The Hamburger Kunsthalle should be at the top of any art-lover’s list of must-see attractions. It is home to one of the largest collections of art in Germany, spanning over seven centuries to include some of the finest examples of painting, drawing, print and sculpture in existence today.
The exhibition galleries are housed within three architecturally distinct buildings. The oldest is a grand red-brick structure from the 1860s, the second, from 1919, is of neoclassical design, complete with columns and a domed roof, and the third is a minimalist white cube, named the Galerie der Gegenwart (Gallery of the Present), which opened in 1997.
The Hamburger Kunsthalle is renowned for its collection of Old Masters. One of the most famous works is the elaborate altarpiece created by Master Bertram in 1379-83 for St. Peter’s Church. This sits alongside pieces by Hans Holbein the Elder, de Witte, Rembrandt and Rubens, amongst many others.
The extensive 19th-century collection encompasses such epoch-defining artists as the German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich and French Impressionists Degas, Renoir and Monet. All key artistic movements of the period are illustrated with works of the highest calibre.
Over the course of the museum’s existence, it is perhaps the Modern Art collection that has required most of the Kunsthalle’s effort and attention. This section suffered extensive losses under the “Entartete Kunst” (Degenerate Art) programme implemented by the National Socialists. However, thanks to the dedication of successive museum directors, the Kunsthalle is once again home to one of the most prestigious collections in the country.
Conclude your chronological tour with the Contemporary Art exhibition in the Galerie der Gegenwart, where you’ll find pioneering pieces from Pop Art to the present day, in all forms of media. This collection is continually updating, in line with the current contemporary developments, so always expect the unexpected!
The Hamburger Kunsthalle is conveniently located near the city’s main station, Hauptbahnhof. The station exit is Spitalerstrasse/City. The museum is open every day except Mondays, and admission tickets can be purchased at the entrance. There is no charge for visitors under 18.
