Fish auction hall in Hamburg-Altona

by Silva Wischeropp

Classic architectural photograph in black and white, taken on 26 April 2017 in the late afternoon hours in Hamburg-Altona.
The fish auction hall in Hamburg-Altona was built in 1895/96 in Altona at the newly built fishing harbour on the Elbe to enable the auctioning, trading and shipping of fish landed there. The building was also used for the storage and repair of fishing gear and the distribution of cooling ice. Since its restoration in 1984, the hall has been used as a venue for events. The steel girder building, lined with brickwork, has been a listed building since 1984 and bears witness to the importance of the fish trade between the former rival cities of Hamburg and Altona.

In 1984, the hall was the only listed building in Hamburg to receive a Europa Nostra diploma for outstanding achievements in the preservation of cultural heritage from the European heritage protection organisation Europa Nostra.
The auction hall was originally intended to be a place of socioculture, but in addition to the hustle and bustle of the fish market, it is mainly used for advertising and PR events organised by large corporations. The Stacklies company is now responsible for catering and events. The hall offers space for around 3500 visitors.