A unique art and cultural venue housed aboard a historic ship faces an uncertain future as the MS Heimatland, home to Hošek Contemporary Gallery, is set to be sold. Following a dramatic rent increase, the team led by founder Petr Hošek, 37, can only secure the future of the 58-meter freight ship by purchasing the vessel themselves for 120,000 euros.
Since 2016, Hošek Contemporary has been an integral part of Berlin's art scene. Located on approximately 320 square meters in the middle of the Historic Harbor at Märkisches Ufer in Mitte, the gallery provides space for installations, sculptures, video art, performances, and experimental sound events – most of which are offered free of charge. "This is my project, my life. I have touched every inch of this boat, renovated it, repaired it," says founder Petr Hošek. "I'm here every day when I'm in Berlin. This place means an incredible amount to me."
When the Czech native took over the gallery, rent was only around 400 euros – at that time, the boat had neither water nor electricity and was in poor condition. Hošek rolled up his sleeves and personally renovated the vessel, bringing the ship into shape step by step. After four years, the rent suddenly jumped to 3,000 euros in 2022, and has since increased to 3,200 euros. "That was really tough. We're not a profitable restaurant or nightclub, but an art space. But we've always managed it, thanks to our large artist network and many events," Hošek explains.
The gallery owner now faces the next challenge: according to Hošek, the Historic Harbor Berlin wants to sell the ship, with a purchase price of 120,000 euros. He cites several reasons for the sale: space in the harbor is becoming increasingly limited due to construction work on the Mühlendamm, which has already forced many boats to leave. Additionally, the ship requires extensive maintenance, which is very expensive.
Hošek views the art ship as a piece of Berlin history that must be preserved. "This place is not just for us, but for the entire community. We want it to continue being a refuge for art and culture," he states. The unique location offers not only an exhibition space but also a small stage for events and concerts, with a roof that can be opened in summer so visitors can view the art from outside.
To save the venue, Hošek and his team have launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has so far raised nearly 8,000 euros. They are planning additional crowdfunding events and discussions with artists, labels, and potential partners to purchase the boat and preserve this cultural space. The MS Heimatland was built in 1910 and is moored in the Historic Harbor in Mitte. The vessel once transported coal around Berlin but has served cultural purposes since 2002.
Looking ahead, there are plenty of ideas for the future: among other possibilities, the 1910-built ship could travel to other cities like Hamburg or Potsdam to present exhibitions there. "We absolutely want to keep the boat," says Petr Hošek. "It's not just a gallery, but a place for people, for encounters, for art." Currently, the exhibition "AROTIN – SERGHEI – Reverse Perspective" is running on the historic ship. The Historic Harbor has not yet responded to inquiries about the sale.
