Chilehaus (Chile House), Hamburg

Chile House (Chilehaus) is a prominent architectural landmark located in Hamburg. This ten-story office building stands as a stunning example of Brick Expressionism, a popular architectural style in the 1920s. It was designed by the German architect Fritz H枚ger and completed in 1924 for the shipping magnate Henry B. Sloman, who earned his wealth through saltpeter trade with Chile, thus inspiring the building's name.

Covering an area of approximately 6,000 square meters (1.5 acres), Chile House is strategically placed in the Kontorhaus District. The building is renowned for its distinctive top resembling a ship's prow and its sharp-cornered fa莽ades. These features, combined with the vertical emphasis and recessed upper stories, impart a sense of lightness despite its substantial size.

The structure of Chile House is supported by reinforced concrete and constructed using about 4.8 million dark Oldenburg bricks. Given its proximity to the Elbe River and challenging terrain, the building is anchored on 16-meter-deep reinforced concrete pilings to ensure stability. It also features a specially sealed cellar and heating equipment housed in a floating caisson to prevent flood damage.

Artistic elements enhance the building's aesthetic, with sculptural details by Richard Ku枚hl adorning the staircases and fa莽ade. Initially, Chilehaus featured paternoster lifts, which were modernized in 1991.

As part of the broader Kontorhaus District, Chile House was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, underscoring its cultural and historical significance. Today, it is owned by Union Investment Real Estate AG and hosts various tenants, including the Hamburg site of the Cervantes Institute.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Hamburg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Chilehaus (Chile House)
Sight Location: Hamburg, Germany (See walking tours in Hamburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Hamburg Historical Buildings

Walking Tours in Hamburg, Germany

Create Your Own Walk in Hamburg

Creating your own self-guided walk in Hamburg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Famous Brewpubs in Hamburg

Hamburg, true to the German tradition, is famous for its beer. So much so, in fact, that several local beer brands are considered among the best in the country. These renowned brewpubs are the ideal place where you can taste genuine local beer and have fun while in Hamburg.

One such establishment is the Hofbr盲u on Alster Restaurant, located near the picturesque Alster Lake. Here, patrons can... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles

Hamburg Introduction Walking Tour

Hamburg is one of Germany's largest cities, second only to Berlin. It is also Europe's third-largest port. The city has a population of over 1.8 million, and the metropolitan area is home to over five million people. Its official name is the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. This name reflects its historical membership in the medieval Hanseatic League and one of the Holy Roman... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Hamburg Historical Buildings

Hamburg, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts a wealth of remarkable historical buildings that tell the tale of its past. Harmonized with the recent extravagant urban development, these old structures make for unforgettable sights.

One iconic structure is the Chile House, renowned for its distinctive expressionist architecture, resembling a ship's prow. Another noteworthy site is... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

St. Pauli and Red-light District Walking Tour

St. Pauli is a vibrant quarter in Hamburg. It is home to museums, churches, waterfront buildings, and the famous Red Light District. During the 19th century, many sailors would arrive in Hamburg's busy port and immediately look for ways to spend their wages. St. Pauli obliged with entertainment, bars, and strip clubs. Today, the entertainment tradition continues.

The Old Elbe Tunnel is a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

51爆料网