Haus der Seefahrt, Hamburger Kontorhaus aus dem Jahr 1910
Haus der Seefahrt is an office building in Hamburg-Mitte constructed between 1909 and 1910, containing eight stories including the basement level. Its sandstone facade features Art Nouveau ornaments with carved swans, sea creatures, a crocodile, and a bronze sculpture of Hammonia accompanied by a lion and angel figures.
The building was constructed in 1909 and 1910 by architects Edgar Foßhag and Georg Schelpps, originally serving trade and shipping companies. It survived World War II intact and underwent major restorations in 1991 and 2012 that preserved its original appearance.
The building's name reflects the sea-themed sculptures adorning its facade, including swans and marine creatures carved into the stone. These decorations show how deeply the sea and maritime trade shaped Hamburg's identity and how the city honors that heritage through its architecture.
The building is located at a busy intersection near Nikolaifleet canal, surrounded by cafes and traditional restaurants, making it easy to explore while walking through the historic district. As a protected monument, the exterior can be freely viewed and photographed without restrictions.
On a corner of the building stands a bronze sculpture of Hammonia, Hamburg's patroness, raising her hand to the sky and flanked by a lion and angel figures. This sculpture is less well known than the facade ornaments, yet it represents one of the most striking depictions of the city's identity.
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