BIG Wins International Competition for Hamburg State Opera Design

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has been announced as the winner of the global design competition for the new Hamburg State Opera, a landmark cultural development set on the Baakenhöft peninsula in HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany. This ambitious project will unify the city’s opera and ballet companies within a single, state-of-the-art facility, featuring advanced performance halls, production areas, and public amenities along the Elbe River. The new opera house will replace the existing mid-20th-century venue on Dammtorstraße, addressing Hamburg’s need for a modern venue that excels in acoustics, stage technology, and audience experience.

Situated at the intersection of contemporary high-rise developments and Hamburg’s historic waterfront, the design takes inspiration from the city’s maritime heritage. The opera is conceived as a topographically inspired structure with a series of stepped terraces that rise from the river, culminating in a circular roof that opens toward the harbor. By blending bold architectural volumes with accessible outdoor spaces, the project creates a public promenade connecting the riverfront with the surrounding urban fabric.

The terraced design allows for multiple points of entry, including the waterfront park, adjacent pier, and nearby city streets. Inside, the expansive foyer serves as a dynamic public space, featuring timber staircases that guide visitors to upper levels and provide direct access to outdoor terraces on every floor. These terraces expand the building’s social and cultural program, offering areas for gathering before and after performances and sweeping views over HafenCity, the historic city center, and the port.

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