See how the city has developed over the past 12 centuries, thanks to this fascinating collection of historical artefacts.
The Hamburg Museum is dedicated to telling the story of this city, from its origins as a ninth-century riverside settlement, to the thriving metropolis that it is today. You’ll discover exhibits and artefacts covering all aspects of Hamburg life, from architecture and design, to trade and transport, as well as everyday items from residents’ homes throughout the centuries.
The museum was first established in 1908 by the “Verein für Hamburgische Geschichte” (Society of Hamburg History), and has stood in its present location since 1922. Thanks to the ingenious design by the architect Fritz Schumacher, your journey through history begins even before you set foot inside the building. Standing on the site of the Bastion Henricus, part of the 17th-century city fortifications, the exterior of the museum building incorporates distinctive architectural fragments from buildings destroyed in the Great Fire of 1842, in WWII and during the course of modern city redevelopment.
As a port city, Hamburg’s identity has always revolved around maritime trade. Discover the collection of over 250 model ships, crafted by the city’s major shipbuilders, and learn about the key skills required, such as rope and sail-making. Trade cannot take place without currency, so take time to admire the Coin Cabinet, showcasing over 50,000 objects, both coins and paper notes, with some dating back to the 10th century.
The museum also focuses on daily life in the city, with a fascinating collection of household objects, clothing and children’s toys. You’ll see cooking utensils and other kitchen paraphernalia from the Middle Ages onwards, and all manner of textiles and accessories, from hats and gloves, to embroidered tapestries and bed linen. There is also an extensive collection of furniture and garden ornaments.
You’ll discover representations of historical Hamburg, thanks to the numerous oil paintings and photographs depicting the city. Especially interesting are the extremely rare Daguerreotypes showing the aftermath of the Great Fire – these are the earliest photographic images in the museum.
The Hamburg Museum is open every day except Mondays. An entrance fee is payable, but there is no charge for visitors under 18. The nearest U-Bahn station is St. Pauli.
