Decisions despite obstacles
The citizens of Hamburg voted for the construction of the Kühne Opera
November 26, 2025 – 18:25Reading time: 2 minutes
Residents have approved a new opera house in Baakenhöft. Shortly before, a broad coalition submitted 10,000 signatures opposing the project.
The petition originates from the “Opera Plans Initiative” and is supported by groups such as Hamburg Postcolonial, HafenCity network, AStA of HCU, Brückenviertel and VVN-BdA. They criticized the lack of community participation.
Marco Hosemann (L) accused the Senate of deciding on the project of the century “without any real debate”. Close ties with Kühne undermined confidence in the democratic process.
The construction site also caused controversy. In 1904, troops involved in the Herero and Nama genocide were sent from there. Activists have for years called for a memorial site to be built rather than a representative building. Cornelia Kerth (VVN-BdA) also criticized that Kühne’s company did not handle Nazi history well.
The Bjarke Ingels Group provided the building design. A circular glass building is planned with a boat deck-like terrace and an accessible roof. The building should open towards the city and the Elbe – a new attraction on the harbour. Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) spoke about a “simple icon” that should strengthen Hamburg’s culture.
A circular opera hall with about 1,500 seats is its centerpiece. Three levels extend partially around the hall, plus smaller halls for opera and ballet.
The foyer should be glazed and accessible even without a show – including rooftop cafes and restaurants. An opera park with a promenade and access to the water side will be created around the house. The city government emphasized that the area is protected from rare flooding events. You can find out more about the plans here.
The Kühne Foundation covered most of the costs. The city covered 147.5 million euros for site-specific work such as foundations and flood protection and furnished the property.
