Wandelhalle Hamburg: Gigantic renovation and the largest 3D screen in Germany!

Wandelhalle Hamburg: Gigantic renovation and the largest 3D screen in Germany!

There is big news for all travelers and city residents in the heart of Hamburg: the Wandelhalle in Hamburg Central Station will be extensively modernized and restructured by 2026. The first changes are already visible - the new Christmas lights create a festive atmosphere. Felix Scheuerpflug, who has been responsible for the entire project since this year, is planning no less than 15 to 20 million euros to upgrade the historic building. The owner has also taken over the management of the building herself, which enables closer control of the modernization measures.

With the renovation, the foyer will now be called “The Grand Hall”. A new green logo will be introduced and discussions are currently underway with the monument protection authority about placing a logo at the main entrance. Highlights of the renovation work include the return of historic double doors at two entrances as well as the planning of new escalators and an additional toilet facility in the gallery. Security issues are also taken seriously, as a reinforced security team will be looking after the hall on a daily basis in the future.

Gastronomy and retail are changing

Visitors can look forward to new gastronomic offerings: a creperie and sales stations from Luicella’s and the Brezn Factory will be moving in. Changes in retail are also planned, including relocations of existing retailers and innovative concepts such as Frei.Geist, which focuses on upcycling fashion. But that's not all: the food court will close for several months from June 1, 2026 and undergo a redesign with the aim of creating a brighter and more open space with shared seating.

A highlight of the modernization will be the large-format 3D screen called “The Whale” – the largest of its kind in Germany. With an impressive size of 38 meters wide and 9 meters high, the screen will be installed on the north side of the foyer and will reach hundreds of thousands of people every day with digital content. Operator Ströer Media Deutschland GmbH plans to start operations on December 15th, with operating hours from 6 a.m. to midnight. The screen is filled with ten-second videos that are repeated up to 20 times per hour. From commercials to current news and weather reports – the content is diverse.

A train station through the ages

Hamburg Central Station is not only considered Germany's busiest train station with around 550,000 travelers every day, but also an important urban development link between the old town, new town and St. Georg. This historic steel and glass cathedral, which opened in 1906, reflects social upheavals of the last 120 years. But the train station is overloaded and urgently needs modern solutions.

The challenges are complex: The main station must remain flexible and resilient, even in the event of digital disruptions. At the same time, there are issues of monument protection that make structural changes more difficult. A sporting balancing act will be necessary here – between preserving the heritage and adapting to modern user expectations.

Behind the scenes, digitalization is used to optimize station management. Intelligent sensors analyze passenger flows and AI-based systems control crowds. The main station could thus become a laboratory for new forms of urbanity and mobility. At a time when the city of Hamburg wants to advance the transport transition, these next few years are crucial for the future of this central transport hub.

Stay tuned to see how Hamburg Central Station continues to develop. Because great things are being achieved here for the future of mobility and urban life.

Further information about the redesign of the foyer can be found at Development city, details about “The Whale”. Day24, and an overview of the architecture and challenges at the main station builder.