10 years of Speicherstadt as World Heritage Site: HHLA celebrates with exhibition and light tour

Double anniversary for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA): in addition to its own 140th anniversary, the European network logistics group is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From 16 July to the end of September, visitors to the historic site can find out about the history of HHLA and the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district at a pop-up container exhibition in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt (Neuer Wandrahm 5).

Warehouses with high, red-brick facades, interlaced by tidal canals known locally as “Fleete”: The Speicherstadt historical warehouse district is as much of a Hamburg landmark as the spire of St Michael’s or the Reeperbahn. In 1885, the order to construct it was awarded to Hamburger Freihafen-Lagerhaus-Gesellschaft (HFLG), today known as HHLA. Completed in 1927, the complex was initially the central component of the city’s duty-free port – and later went on to become home to numerous Hamburg companies. A pop-up container exhibition at Neuer Wandrahm 5 shows how the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district was built, what is so special about its construction, and its significance to the city of Hamburg. There are plenty of exciting details from 140 years of history to discover. Entry is free. 

Michael Fussner, Managing Director of HHLA Real Estate: “The Speicherstadt historical warehouse district and Kontorhaus area are more than just Hamburg landmarks. They are symbolic of the historical significance of the Hanseatic city and a living reminder of our company’s history. As a result, it was clear that we would celebrate HHLA’s 140th anniversary and the tenth year of the Speicherstadt’s UNESCO World Heritage status together – in a place that makes the history of these edifices accessible to all.” 

UNESCO World Heritage coordinator Isabelle Mühlstädt: “Maintaining and connecting people with significant places in our shared history and culture is the key driver behind UNESCO World Heritage. The Speicherstadt historical warehouse district and Kontorhaus area with the famous Chilehaus are unique witnesses to the development of global trade. These edifices must be preserved for future generations. We are all the more delighted to be able to look back on ten years of successful partnership with HHLA as the owner of the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district.”

Light tour showcases the history of the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district

The pop-up container will be opened on 15 July. At the same time, another exclusive opportunity will be available: as part of the Maritime Circle Line’s harbour lights cruises, seven projections will be displayed at dusk along the Kehrwiederfleet, showcasing the history of HHLA and the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district. Tickets can be bought directly from the Maritime Circle Line at Landungsbrücken (“Brücke 10”), or online. 

Both activities will run throughout the summer until the end of September, when the city will join various partners to celebrate World Heritage Night. Other activities are also planned, culminating in a celebration of World Heritage. Anyone who is keen to discover more about the history of the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district should make a note of the weekend of 20 September 2025: World Heritage Night will also feature other interesting events for visitors to Hamburg’s UNESCO World Heritage Speicherstadt historical warehouse district and Kontorhaus area, featuring the Chilehaus.