Hamburg’s Deichtorhallen renovation faces years of delays and soaring costs
Hamburg’s Deichtorhallen, a key venue for contemporary art and photography, has faced repeated delays in its renovation. Originally set to reopen in 2024, the project now aims for completion in summer 2027. Rising costs and structural issues have complicated the work since it began in 2021.
The renovation was first budgeted at around €66 million, but expenses have since grown significantly. The exact final cost remains unknown as of December 2025. Structural damage, including severe water penetration, has weakened the building’s concrete and steel supports.
To stabilize the site, over 2,000 temporary props now hold up the ceiling. Workers continue repairs on the roof, windows, and façade. The project has also highlighted the challenges of modernizing historic buildings, with technical demands adding to the delays. Once finished, the venue will feature exhibition spaces, cultural education areas, a bookshop, and dining facilities. Despite the setbacks, Hamburg’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the work.
The House of Photography is now expected to open in 2027, three years later than planned. The extended timeline and rising costs reflect the difficulties of preserving a historic structure while meeting modern standards. The final budget, however, remains undetermined.
