Built in 1927-29 by Bauhaus architects Ernst and Wilhelm Langloh the Künstlerhaus Sootbörn stands before you. It’s part of a former school building. Imagine the students who once walked these halls.
This impressive structure holds a significant place in Hamburg’s cultural history. It wasn’t always an art center though. The building originally served as a school. The upper floors were tragically demolished in the late 1950s. This was due to the expansion of Hamburg Airport. The remaining structure served as a furniture storage facility for three decades.
Can you picture that? A Bauhaus masterpiece reduced to a storage space? Then in 1993 it was reborn as the Künstlerhaus Sootbörn. It houses artists’ studios and a large exhibition space. The foyer remains the only original Bauhaus fragment. This is a testament to its unique heritage.
The Künstlerhaus hosts six to ten exhibitions annually. These showcase contemporary art. The artists range from recent university graduates to internationally renowned figures. The building’s history is not merely architectural. It also encompasses a rich artistic tradition. In the 1920s Mary Wigman a famous dancer performed here. Later Hubert Fichte a renowned writer and filmmaker also worked here. The Künstlerhaus Sootbörn continues this legacy. It combines visual arts with dance music and theater performances.
The building itself is stunning. Its white facade and cobalt-blue framed pillars are a true architectural achievement. The Künstlerhaus underwent an energy-efficient renovation in 1999. It retains its original beauty. The main exhibition hall was once the school’s assembly hall. It’s a remarkable space for art exhibitions and lectures. The Künstlerhaus Sootbörn is more than a building. It’s a living testament to art perseverance and the enduring power of creativity. A place where history and contemporary art coexist. It continues to inspire artists and engage audiences. The Künstlerhaus Sootbörn invites you to explore its unique story.