto Foundation seems modest. That contribution funded the modernization of the Kunsthalle in 2014 – and it was sorely needed.
The contrast makes one thing clear: Hamburg’s priorities lie elsewhere – not with the visual arts. And so, the city still lacks an art fair of international standing.
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In the meantime, there are at least some initiatives emerging that could potentially ignite such momentum — for instance, the Kunst am Rothenbaum gallery walk. Galleries located in the neighborhood have joined forces to offer a miniature version of a Gallery Weekend. From October 10 to 12, they will open their exhibition spaces to the public.
Participants include Hidde van Seggelen as well as Galerie Melbye-Konan, which has been highly successful with its focus on contemporary art from Africa. At Le Claire, visitors can acquire works ranging from the 16th to the 20th century, and galleries based outside the district are welcome to join as guests.
Marie de Villepin Ihr 2024 entstandenes Werk „I Ain’t Where I think I Am“ präsentiert die Galerie Melbye-Konan. Foto: © Galerie Melbye-Konan, Hamburg For example, Thole Rotermund has found temporary residence at Le Claire for the long weekend, presenting an exquisite selection of works from August Macke to Theodor Lux Feininger. Auction houses such as Karl & Faber are also taking part, showcasing highlights from their upcoming sales.
