Open project room and meeting place
On 4 September 2020, the MK&G inaugurated an open space in the heart of the building known as the "Freiraum". The 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, read 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 curatorial team of the Freiraum liaise with the city’s stakeholders and communities to develop temporary ways to activate and use the space through diverse offerings. Design issues are always also social issues: how do you actually organise a community, who decides and who owns the city?
You can find examples of utilisation and current projects in the event calendar. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found in our FAQs. As a free location, commercial use of the Freiraum such as (home) office, coworking or seminar space is not possible during opening hours. Please use one of the numerous coworking spaces in the immediate vicinity of Hamburg city centre.
For bookings after the museum closes, please contact eventmanagement@mkg-hamburg.de.
Come along and bring your friends, talk to us via freiraum@mkg-hamburg.de. See you at the Freiraum!
FAQs
WHAT IS THE FREIRAUM?
An open project space and meeting place at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg.
SINCE WHEN DOES THE FREIRAUM EXIST?
Since September 2020.
IS THE FREIRAUM PART OF THE MUSEUM?
Yes.
WHO IS THE FREIRAUM?
Nina Lucia Groß and Tilman Walther are the curatorial directors. They are assisted by Carina Engelke, Sarah Steffens and a team of local hosts.
WHO CAN USE THE FREIRAUM?
Anyone who is prepared to engage with the space and share it with others. Commercial use of the open spaces by companies and individuals is not possible during opening hours. Guidelines for conduct in the Freiraum can be found in the Freiraum Rules.
HOW CAN I MAKE USE OF THE FREIRAUM?
The Freiraum is open during the museum’s opening hours – free of charge. Feel free to just drop by. If you would like to use a projector, certain table areas or presenter materials, or if you would like to come as a group of eight or more people, please send a written request to: freiraum@mkg-hamburg.de
CAN I RENT THE FREIRAUM OR USE IT ALONE BY MYSELF OR IN A GROUP?
Not during opening hours.
CAN I HOLD EVENTS AND/OR PROGRAMMES IN THE FREIRAUM?
The curated space in the museum has its own programme, developed in cooperation with its users. Feel free to write or speak to us about any suggestions you may have. Programmes or events that have not been announced in advance and arranged in consultation with us are not permitted.
CAN I HOLD EXHIBITIONS IN THE FREIRAUM?
This is in general not possible. But we are happy to speak with you about your project suggestions. Just write us an email.
IS THE FREIRAUM A CO-WORKING SPACE?
No.
CAN I EAT AND DRINK IN THE FREIRAUM?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drink. Please note that alcohol is not permitted.
HOW DID THE SELECTION OF BOOKS IN THE FREIRAUM COME ABOUT AND CAN I BORROW THE TO TAKE HOME?
The growing library consists mostly of books acquired through cooperative projects with various groups and initiatives in the city. The books are available to all guests on site and unfortunately cannot be borrowed.
IS IT QUIET IN THE FREIRAUM?
That varies a lot. Most of the time it is relatively quiet, but it is not a quiet room like a library. People may be talking, and one of three music mixes put together especially for the Freiraum by Hamburg artists will be quietly playing in the background. These change from time to time.
Regulations
The Freiraum is a space that is open for everyone and in which as many people as possible should feel welcome and as safe as possible. That means that the Freiraum and its team will not tolerate any transphobic, homophobic, racist, sexist, antisemitic or otherwise discriminating statements or behaviour. In the following you will find the rules that apply to the access to and use of the room:
The Freiraum is open to everyone free of charge. If you do not wish to visit the exhibitions, but only the Freiraum and the other free areas of the museum (library and café), we ask you to get a free Freiraum ticket at the ticket counter and then wear it on your clothing so that it is recognisable to the team.
Commercial use of the Freiraum as office or seminar space is not possible.
We only accept table or space reservations for our programme and regular offers by groups and initiatives.
Eating cold food and food without a strong odour is permitted.
Cold and hot drinks may also be consumed within the room.
Restrooms and lockers are located in the basement of the museum for your use.
Luggage and personal belongings are generally permitted.
Taking photographs and making video or audio recordings is permitted in consultation with the team and respecting the personal privacy of every person pictured. Please be co nsiderate and do not take any photos of people without their permission.
Please feel free to ask our team for help and assistance when needed concerning the access to and use of the room.
If you feel bothered, discriminated against or uncomfortable with a situation, please do not hesitate to talk to our team at the counter.
Smoking and the consumption of drugs and alcohol are not permitted in the Freiraum.
The terrace is part of the Freiraum, whereas the courtyard is not. Please stay on the terrace when stepping outside.
Children under the age of 8 may only stay in the Freiraum under the supervision of an adult. Chaperones of groups of children and adolescents are obligated to supervise the group and to make sure they respect the other guests and treat the furniture with care.
Please do not leave any stickers or tags in the room. We kindly ask you to treat the furnishings with care, out of solidarity with other guests and in the interests of sustainability.
The Freiraum may only be entered in clothing appropriate for public wear.
The general visitor regulations for the museum apply to any areas outside the Freiraum.
Events and activities
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 event calendar.
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