Criticism of Kühne-Oper: Hamburg's future in danger!

Criticism of Kühne-Oper: Hamburg's future in danger!

A new chapter in the Hamburg cultural landscape is opened: The planned opera at the Baakhöft in HafenCity comes within reach due to the generous donation by Klaus-Michael Kühne, a billionaire with heart for culture. Up to 330 million euros flow into the project, which not only enrich the Hanseatic city architecturally, but should also set a sign of civil commitment. General music director Kent Nagano and director Tobias Kratzer are enthusiastic about the plans and see it in it a positive impulse for the opera of the future that the future previously required. However, there are also critical voices that express concerns about financial and planning transparency.

The Hamburg Chamber of Architects in particular criticizes the Senate's non -transparent negotiations. President Karin Loosen calls for a more open planning competition because the public and experts are not adequately included in the process. A “mini competition” with only five architectural offices is rated as inadequate, while the jury cast is also considered questionable. The Kühne Foundation also has a veto law about all designs, which among architects feeds the fear that an “Opera House Light” will be created in the end.

criticism and concerns

In addition, the Hamburg taxpayers' association expresses concerns about the financial expenditure and the planned relocation to HafenCity. While the old state opera on Dammtorstrasse - a listed building - remains, it remains unclear which cultural uses can be developed from it. The Hamburg Monument Association has initiated a petition to save the opera, which has already found over 2500 supporters and demands clarity about the future orientation of the historical building.

The city of Hamburg takes care of the infrastructure in this context and provides the property. This is seen by many as a positive signal, while there is still skepticism compared to conversion. The monument association has published a critical questionnaire to actively involve the citizens: inside the discussion. These non -transparent processes annoy the Chamber of Architects, which sees a chance for a mix of use in the significant situation of HafenCity.

futuristic investments in Hamburg

Nevertheless, the project for Mayor Peter Tschentscher is a "stroke of luck and chance" for Hamburg. The city has ambitious plans that not only reflect the cultural identity, but also support the innovative spirit of the Hanseatic city. IFB Innovationsstarter GmbH, a subsidiary of the Hamburg Investment and Funding Bank, also offers numerous programs to support innovative startups in the region to strengthen the economic basis of the city.

With a focus on early phase financing, creative ideas are promoted and supported by various funding programs. Cultural projects could also benefit from the innovation programs, which could further increase the connection between art and business in Hamburg. However, the success of such initiatives is often decided on dialogue with the public and the comparison between culture and business.

The Hamburg cultural landscape is at a turning point: The plans for the new opera promise both challenges and impressive perspectives. It remains to be seen how the process develops and whether the dialogue between the actors leads to the desired results.