SteinZeiten (Museum)

SteinZeiten was a private museum of minerals and fossils in Hamburg, run by Andreas Guhr. It opened in September 2004 in an old office building on Rödingsmarkt. The museum covered 450 square metres and displayed large, unusually lit minerals and fossils alongside sound installations. Guhr, a recognised expert, also ran a mineral and gem trade and founded the Hamburger Mineralientage fair. After closing in September 2009, he opened the RED GALLERY nearby, continuing to exhibit rare pieces. Notable objects included the largest Brazilian amethyst geode, weighing 1.5 tonnes. Another highlight was the Flower of Uruguay, a 400-kilogram amethyst geode crowned with calcite, which opened to Joachim Kühn’s music and Volker Lechtenbrink’s voice. A 660-kilogram citrine crystal and fossils such as a plesiosaur, an Edmontosaurus skull, trilobites, sea lilies and marine reptiles from Holzmaden’s Posidonia shale were also displayed. The RED GALLERY focuses on integrating minerals and fossils into modern architecture and interior design. It hosts events and exhibitions with contemporary artists, and some pieces travel to international shows. Guhr’s work links scientific specimens with artistic and architectural contexts, creating a distinctive space for unusual natural treasures.