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Chile House: A Brick Expressionist Masterpiece

Discover the Chile House in Hamburg: A stunning example of Brick Expressionist architecture, shaped like a ship, symbolizing the city's maritime past and economic strength.

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The Chile House, or Chilehaus, is an iconic ten-story office building in Hamburg, Germany, a prime example of Brick Expressionism from the 1920s. Designed by architect Fritz Höger and completed in 1924, its striking angular design, reminiscent of a ship's prow, symbolizes Hamburg's maritime heritage and economic resurgence after World War I. Built for Henry B. Sloman, who made his fortune trading saltpeter from Chile, the building's facade features approximately 4.8 million dark Oldenburg bricks. As part of the Kontorhaus District, it achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015, attracting architecture enthusiasts and tourists alike. Visitors can admire its unique architecture, explore the inner courtyards, and enjoy the blend of shops and restaurants within this historical landmark. Its location in the heart of Hamburg makes it easily accessible and a must-see for anyone exploring the city.

A brief summary to Chile House

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting to photograph the building's unique facade.
  • Explore the inner courtyards to appreciate the building's architecture from different perspectives.
  • Take a guided walking tour of the Kontorhaus District to learn about the Chile House and its surrounding historical context.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Speicherstadt, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, to experience Hamburg's rich history.
  • Check out the Chocoversum, a chocolate museum located opposite the Chile House, for a sweet treat and interactive experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Chile House is easily accessible via Hamburg's extensive public transport system. Take the U-Bahn (subway) to the Meßberg (U1 line) or Überseequartier (U4 line) stations. Alternatively, the S-Bahn (suburban train) stops at Stadthausbrücke station (S1, S2, S3 lines). From any of these stations, it's a short walk of just a few blocks to the Chile House. The Hamburg CARD offers free travel on buses, trains, and harbor ferries, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for tourists. A single ride typically costs around €3.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available throughout Hamburg. A short taxi ride from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to the Chile House will typically cost between €8 and €12, depending on traffic. Be sure to specify the destination as 'Chilehaus, Fischertwiete 2A' to avoid confusion.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the city center, walking to the Chile House is a pleasant option. From the Rathausmarkt (City Hall Square), head east along Mönckebergstraße, then turn left onto Burchardstraße. Continue straight, and you'll soon see the distinctive shape of the Chile House on your right. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye out for the St. Nikolai Memorial on your way.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity of the Chile House is limited and can be expensive. The Q-Park City multi-story car park is located about 550 meters away and offers a secure parking space. The daily maximum parking fee is approximately €25. Consider using a navigation system to guide you to the parking garage. Paid parking is available for up to 60 minutes in the area around Pumpen and Burchardplatz.

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Discover more about Chile House

The Chile House, or Chilehaus, stands as a towering testament to Hamburg's rich history and architectural innovation. Located in the Kontorhaus District, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ten-story office building is a defining example of Brick Expressionism, a style that flourished in the 1920s. Designed by the renowned architect Fritz Höger and completed in 1924, the Chile House has become an iconic symbol of Hamburg, representing the city's economic recovery after World War I and its enduring maritime spirit. The building was commissioned by Henry B. Sloman, a Hamburg-based businessman who amassed a considerable fortune trading saltpeter from Chile. In homage to Sloman's successful ventures, the building was named Chilehaus, forever linking it to the South American nation. Sloman's vision was to create an extraordinary structure that would not only serve as a functional office building but also stand as a powerful symbol of Hamburg's commercial prowess. Fritz Höger masterfully translated Sloman's vision into reality, creating a building that is both imposing and graceful. The Chile House's most striking feature is its angular shape, which resembles the prow of a ship. This design element pays tribute to Hamburg's maritime heritage, evoking the image of a grand ocean liner cutting through the waves. The building's facades meet at a sharp angle, creating a dramatic effect that is best viewed from the east. The exterior of the Chile House is clad in approximately 4.8 million dark Oldenburg bricks. These bricks, carefully crafted and laid, create a visually stunning facade that shimmers in different shades depending on the weather. The dark color of the bricks adds to the building's imposing presence, while the intricate detailing and decorative elements provide a touch of elegance. The Chile House's design also incorporates vertical elements and recessed upper stories, which contribute to its sense of height and dynamism. The curved facade on the Pumpenstraße adds another layer of visual interest, creating a sense of lightness despite the building's massive size. The building has a reinforced concrete structure and was built on 16-meter-deep reinforced-concrete pilings to ensure stability on the difficult terrain near the Elbe River. The construction of the Chile House was a significant undertaking, employing around 4,000 workers. The building's proximity to the Elbe River presented numerous challenges, requiring a specially sealed cellar to protect against potential flooding. The heating equipment was even constructed in a caisson that could float within the building, ensuring that it would not be damaged in the event of a flood. Since its completion, the Chile House has served as a prominent office building, housing companies from various sectors. The building's spacious courtyard on the ground floor is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for both tenants and visitors. The Chile House has 2,800 windows, providing stunning views of the city. The Chile House has undergone several renovations and modernizations over the years, but its architectural integrity has been carefully preserved. In 1983, the building was designated a protected historical monument, and in 2015, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Kontorhaus District. Today, the Chile House continues to be a major attraction for tourists and architecture enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors can explore the building's exterior, admire its unique design, and learn about its history and significance. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the building's construction, architectural features, and historical context. The building is generally not open to the public, as it is used as an office building, but the exterior is the main attraction. The Chile House is more than just a building; it is a symbol of Hamburg's resilience, innovation, and maritime heritage. Its striking design, rich history, and cultural significance make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city. Whether you are an architecture aficionado, a history buff, or simply a traveler seeking to experience the best of Hamburg, the Chile House is sure to leave a lasting impression. Located nearby other important sights, such as the Mönckebergstrasse shopping street, city hall, the St. Nikolai church memorial and the Spiegel publishing house. 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. The Chilehaus in Zahlen: The Chilehaus was completed on April 1, 1924. 4,000 craftsmen were involved in the construction. The building rises on a floor area of 5,950 square meters on 18,000 running meters of rammed piles with a total usable area of 36,000 square meters. The excavation had been 20,000 cubic meters; 750 freight cars of cement, 30,000 cubic meters of gravel, 1,600 tons of round iron, 900,000 hollow ceiling blocks, 4.8 million bricks and 3.5 kilometers of zinc sheet gutters had been processed. 15 kilometers of pipelines run through the building, and 2,800 windows give light to the office space.

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