Debris from the collapsed Benko building inflicts extensive destruction
The Hamburg Natural History Museum is contemplating a move to a new location, with the DESY tunnel in Bahrenfeld and the proposed "Science City" being potential candidates.
The Elbtower, a well-known landmark in Hamburg, has been under scrutiny as a potential new home for the museum. However, the project, currently nicknamed "Short Olaf", has faced challenges. Originally planned to stand at 245 meters high, the tower's current height is approximately 100 meters, with only a 20,000 square meter exhibition area remaining. This space is deemed too small for the museum's profitability calculations.
The Elbtower's owner, Austrian real estate investor René Benko, has been involved with the project in Hamburg. However, he is currently facing the task of bearing repair costs and compensation measures, a responsibility that has been called upon due to his recent acquisition of the tower.
There are concerns about the Elbtower's ability to support heavy research equipment, a crucial requirement for a natural history museum. The hope that the city will rent areas for the museum's needs is fading, as the tower's structure and size may not meet the museum's requirements.
Dieter Becken, the investor behind the Elbtower project, is reportedly lacking around 180 million euros for further construction. These financial challenges, coupled with the doubts about the tower's suitability, have cast a shadow over the possibility of the museum moving to the Elbtower.
As the city of Hamburg continues to explore options for a new home for the natural history museum, the DESY tunnel and the Science City remain potential contenders. The decision will have significant implications for both the museum and the city's cultural landscape.
