13 extraordinary exhibitions in Hamburg

The permanent exhibition at the Hamburger Kunsthalle features over 700 works and takes you through art history from the Middle Ages to the present day. You’ll discover North German altars by Meister Bertram and Meister Francke, 17th-century Dutch painting, 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.

Do you love Impressionism? Then a visit to the Hamburger Kunsthalle is especially worthwhile right now. The current exhibition features around 80 works—including paintings, sculptures, and pastels —and offers a fresh perspective on Impressionism: not just as a French phenomenon, but within an international, particularly Franco-German, context. It’s not just about aesthetic enjoyment, but also about the question of how meaningful national categories still are in art today. Well-known works are recontextualized and invite you to reflect on art, identity, and borders.

At the Dialoghaus, unique sensory experiences await you: In “Dialog im Dunkeln,” you experience the world without sight and sharpen your sense of orientation. “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.

Discover the world of Cleopatra in an immersive exhibition and get closer to the famous ruler than ever before. An impressive hologram show takes you back to the time of Ancient Egypt—from Alexander the Great to the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

The focus is on Cleopatra’s life, both political and private: interactive stations, 360-degree projections, and virtual reality let you experience her story, relationships, and significant locations like Alexandria up close. The experience is complemented by original artifacts and modern multimedia presentations that bring history to life.

The exhibition “Making History” is dedicated to 19th-century art and focuses on Hans Makart’s once scandal-ridden painting “The Entry of Charles V into Antwerp” —the monumental work is on view 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 movements of the 19th century and reimagines the works in the style of a historical gallery. The aim is to challenge traditional perspectives and make art tangible within its political, social, and cultural contexts.

While there are now Miniatur Wunderland attractions in many cities, the original is and remains in Hamburg! Across 200 m² of exhibition space, visitors can explore miniature landscapes from around the world as well as a full-scale miniature replica of the entire city of Hamburg , offering a unique bird’s-eye view panorama.

Experience more than 325 works by around 50 major artists, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Mondrian. Across 1,700 m², 360° projections, large-scale images, and sound create an immersive atmosphere that draws you directly into the worlds of art. Rembrandt impresses with strong light-dark contrasts, and Vermeer depicts calm, intimate scenes of everyday life. Van Gogh captivates with vibrant colors and intense emotions. The journey takes you from 17th-century works to lively cityscapes, coastal landscapes, and Van Gogh’s famous Starry Nights.

At the Hamburg Chocolate Museum, you’ll learn all about the history and production of chocolate and discover one of the sweetest exhibitions in the city! Of course, you’re welcome to sample the treats too! During the visit, all participants also create their own“Glück to Go,” a chocolate bar you can customize to your liking. If you like to pair chocolate with alcohol, special tours like “Beer Meets Chocolate” or the “Chocoholic Cocktail Tour” are just the thing for you!

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.

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 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—with 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 striking images of nature with an important theme: the protection of the oceans in cooperation with Plastic Fischer, including the opportunity to actively contribute to plastic removal.

At the Emigration Museum Hamburg, an exciting mix of history and interactive 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 the first hands-on exhibition centered around “Maus” in Hamburg. At many interactive stations, you can explore scientific and geographical questions for yourself. Find out how many languages are spoken worldwide, whether a human can travel as fast as light, or whether the shortest route is always really the fastest.

The exhibition “Udoversum” honors Udo Lindenberg and his creative work on the occasion of his 80th birthday on May 17. Until 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 his visual art: on display are his famous “Likörelle, ” large-format works, as well as sketches and works that have rarely been shown before.

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.