Hamburg Museum is an excellent place to while away an educational afternoon learning about the growth of the city over the centuries. Trace the many changes in local Hamburgers' lives from the settlement's foundation in the 9th century all the way through to its present-day status as a modern city.
Admire meticulously created scale models of the city and its railway network, which give a fascinating birds-eye view of the urban area, as well as showing how the different areas of the city relate to one another. That emblem of the modern age, the railway, is given pride of place in the form of a fantastic model.
The ground level of the museum looks at well-known Hamburg artists and musicians, while the first floor houses information and artifacts relating to the development of the city during Germany's industrial revolution. It concentrates on the central importance of Hamburg port as the largest in the country and a crucial node in the transportation of goods to and from wider Central Europe. Over 100 model ships are on display, celebrating the best of the different ages of seafaring from the 1600s right through to the last century.
Some of the most traumatic episodes in the city's history are also explored here. The Great Fire of 1842 caused untold destruction, and is tracked here in a number of rare images from the time. A century later, World War II bombing devastated the city again – check out the cutting-edge virtual display of the city at the time. Going back even further, elements from 16th-century timber dwellings and from medieval churches are also preserved here.
Hamburg Museum is found near the Planten un Blomen park in the St Pauli port area of the city, and is near the U-bahn. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and there is a fee to enter.
Hamburg Museum Tours and Activities
Visit Hamburg Museum
Tours & day trips
See all 258 activitiesOpens in new tabHamburg: Line A Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 79 activitiesOpens in new tabHamburg: Schanzenviertel Culinary Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 29 activitiesOpens in new tab3 Hours Hamburg E-Scooter Tour
Cruises & boat tours
See all 27 activitiesOpens in new tabHamburg: 90-Minute Evening Lights Harbour Cruise
Shopping & fashion
See all 3 activitiesOpens in new tabHamburg CARD
Popular places to visit
Bismarck Monument
You can learn about the history of Hamburg with a trip to Bismarck Monument. Stroll along the waterfront or seek out the local tours.
St. Michaelis Church
Observe the stunning spire design of this 17th-century church, which is dedicated to the Archangel Michael, patron saint of soldiers.
Millerntor Stadium
Catch an event at Millerntor Stadium during your trip to Hamburg. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.
Hamburger Dom
This huge Volksfest (people’s fair) is one of the largest in Germany, famous for its amusements, beer and general good spirits.
Telemann Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Telemann Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Hamburg. Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.
Fliegende Bauten
Get tickets for a show at Fliegende Bauten, a theatre with a story to tell in Hamburg. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.