The Fritz-Schumacher-Halle is located in northern Hamburg, on the grounds of the Ohlsdorf Cemetery. The monumental red-brick building was originally designed as part of the crematorium. Today, the historic hall—a designated landmark—is part of the Forum Ohlsdorf and provides a venue for concerts and other events.
Candlelight concerts are also held here. By the light of thousands of candles, the music creates a special atmosphere between the colorful stained-glass windows by Ervin Bossanyi and the shimmering flame mosaic by Heinrich Jungebloedt.
From Crematorium to Ceremony Hall
The Fritz-Schumacher-Halle was designed by Hamburg’s Chief Architect Fritz Schumacher and completed in 1933. With its monumental brick architecture and ornate details, it is one of the most striking historic buildings at the Ohlsdorf Cemetery.
In 2011, the hall was restored in accordance with historic preservation guidelines and reopened. In the process, its unique works of art were also given a new place to shine: Depending on the angle of the light, the stained-glass windows bathe the hall in warm and cool tones. The mosaic at the front of the hall depicts a stylized flame, a reference to the building’s original use.
What can you experience at the Fritz-Schumacher-Halle?
The hall is part of the Forum Ohlsdorf and is used for events such as concerts, conferences, and festive occasions. Its architecture and acoustics provide a distinctive setting for musical evenings.
The candlelight concerts also bring various tributes and well-known pieces to the Fritz Schumacher Hall. String quartets and a pianist perform by the light of thousands of candles, surrounded by the history and unique details of the hall.
Location and Directions to the Fritz-Schumacher-Halle
The Fritz-Schumacher-Halle is located in the Forum Ohlsdorf at Fuhlsbüttler Straße 756–760. From the Ohlsdorf train station, you can reach the entrance to the Forum on foot. The cemetery administration also lists bus lines 170 and 270 as routes to the cemetery.
Parking is available on the cemetery grounds for drivers. Since the paths on the grounds are extensive, it’s worth checking the exact hall entrance and the appropriate bus stop before arriving.
What makes the hall’s architecture so special?
The Fritz-Schumacher-Halle combines monumental brick architecture with elaborate interior design. Particularly striking are the stained-glass windows by Ervin Bossanyi and the flame mosaic by Heinrich Jungebloedt. Together with the high-ceilinged hall, they create an impressive setting for concerts and celebrations.
How many seats does the Fritz-Schumacher-Halle have?
The cemetery administration lists 254 seats. The specific seating arrangement may vary depending on the event.
Is the Fritz-Schumacher-Halle heated during the winter months?
As part of the historic preservation renovation of the Fritz-Schumacher-Halle in 2011, modern underfloor heating was installed, ensuring comfortable temperatures even on cold days.
Nearby venues in Hamburg
You can also discover unique concert experiences at other locations throughout the city: The Kulturkirche Altona offers an impressive setting in a former church, while the MS Bleichen, a historic museum ship, exudes maritime harbor charm. In addition to these two cultural venues, there are several other exciting locations in the area: These include, for example, the FABRIK Hamburg, the Allee Theater, the Laeiszhalle, and the Elbphilharmonie.
