On 4 September 2020, the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MK&G) inaugurated an open space in the heart of the building known as the “Freiraum”. The new meeting place, project space and lounge for visitors, neighbours, travellers and museum staff is accessible free of charge during MK&G opening hours, offers a place where people can linger, work or speak with others. MK&G is thus putting the social function of the museum – as a place for encounters, discourse or simply taking a break from the daily routine – front and centre in its work. The “Freiraum” will respond dynamically and flexibly to the needs of its users and to current issues in urban society. Its programme will also be planned in constant dialogue with the museum’s collection and exhibitions, which will be discussed in the forum provided by the project space and hence enriched by new perspectives.

The furnishing is designed to be very flexible. Everything is build on mobile steel structures, enabling any kind of space setting from big gatherings to several separate working groups around tables or other devices and silent, concentrated readers on comfortable couches. The backside of each furniture can be used as wallpaper, different options related to the materiality and size of the furniture are proposed: pinboard, whiteboard, blackboard, magnetic wall, etc… groups can leave their work results, users of the Freiraum can interact and intervene. It contributes to an information exchange and something to reflect on until the next group takes over the surface.

The “Freiraum” at the MK&G offers a variety of free events, workshops, readings, talks, film screenings, installations, presentations, and much more!

You can find all dates in the calendar.

Credits images:

Alexander Römer, Elias Keimer, Henning Rogge, Tilman Walther