Doesn’t this brick facade tell a story? We are standing before the Zeisehallen. These halls are a historic building complex in Hamburg-Ottensen. Originally, they served as a factory for manufacturing ship propellers. Today the Zeisehallen serve as an event and cultural center.
Let’s dive into the history of this fascinating place. The Zeisehallen were built as workshops for the Zeise ship propeller factory. Architect F. Beyerstedt planned the northern hall and the administration buildings. Construction began in 1882. A larger expansion followed in 1898. In 1901, the southern hall was added. Architects Schaar & Hinzpeter designed it. In 1923, parts of the buildings received a new brick facade. War damage was repaired between 1948 and 1950.
The crisis in shipbuilding led to the Zeise factory’s insolvency in 1979. The halls stood empty for several years, falling into disrepair.
But the story doesn’t end there. A concept for a film and media center was developed for the reuse of the Zeisehallen. Extensive renovations began in 1985. The final sections were completed in 1993. The northern hall gained a restaurant and facilities for film and theater. The southern hall was transformed into a passage. It now houses shops, a cinema, and offices. The former Werk II retained its characteristic brick facade. It was raised and converted for media companies and restaurants.
Many elements still remind us of the former industrial use of the Zeisehallen. Look for deliberately unprocessed masonry. You can spot remains of a bridge crane, a chimney torso, and screw casting molds embedded in the floor.
Today, the Zeisehallen are a cultural melting pot. They house the Zeise Kinos. You’ll also find the Institute for Theater, Music Theater, and Film of the University of Hamburg here. The Film School Hamburg and film technical companies also call this place home. In addition, media companies, film production companies, and distributors are located here. Two book publishers, a bookshop, a daycare center, small galleries, several shops, and restaurants enrich the ensemble of the Zeisehallen. The Zeisehallen stand as a testament to Hamburg’s industrial past. They also show its vibrant cultural present.