Anyone visiting Hamburg will be overwhelmed by the choice of experiences on offer and should not miss a visit to the numerous exhibitions and museums. There is too much on offer to leave it unused and even for many die-hard culture buffs there is something of interest here! From the fascinating experience exhibitions in the Dialoghaus to a journey into the history of seafaring – you will find an impressive variety of exhibitions in Hamburg offers an impressive variety of art! You can find unusual inspiration in our 8 top picks.
1st Impressionism
Do you love Impressionism? Then a visit to the Hamburger Kunsthalle is particularly worthwhile right now. The current exhibition shows around 80 works – including paintings, sculptures and pastels – and takes a new look at Impressionism: not just as a French phenomenon, but in an international, particularly Franco-German context. It is not only about aesthetic pleasure, but also about the question of how meaningful national categories still are in art today. Well-known works are re-contextualized and invite visitors to reflect on art, identity and borders.
🕰️Laufzeit: until 11.01.2026
📍Exhibition venue: Hamburger Kunsthalle, Glockengießerwall 5, 20095 Hamburg
2. exhibitions that broaden the horizon
Whether darkness or silence – the experience exhibitions at the Dialoghaus offer a unique perspective on the world. At Dialogue in the Dark, you can immerse yourself in the world of people with visual impairments and experience what it’s like to navigate without sight. In a fascinating way, you learn to overcome obstacles and find your way in a completely new context.
In Dialogue in Silence, on the other hand, you will experience the diversity of communication and gain an insight into the world of sign language. You will discover in an impressive way how many nuances can be expressed through gestures and facial expressions alone. Discover many other interactive exhibitions that will challenge you and open up new perspectives.
Dinner in the Dark takes you on a culinary adventure that will put your taste buds to the test. A delicious 4-course menu has something for every palate (vegetarian options also available). Or test all your senses in the sensory adventure: can you recognize certain films by sound alone? Can you guess culinary specialties by their smell or taste? Try it out!
If you enjoy games and puzzles , Timeshift – Journey to Tomorrow is the perfect plan for you. Master challenges in the dark as a team and gain new insights for a better tomorrow. In addition to exciting group challenges, the Dialoghaus also offers a unique experience for the youngest guests: at Kids im Dialog, children aged 3 to 7 can playfully discover the world of senses and emotions. Empathy, team spirit and social skills are encouraged here in an interactive way.
Experienced guides with their own limitations accompany you on all Dialoghaus activities and share insights into their world. Browse through the range of exhibitions in the Dialoghaus and choose your favorite to sharpen your senses and experience the world from a completely new perspective!
🕰️Laufzeit: Permanent exhibition
📍Location: Dialoghaus Hamburg | Alter Wandrahm 4, 20457 Hamburg
3. existential sculpture
Berlinde De Bruyckere is all about power and delicacy at the same time. The artist is known for her sculptures and caused a sensation at the 2024 Biennale. Si is one of the most important contemporary sculptors and can now be seen in Hamburg! Her works deal with human existence – violence and security, loss and comfort.
🕰️Laufzeit: June 29 to November 2, 2025
📍Exhibition venue: Ernst Barlach Haus, Baron-Voght-Str. 50A, 22609 Hamburg
4. making history
The exhibition “Making History” is dedicated to the art of the 19th century and focuses on Hans Makart’s once scandalous painting “The Entry of Charles V into Antwerp” – the monumental work can be seen again for the first time in four years. It will be accompanied by around 60 other paintings and sculptures from the collection, which will be presented in the newly designed Makart Hall. The show focuses on central trends of the 19th century and restages the works in the style of a historical gallery. The aim is to question traditional perspectives and make it possible to experience art in its political, social and cultural contexts.
🕰️Laufzeit: 1.1.2020 – 31.12.2026
📍Exhibition venue: Hamburger Kunsthalle, Glockengießerwall 5, 20095 Hamburg
5. exhibitions in miniature format
Although there is now a Miniatur Wunderland in many cities, the original is and remains in Hamburg! In addition to miniature landscapes from all over the world, the entire Elbe metropolis has been recreated in miniature format on 200 m² of exhibition space and offers a unique bird’s eye view.
🕰️Laufzeit: Permanent exhibition
📍Exhibition location: Miniatur Wunderland | Kehrwieder 2/Block D, 20457 Hamburg
6. choc till you drop
At the Hamburg Chocolate Museum, you can learn all about the history and production of chocolate and discover one of the sweetest exhibitions in the city! And, of course, you’ll also get to eat! During the visit, all participants will also create their own “Glück to Go“, a chocolate bar that you can customize to your liking. For those who like to combine chocolate with alcohol, special tours such as the “Beer meets chocolate” or “Chocoholic Cocktail Tour” are just the thing!
🕰️Laufzeit: Permanent exhibition
📍Location: CHOCOVERSUM | Meßberg 1, 20095 Hamburg
7. maritime discovery tours
Come on board 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 historical ship models, the International Maritime Museum offers you a captivating anchor point to explore the world of the sea in a unique way. Click here for your tickets!
🕰️Laufzeit: Permanent exhibition
📍Location: International Maritime Museum | Koreastraße 1, 20457 Hamburg
8. a living testimony to maritime history
Another maritime highlight that lets you get to know the Hanseatic city from its most authentic side is the Rickmer Rickmers. This former cargo ship, which once experienced many adventures on the world’s oceans, is now a museum ship. This living testimony to the maritime past allows you to explore the world of seafaring through historical artifacts, ship models and interactive resources. Click here for your tickets!
🕰️Laufzeit: Permanent exhibition
📍Location: Museum ship Rickmer Rickmers | Bei den St. Pauli-Landungsbrücken 1a