The works of art have returned.
Thanks to a generous grant, the over 150-year-old basic structure of Hamburg’s art gallery, the Kunsthalle, was completely remediated and renovated to meet the requirements of a modern museum.
Considering the list of all the measures that were carried out – while the gallery continued to operate normally – the on-time and on-budget reopening after a building period of only eighteen months seems virtually like a miracle.
This is how the building was renovated. New office spaces were created, directly adjacent to the existing building, while retaining the historic facade. Existing foundations were underpinned. The historic entrance was redesigned and fitted with a new exterior stairway. Now, after 100 years, it can again be used as the central entrance portal.
But major changes were also made to the interior. The depot for paintings was completely remediated. New lifts were installed and load-bearing walls were broken through. The building services facilities were renewed and upgraded, cables were laid under the sole of the building. Fire protection was brought up to present-day standards.
Now a visit to the Kunsthalle is not only worthwhile on account of the works of art on display. The historic structure, carefully renovated and meeting the latest technical standards, is also deserving of the art lover’s attention.
© Markus Dorfmüller, Markus Dorfmüller, Hamburger Kunsthalle / Strumper & Co., Hamburger Kunsthalle, BIN, BIN, BIN, Markus Dorfmüller, Markus Dorfmüller
