Types from the legendary Kiez pub - How Hamburg’s iconic Café Lehmitz vanished under gentrification’s wave
Café Lehmitz, a once-thriving dive bar on Hamburg's Reeperbahn, was a staple of the city's red-light scene. Swedish photographer Anders Petersen immortalised its patrons in a series of black-and-white photographs, published in 1978.
The St. Pauli district, where Café Lehmitz stood, has witnessed many historic bars catering to the red-light scene close down due to gentrification. The bar itself was a hub of activity in the late 1960s, attracting a diverse range of patrons. Petersen's lens captured the essence of this vibrant scene, preserving it for posterity.
Hamburg's urban renewal and gentrification have led to the displacement of many long-standing residents. Café Lehmitz, unfortunately, was not spared. The bar has since closed, leaving behind memories and Petersen's photographs as its legacy.
Café Lehmitz, once a pulsating heart of Hamburg's red-light scene, has fallen victim to gentrification. Its story serves as a reminder of the city's changing landscape and the importance of preserving its history.
