Gymnasium Othmarschen

In 1967, Gymnasium Othmarschen first opened its doors to Hamburg’s students. Imagine the excitement of those first classes, stepping into a brand-new school in the vibrant Othmarschen district. Gymnasium Othmarschen wasn’t just another school. Its first headmistress, Gertrud Moltmann, led the school for two decades, shaping its identity and fostering a unique learning environment. Since 1973, Gymnasium Othmarschen has had a special partnership with its neighbor, Gymnasium Hochrad, sharing resources and collaborating on upper-level courses. A little-known fact about Gymnasium Othmarschen is its connection to the Ernst-Schlee-Gymnasium. When the Ernst-Schlee-Gymnasium closed in 1997, Gymnasium Othmarschen took over the sponsorship of the Ernst-Schlee school camp in Nieblum auf Föhr, offering students unique outdoor learning experiences. Gymnasium Othmarschen is also known for its international focus. Since 2008, students have had the opportunity to earn the German-French Abitur (AbiBac). In 2020-2021, only four gymnasia in all of Hamburg offered this prestigious program. The school also boasts partnerships with schools in Barcelona and Iskitim-Novosibirsk in Siberia, fostering global connections and cultural exchange. The school grounds of Gymnasium Othmarschen are quite extensive, covering approximately 16,000 square meters. The architecture of the campus tells a story of its own. The original cross-shaped building, designed by Paul Seitz, was built in 1960 for the elementary school that shares the site. This building once featured a triptych mural by Johannes Ufer, commissioned in 1960 as part of Hamburg’s “Art in Construction” program. The gymnasium’s own buildings, typical Hamburg Hochbauamt designs including three “Schustertyp” classroom wings, were completed in 1973. More buildings followed in 1980. The school continued to evolve, adding a combined cafeteria and auditorium (the “P-Aula”) in 2003, shared with the elementary school. In 2010, a two-story art and music building, known as the “Künstlerhaus,” was added. This modern structure, with its dark brick facade and horizontal window bands, stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to the arts. Even the former students of Gymnasium Othmarschen have made their mark. Politician Robert Heinemann (class of ’93) and journalist Julian Reichelt (class of ’00) are among its notable alumni. So, as you stand before Gymnasium Othmarschen, remember it’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where generations of students have pursued their dreams, where international connections have been forged, and where a rich history continues to unfold.