Altes Hafenamt Dortmund, Renaissance Revival office building in Dortmund, Germany.
The Altes Hafenamt Dortmund is a Renaissance Revival administrative building distinguished by a remarkable 38-meter tower shaped by Dutch architectural influence. The structure features prominent columns, granite memorial plates, and bronze reliefs at its entrance, along with decorative elements including two dolphins and a Neptune head adorning the facade.
The building opened in 1898 under architect Friedrich Kullrich as a port authority structure and served administrative functions until 1962. Following comprehensive restoration between 1982 and 1987, the architectural monument gained its present appearance and now functions as an event venue.
The entrance hall displays a mosaic floor depicting a medieval Hanseatic trading ship with raised sails, representing Dortmund's connection to maritime commerce. This maritime imagery runs throughout the building and reminds visitors of the harbor's historical role in the city's development.
The building is located at Sunderweg 130 in Dortmund and now houses water police facilities along with the Emperor's Room, which operates as a wedding venue. Visitors can admire the remarkable architecture from outside, and should note that interior access may vary depending on scheduled events.
Two dolphin sculptures beneath the tower room balustrade support the coats of arms of Emden and Dortmund, a surprising connection between two German port cities. These sculptural details are often overlooked but reveal the networks and partnerships that shaped Dortmund's trading history.
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