Hamburg continues HafenCity opera house plans after death of Klaus-Michael Kühne

Plans for a new opera house in Hamburg's HafenCity are proceeding despite the death of patron Klaus-Michael Kühne in August 2026. The project, located at Baakenhöft, is intended to house the State Opera, the Hamburg Ballet, and the Philharmonic State Orchestra. The Hamburg Culture Authority stated that the existing agreement between the city and the Kühne Foundation remains in effect.

The development is currently in the detailed planning phase of the winning design, which features curved seating and warm wood tones. A financing decision is expected in the first quarter of 2028, with construction slated to begin no earlier than the start of 2030.

Separately, various clay construction workshops and seminars are scheduled across Germany, including sessions on historical masonry, building clay ovens, and technical seminars regarding the new DIN 18940 standard for load-bearing clay masonry.