FAQ on the Renovation

What’s going on at Kampnagel right now?

Starting with the 2026/27 season, Kampnagel will undergo a three-year renovation and expansion to make it ready for the future. The project will include renovated performance spaces, a new “floating” k7 building with rehearsal spaces and an accessible rooftop terrace, a residence for artists, and a 70% reduction in heat consumption. You can find plenty of information about the plans online. So there’s a major construction site on the grounds.

Does that mean Kampnagel will be closed during this time?

No! We’ll keep putting on shows in the meantime; the renovation and daily operations will, of course, become an artistic endeavor and run in parallel. The large k6 hall will remain fully available for performances during the first phase of construction. International guest performances, dance productions, concerts, and collaborations just as usual.

And what will happen to the many more experimental formats and new productions by Hamburg-based artists?

We have deliberately decided against a permanent alternative venue. On the one hand, we want to maintain a presence on the Kampnagel grounds, which is why we cordially invite you to the PERFORMATIVE BAUSTELLE. On the other hand, Kampnagel’s entire history of performance has been shaped by site-specific art, and we’re very interested in exploring spaces. Under the label [K] AND THE CITY, we’re therefore turning the city into a stage. We’ve invited artists to develop productions for public spaces, unique architectural sites, places of transformation, or landscapes. There are collaborations with Hamburg institutions, museums, and churches. Follow us!

What exactly is the PERFORMATIVE CONSTRUCTION SITE?

For us, the construction site is not a necessary evil, but rather holds discursive potential. It is not hidden away, but artistically explored. Together with raumlabor berlin and Migrantpolitan, a multi-year artistic research project is emerging under this title, which conceives of demolition, renovation, and transitional states as a performative process and makes them visible. Artistic works are being created specifically for the site as it undergoes transformation. In addition, under the title BIG MOMENTS, we are staging key moments in the construction process – such as the groundbreaking ceremony – and shining a spotlight on the partially gutted Hall K1.

Help, I can’t find my way around! I was just about to pick up my ticket and ended up getting something to eat instead—is something wrong here?

A lot has indeed changed on the premises. The Alabama Kino and Peacetanbul spaces are currently unavailable, and the foyer is also part of the construction site. Our restaurant is now in the former box office building. The entrance to Hall K6, the box office, the new foyer, and the coat check are now located at the back of the large hall, next to Peacetanbul and connected to it. You can find new floor plans online, and we’re doing our best to provide clear signage on-site!

And where is Migrantpolitan now?

It’s staying right where it’s always been: well protected by construction fences, like an oasis amid the construction site. And, of course, everyone is still welcome!

But construction sites are unpredictable, after all. Where can you find reliable information?

We’ll of course keep you updated on the program and any changes! As usual, you can check our various newsletters (including a special renovation newsletter), our website, and our social media channels. Our program booklet is now published twice a year, and we also offer a monthly fold-out leaflet with more up-to-date program details. We also publish a magazine featuring background information and discourse, a construction site blog, a podcast, and much more.

And how accessible is the construction site?

We want to ensure the accessibility of the site and the many different performance venues as much as possible and provide detailed information about the on-site conditions. However, we likely won’t be able to guarantee the standards we had achieved before construction began (and which are set to be significantly higher once construction is complete!) during the construction phase. Please check the on-site conditions before your visit and feel free to contact us with any questions or feedback.

Is Kampnagel still Kampnagel at all?

Your Kampnagel will always be your Kampnagel. Because, as you know:

It's not really a place. It's more a feeling!