Afrikahaus

Step through the gateway in the building’s facade, painted in the colors of the shipping company flag, and you’ll find yourself standing in front of the Afrikahaus. Take a moment to admire its unique blend of architectural styles. The Afrikahaus was more than just a company headquarters; it was a bold statement about C. Woermann’s global reach. In fact, the building was designed to resemble a small piece of Africa in Hamburg, a reminder of the continent’s influence on the city’s economy. Built between 1899 and 1901, the Afrikahaus was designed by Martin Haller, a prominent architect who helped shape Hamburg’s cityscape with numerous buildings, including the Laeiszhalle and the Hamburg townhall. Haller used the building’s proximity to the harbor on the canal at Grönigerstraße, as well as its location near the newly built Warehouse Quarter, to create a unique structure that celebrated C. Woermann’s overseas trade links. Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable structure. You are here because of the striking cast-iron elephants guarding the entrance to the Elefantenhaus. The elephants, sculpted by Carl Börner, are a symbol of African strength and power and serve as a reminder of the company’s vast trading network that extended to all corners of the continent. Don’t forget to look up to the building’s facade. You’ll find a bronze statue of an African Wahehe warrior sculpted by Walter Sintenis, a poignant tribute to the continent’s people and its rich cultural heritage. Although parts of the building were destroyed during World War II, the Afrikahaus was renovated and remains a testament to C. Woermann’s legacy and to the enduring connection between Hamburg and Africa. The Afrikahaus continues to serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the world and the influence of Africa on Hamburg’s history and culture.