Like the bow of a ship, the pointed tip of the Chilehaus juts out into the street – a defining example of 1920s architecture in Hamburg. This listed office building in the Kontorhaus District is one of the city's most famous structures and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Anyone strolling through the old town will inevitably come across this striking brick building – and a living piece of urban history.
Tactile Brickwork, Architectural Language and History
The Chilehaus was built between 1922 and 1924 to the designs of Fritz Höger – in the style of Brick Expressionism, which blends North German building traditions with modern design ideas. The ten-storey building captivates with its clearly structured façade, elegant curves and its pointed corner reminiscent of a ship’s bow. Around 4.8 million bricks were used – a reflection of Hamburg’s economic dynamism in the interwar period. Today, the building houses offices, retail spaces and gastronomy. Visitors can explore the inner courtyards or experience the distinctive architectural language while walking around the building.
Did You Know?
The Chilehaus is situated in the heart of the historic Kontorhaus District, which is unique worldwide for its uniform design and monumental brick architecture. Together with the neighbouring Speicherstadt, it forms one of the most significant urban ensembles of the modern era.
A Worthwhile Next Stop
Just a few minutes' walk away: the sensory experience of Chocoversum, where visitors can discover chocolate with all their senses. Also nearby: the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe near the main railway station or a stroll through Hamburg’s historic UNESCO World Heritage Speicherstadt with its bridges, canals and museums.
