11 Extraordinary Exhibitions in Hamburg

Come aboard to explore maritime masterpieces. Right in the heart of the Hanseatic city, you can experience an impressive journey through time, from the beginnings of seafaring to modern shipping. With a fascinating collection of maritime artifacts and historic ship models, the International Maritime Museum offers you a captivating anchor point from which to explore the world of the sea in a unique way.

Monet’s art becomes an immersive experience in Hamburg! At the Port des Lumières, you can discover the French Impressionist’s works from a completely new perspective. More than 200 paintings transform the exhibition’s vast spaces into a colorful world of landscapes, water, and light. Thanks to 360° projections, video mapping, and spatial sound, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the world Monet created. Stroll through glowing fields, watch the interplay of light and water, and experience his art more intensely and vividly than ever before.

At the Dialoghaus, unique sensory experiences await you: In “Dialog im Dunkeln,” you’ll experience the world without sight and sharpen your sense of direction. “Dialog im Stillen” shows you how communication works without words. “Dinner in the Dark” becomes a culinary adventure. There are also interactive challenges, team experiences, and programs for children —all led by experienced guides who share personal insights. You’ll discover new perspectives on everyday life, communication, and perception, and learn in a playful way how differently people experience the world.

The exhibition “Making History” is dedicated to 19th-century art and centers on Hans Makart’s once-scandalous painting “The Entry of Charles V into Antwerp” —the monumental work is on display again for the first time in four years. It is accompanied by around 60 other paintings and sculptures from the collection, presented in the newly designed Makart Hall. The exhibition explores key artistic movements of the 19th century and reimagines the works in the style of a historical gallery. The goal is to challenge traditional perspectives and allow visitors to experience art within its political, social, and cultural contexts.

The permanent exhibition at the Hamburger Kunsthalle features over 700 works and takes you on a journey through art history from the Middle Ages to the present. You’ll discover North German altars by Meister Bertram and Meister Francke, 17th-century Dutch paintings, and works by Caspar David Friedrich, Menzel, and Liebermann. Classical Modernism is represented by artists such as Munch and Klee, complemented by contemporary art by Richter and Baselitz, as well as the significant collection of copperplate engravings.

While there are now Miniatur Wunderland attractions in many cities, the original is—and always will be—in Hamburg! Spanning 200 m² of exhibition space, it features not only miniature landscapes from around the world but also a full-scale miniature replica of the entire city on the Elbe , offering a unique bird’s-eye-view panorama.

Embark on an immersive 360-degree journey into the world of the oceans. State-of-the-art audiovisual technology brings the underwater world to life on all the walls. You’ll encounter coastal animals like polar bears and penguins, as well as dolphins, turtles, orcas, and octopuses in colorful coral reefs. The deep sea is also impressively depicted—featuring anglerfish, shipwrecks, caves, and mysterious underwater landscapes. The experience is accompanied by a soundscape of ocean sounds, whale songs, and film music. The exhibition combines stunning images of nature with an important cause: the protection of the oceans in cooperation with Plastic Fischer, including the opportunity to actively contribute to plastic cleanup efforts.

At the Hamburg Chocolate Museum, you’ll learn all about the history and production of chocolate and discover one of the city’s sweetest exhibits! Of course, you’re also welcome to indulge! During the visit, every participant gets to create their own“Glück to Go”—a chocolate bar you can customize entirely to your taste. If you enjoy pairing chocolate with alcohol, special tours like “Beer Meets Chocolate” or the “Chocoholic Cocktail Tour” are just the thing for you!

At the Hamburg Emigration Museum, an exciting mix of history and hands-on experiences awaits you. In addition to the classic exhibition on emigration via Hamburg, knowledge is also conveyed in a playful way here.

A special highlight is Hamburg’s first hands-on exhibition centered around “Maus.” At numerous interactive stations, you can explore scientific and geographical questions for yourself. Find out how many languages are spoken worldwide, whether a person can travel as fast as light, or whether the shortest route is always truly the fastest.

Another maritime highlight that lets you get to know the Hanseatic city from its most authentic side is the Rickmer Rickmers. This former cargo sailing ship, which once experienced many adventures on the world’s oceans, now serves as a museum ship. This living testament to the maritime past allows you to explore the world of seafaring through historical artifacts, ship models, and interactive exhibits.

The “Udoversum” exhibition honors Udo Lindenberg and his creative work on the occasion of his 80th birthday on May 17. Through October 4, you can discover previously unseen exhibits from the famous “Panikrocker” at stilwerk Hamburg —including stage costumes, instruments, handwritten song lyrics, personal mementos, and photographs that offer a very personal glimpse into his life.

A special focus is on its fine art: On display are its famous “Likörelle, ” large-format works, as well as sketches and pieces that have rarely been shown before.