New opera house in Hafencity: Between culture and colonial responsibility!

New opera house in Hafencity: Between culture and colonial responsibility!

In the lively heart of Hamburg's Hafencity, more precisely at Baakenhöft, there are new and controversial plans to build an opera house. These projects not only spark enthusiasm but also heated discussions in the city. Loud Young world Hamburg's citizens have already approved the Senate's plans, which are to be financed with a generous donation of 330 million euros from billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne. However, the anticipation of the architectural work of art designed by the Danish Bjarke Ingels Group is overshadowed by serious concerns and critical voices from academia.

What is the reason for the uprising? Historically, the Baakenhöft was not only a picturesque hotspot, but also a central location during the German genocide against the Herero and Nama between 1904 and 1908. Around 95% of all German soldiers involved in these cruel actions were mobilized from this site. Scientists are therefore vehemently calling for the establishment of a memorial or a documentation center in order to adequately honor the dark past and not to cover it up. These demands are supported by professors of urban planning and theater studies and are in strong contradiction to the current construction plans, which are loud Colonialism Blog not respecting the authentic legacy of the events of that time.

Historical legacy and responsibility

The discussion about the location of the new opera goes deep into Hamburg's history. The city has always benefited from its colonial connections and has benefited from these conditions both politically and economically. Hamburg actors were actively involved in colonial activities, and responsibility for atrocities, such as the genocide of the Herero and Nama, weighs heavily on the city's history. The realization that Hamburg citizens were involved in political power games and the oppression of peoples like in Douala, Cameroon, must be part of the process of coming to terms with it. This is also emphasized by the article on the website of the Hamburg cultural authority, which highlights Hamburg's involvement in colonialism: Hamburg.de.

Scientists are calling for a documentation center for colonialism and genocide to be set up alongside the opera building plans. This is the only way to ensure that the colonial legacy is not forgotten and that appropriate light is shed on historical responsibility. In addition, the closure of the research center “Hamburg's (post-)colonial heritage”, which responded to the objections to the development plan, is seen as an alarming signal. The question arises as to how Hamburg wants to deal with its history and what role cultural institutions actually play in this.

Criticism and demands

Criticism of current developments is becoming increasingly louder. The rejection of proposals for a memorial and social housing shows a worrying direction in urban planning that could endanger social cohesion and diversity in the Hafencity. While the plans for the opera may be considered progressive, they leave a bad taste: the suppression of an important historical narrative. Scientists are calling for a careful consideration of the facts and a transparency about the past of the financier Kühne, whose fortune comes in part from the transport of dispossessed Jews.

The conversations about the new opera at Baakenhöft are not only a discussion about art and culture, but also about the responsibility that Hamburg has towards its history. There is still a lot to do here, without question. The city is asked to take the voices of scientists and citizens seriously in order to create a space that fits both the culture and history of the place.