A Treasure Chest

A Treasure Chest. The Box/Hamburg

In the former Theatre in the Basilica, The Box has compiled a compelling range of products that thrill every design enthusiast. The landmarked factory building now houses one of Hamburg‘s most interesting concept stores consisting of three shops, two

galleries, and a café. Text: Quynh Tran. Photos: The Box

Upon entering the concept store in Hamburg’s Ottensen district, one can be forgiven for feeling like one is entering a chamber of wonders. The former industrial machinery factory from 1868 is now the home of one of the most exciting new additions to Hamburg’s retail scene. After the closing of the Theatre in the Basilica, which occupied the building for no less than 22 years, owner Christian Peters initially wanted to establish another cultural venue in the landmarked premises. However, cuts to the city’s culture budget made these plans unfeasible. There and then, he decided to develop a completely new, future-oriented concept together with fellow campaigner Monika Brune.

A Stage as a Stage

The building was in dire need of an elaborate renovation process that would preserve and re-focus its old industrial substance. The result is an overall concept consisting of three shops, two galleries, and a café; it effortlessly combines design, art, culture, and culinary aspects. The main nave of the open factory hall, which once housed the theatre’s stage and is defined by brick walls with iron beams, now houses the Heritage Shop, which stocks design classics from the modern era. Bridge chairs

The Box

Borselhof, Borselhofstr. 16F, 22765 Hamburg/Germany Owner: Monika Brune, Christian Peters Sales area: 800sqm Lifestyle brands: Baxter, Catellani & Smith (Vintage), Christian Laigre, Eileen Grey (Vintage), George Smith, Hans Wegner (Vintage), Philippe Starck, Santa & Cole (Vintage) from the 1930s and Hans Wegner’s Teddy Bear chairs from the 1950s create a living room atmosphere. Chandeliers by Santa & Cole and Catellani & Smith look as if they have never been anywhere else. The unique items that were initially designed for hotels, such as Philippe Starck’s bed for the Royalton Hotel in New York or the George Smith sofa for Soho House Berlin provide special highlights. In keeping with this spirit, one can browse through coffee-table books concerning design and architecture, as well as other rare books, in Books in the Box, a store managed by book and media designer Rainer Groothius. One Kitchen, the third store within the building, rounds off the concept with a wide variety of kitchen utensils. The galleries below the glass roof are now the home of Christian Peter’s The Box Gallery and Lazy Dog Gallery, which are both well-known beyond Hamburg’s borders.

Fill Mind and Stomach

Naturally, such a concept is ideally completed with a café; The Box Café sweetens the visit with delicious Breton crepes and tasty coffee. To ensure that the cultural aspect, which was the initial focus of the building, does not fall short, the premises regularly stages concerts, readings, and art exhibitions. In short, the former Theatre in the Basilica is once again a lively location with a truly unique atmosphere. It’s a concept store that has created an individual and charming experience.