Culture and colonialism: Discover the Afrikahaus in Hamburg!

Culture and colonialism: Discover the Afrikahaus in Hamburg!

The Afrikahaus in Hamburg, a remarkable piece of Kontorhaus architecture, stands in the heart of the city and tells stories from a time that contains both splendor and shadow in German history. Built between 1899 and 1901 according to plans by the celebrated Hamburg architect Martin Haller, it now serves not only as an office building, but also as a place for cultural engagement with the colonial past. HamburgAusflug reports that the building can be found at Große Reichenstrasse 27 and is now a listed building in order to preserve its architectural substance and its historical significance.

The history of the Afrikahaus is closely linked to the name Adolf Woermann, an influential merchant and shipowner who significantly influenced colonial trade and the politics of the German Empire. Haller, who is also known for designing the Laeiszhalle and Hamburg City Hall, gave the Africa House its striking and expressive design, which impresses with ornaments characterized by African masks, animal motifs and colonial symbolism. C-Woermann also points out the impressive facade, which bears the colors of the shipping company flag and is adorned by a bronze statue of an African Wahehe warrior.

A legacy with ambivalence

The Afrikahaus was originally the central headquarters for the C. Woermann Handelsgesellschaft, which operated various overseas businesses, including the Woermann Line and the German East Africa Line. This connection to German colonial history makes the building a symbol of Hamburg's trading past, but also a place of remembrance where critical questions about colonial reappraisal are raised. The house's architectural features, including its large rental area and stylish interior design, demonstrate how in keeping with the aesthetics of the Kontorhausviertel, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Wikipedia adds that the Kontorhausviertel is known for its large and impressive brick Expressionist counting houses, which were built between the First and Second World Wars.

Today, the Afrikahaus has developed into a place of change that regularly organizes events, exhibitions and discussions on colonial history and its aftermath. This is done in collaboration with initiatives such as “Postkolonial Hamburg” and the Museum am Rothenbaum (MARKK), which are dedicated to the critical examination of this chapter of history. The Africa House is available as a place of learning and encourages visitors to talk about the colonial past.

Public debate about colonial buildings

The treatment of colonial buildings is widely discussed in public. Many pleas aim to promote a critical contextualization of these buildings rather than simply renaming them. The Africa House could serve as a great example of how to deal with such an ambivalent heritage constructively and respectfully. Many citizens agree: It is up to all of us not to forget this history, but to actively work through it in order to learn from the past.

For those interested in culture, there are exciting insights into the history of the Afrikahaus. The lower floors, especially the spacious staircase and the reception hall, are accessible to visitors and invite you to experience the artistic design and historical substance. But the building is not a museum; the use of the office ensures a living connection between its past and the present.

The Afrikahaus remains a fascinating building that keeps memories of Hamburg's colonial past alive and at the same time serves as a platform for modern discussions about the culture of remembrance and identity. The legacy of the Afrikahaus is much more than just architecturally remarkable – it is a central place where acute social issues can be addressed.