International Maritime Museum
Hamburg
The International Maritime Museum in Hamburg is a private museum located in the historic Kaispeicher B warehouse in the HafenCity quarter. It houses the extensive collection of Peter Tamm, featuring over 40,000 maritime objects including model ships, uniforms, paintings, and more than one million photographs. Opened in 2008 after careful renovation of the neo-Gothic warehouse built in 1878-79, the museum offers a comprehensive journey through maritime history across 12 floors. Exhibits range from ancient dugouts and shipbuilding developments to naval warfare, merchant shipping, and maritime art. The museum also holds rare artifacts such as the baton of Großadmiral Karl Dönitz and original letters of Lord Horatio Nelson. Its vast collection includes ship models made from whale bones and ivory, dioramas of sea battles, and a reproduction of the lifeboat from Shackleton's Antarctic expedition. Despite some early criticism regarding historical perspectives, the museum remains a significant cultural institution with around 150,000 visitors annually, offering insights into global naval heritage and maritime culture.
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Tip: Visit the museum during weekdays or early afternoons to avoid crowds. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to ensure entry, especially during special exhibitions. The museum offers discounts for families, groups, and schools. Take advantage of guided tours or the ship simulator for an immersive experience. Check the official website for current opening hours and special event schedules, such as the annual Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums).
Interesting facts
- •The museum's collection includes over 50,000 ship models, some crafted from whale bones by French sailors during the Napoleonic Wars.
- •The Kaispeicher B warehouse is Hamburg's oldest preserved warehouse, built in neo-Gothic style in 1878-79.
- •The museum holds 47 original letters of Lord Horatio Nelson, famed for his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
- •A reproduction of the James Caird lifeboat from Sir Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition is on display.
- •The museum's renovation included an award-winning 60-meter steel bridge designed in the shape of a boomerang.
- •The collection includes rare naval uniforms, weapons, and decorations from various countries.
- •The museum's archive contains over one million photographs related to maritime history.
History
The museum originated from Peter Tamm's private collection, started in 1934 when he received his first model ship as a child.
Initially housed in a mansion and accessible by appointment, the collection was made public after relocating to the historic Kaispeicher B warehouse in HafenCity in 2008.
The warehouse itself dates back to 1878-79 and is Hamburg's oldest preserved warehouse, originally used for grain and packaged goods storage.
The city of Hamburg supported the museum's establishment with funding and property rights.
Since its opening by German President Horst Köhler, the museum has grown into a major maritime cultural site, managed by the Peter Tamm Foundation and attracting a large international audience.
Place Guide
10th Floor - Cultural Forum '10th Longitude' and Special Exhibitions
Hosts rotating special exhibitions and cultural events related to maritime themes, offering fresh perspectives and temporary displays.
9th Floor - The Big World of Ship Models and Water Sports
Showcases an extensive range of ship models and exhibits related to water sports, highlighting craftsmanship and maritime leisure activities.
8th Floor - Maritime Art Gallery and 'Treasure Trove'
Exhibits maritime-themed paintings from the 16th century to contemporary works, including pieces by Carl Saltzmann and Hans Bohrdt.
7th Floor - Marine Research, Energy, and Fisheries
Focuses on marine sciences, energy resources, and fishing industries, illustrating maritime economic and environmental aspects.
6th Floor - Merchant Shipping, Cruise, and Ports
Highlights the history and development of commercial shipping, cruise liners, and port infrastructure worldwide.
5th Floor - Navies of the World (1815 to Present)
Displays naval history and artifacts from global navies post-1815, including uniforms, weapons, and decorations.
4th Floor - Life on Naval Vessels and Ship's Armament
Explores daily life aboard naval ships and their armaments, providing insights into sailors' experiences and military technology.
3rd Floor - Development of Shipbuilding and Engineering
Details technological advancements in shipbuilding and marine engineering through models and plans.
2nd Floor - Sailing Ships from Antiquity to Hanse Sail, Cape Horners, and Piracy
Covers the era of sailing ships, maritime trade routes, and piracy, emphasizing historical navigation and exploration.
1st Floor - Explorers, Navigation, Communications, and Children's Area
Focuses on maritime exploration, navigation techniques, communication tools, and offers interactive exhibits for children.
Ground Floor - Foyer, Reception, Restaurant, and Museum Shop
Entrance area with visitor services, dining options, and a shop offering maritime-themed merchandise.
Contact
Phone: 040 30092300
