SESH

Kampnagel is a renowned cultural and performance venue located in Hamburg, Germany. Established in 1982, it occupies a former factory that was once used for the production of cranes, giving Kampnagel its distinctive industrial character and unique architectural atmosphere. Over the decades, it has evolved from a squatted warehouse into one of Europe’s leading centers for contemporary performing arts, including dance, theater, music, and experimental multimedia productions.

Kampnagel is not a nightclub in the traditional sense; rather, it functions as a multi-purpose cultural complex, hosting club nights alongside avant-garde theater, international festivals, and public discourses. Its reputation is built on a commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary, and often provocative programming, serving both as a showcase for established international artists and a nurturing ground for emerging local talents. Kampnagel has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance and social activism, making it a central hub in Germany’s vibrant cultural scene.

Over the years, the venue has undergone significant renovations and expansions, adapting its industrial halls into flexible spaces that accommodate a range of artistic formats, from intimate concerts to large-scale installation pieces. Despite these changes, Kampnagel has retained its avant-garde spirit and remains at the forefront of contemporary performance culture in Germany. Notable artists who have performed at Kampnagel include legendary international figures such as Laurie Anderson, Marina Abramović, and Massive Attack, as well as innovative local artists like Sasha Waltz, Jan Delay, and the Hamburg-based DJ Helena Hauff.

International dance companies like Akram Khan Company and Hofesh Shechter Company, as well as musicians such as Nils Frahm and Bon Iver, have also graced its stages, further cementing Kampnagel’s status as a nexus for groundbreaking artistry from around the world.