Afrikahaus

Gazing at the Afrikahaus, have you ever wondered about its unique story? This striking office building at Große Reichenstraße 27 in Hamburg whispers tales of overseas trade and architectural brilliance. The Afrikahaus, built between 1899 and 1901, originally served as the headquarters for C. Woermann, the Woermann-Linie, and the Deutsche Ost-Afrika-Linie. Its design, by renowned Hamburg architect Martin Haller, reflects the company’s connection to Africa. Haller, known for shaping Hamburg’s cityscape with iconic structures like the Laeiszhalle and Hamburg City Hall, cleverly incorporated the building’s proximity to the harbor and the Speicherstadt (warehouse district) into his design. He aimed to showcase C. Woermann’s international trade connections. The Afrikahaus boasts a distinctive facade painted in the colors of the Woermann-Linie flag. A bronze statue of an African Wahehe warrior, sculpted by Walter Sintenis, stands guard near the entrance. Stepping through the gate, you enter a courtyard flanked by two narrow buildings. At the back stands the Elefantenhaus (Elephant House), guarded by two impressive cast-iron elephants created by Carl Börner. Sadly, the Afrikahaus suffered damage during World War II. The east and west wings, along with a beautiful wall mosaic in the inner courtyard, were partially destroyed in 1943. The canal on Gröningerstraße, once a vital part of the harbor’s network, was filled in after the war to make way for what is now Willy-Brandt-Straße. Thankfully, the Afrikahaus survived. It stands as the only original building from its era on Große Reichenstraße. Listed as a protected monument in 1972, it underwent extensive renovations in 1999. These renovations, overseen by the architecture firm Frank M. Eßwein, carefully preserved Haller’s original vision while modernizing the space. Today, the Afrikahaus continues to be a remarkable blend of history and modernity. The restored cast-iron pillars, vaulted ceilings, and period-style doors whisper stories of the past, while modern office spaces ensure its continued relevance in the bustling city of Hamburg.