One of Europe’s largest centres for contemporary art and photography is housed inside two converted market halls.
Two former fruit and flower market halls make up the Deichtorhallen, which is now a vibrant center for international modern art and photography. The buildings, which date from 1911, have modern open steel-and-glass interiors that form a striking backdrop to the center’s changing exhibitions.
The Deichtorhallen covers an area of roughly 18,300 square feet (5,600 square meters), making it one of Europe’s largest art centers. Enjoy major international events as well as exhibitions of work by up-and-coming artists and photographers.
The north hall is dedicated to contemporary art, with works by painters, sculptors and designers on display. See changing exhibitions that deal with cultural and everyday themes. Over 160 large-scale exhibitions have been held since the hall opened in 1989. Works by Andy Warhol, Martin Kippenberger and Louise Bourgeois have appeared here, as well as exhibitions dedicated to younger, relatively unknown artists.
Cross over to the south hall and you’ll find the House of Photography. This is the permanent home of a collection of work by famous German fashion photographer F.C. Gundlach, as well as a large collection of photography from the magazine Der Spiegel. These two permanent collections make this the largest accessible archive of journalistic photography in the country. They are joined by changing temporary exhibitions on photography, from historical exhibits of work from the 19th and 20th centuries to shows celebrating the digital revolution.
Shop for posters, prints, books and souvenirs at the on-site Design and Book Store. A separate bookstore in the House of Photography hall sells signed and limited edition prints and photography books and a huge range of magazines.
The Deichtorhallen is open Tuesday to Sunday. Choose to buy tickets for one hall or a combination ticket for both. There is parking available on-site. You can also access the Deichtorhallen from Steinstrasse U-Bahn station, east of the Old Town.
