Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe
Applied arts museum with ancient artifacts, Bauhaus furniture, and iconic design spaces like the Verner Panton room.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Applied arts museum with ancient artifacts, Bauhaus furniture, and iconic design spaces like the Verner Panton room.
"A very rich selection of themes and collections, from ancient Greece to modern design."
✨ Last Hour Discount
Enjoy a reduced entry fee of 5 Euros during the last hour of opening on days other than Monday.
☕ Cafe & Shop Delights
The museum boasts an atmospheric cafe and a well-stocked shop with a great selection of books.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Glitter' Exhibition
Special Exhibition Hall
A dazzling exploration of glitter's history in fashion and design, featuring interactive elements and a unique bioglitter installation.

Verner Panton's Spiegel Room
Design Collection
Step into a surreal 1960s design dreamscape created by Verner Panton for the former Spiegel publishing house.

Ancient & Applied Arts
Various Galleries
Discover treasures from ancient Egypt and Greece alongside exquisite European decorative arts and Japanese pottery.

Design & Photography Collections
Design and Photography Galleries
Explore influential movements like Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, and contemporary graphic design, plus a rich photography archive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Navigating the Collections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Last Hour Discount
Enjoy a reduced entry fee of 5 Euros during the last hour of opening on days other than Monday.
☕ Cafe & Shop Delights
The museum boasts an atmospheric cafe and a well-stocked shop with a great selection of books.
bilingual Descriptions
Most exhibits feature descriptions in both German and English, making it accessible for international visitors.
Glitter Workshop Fun
If visiting with children, check out the glitter workshop for a hands-on creative experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Last Hour Discount
Enjoy a reduced entry fee of 5 Euros during the last hour of opening on days other than Monday.
☕ Cafe & Shop Delights
The museum boasts an atmospheric cafe and a well-stocked shop with a great selection of books.
bilingual Descriptions
Most exhibits feature descriptions in both German and English, making it accessible for international visitors.
Glitter Workshop Fun
If visiting with children, check out the glitter workshop for a hands-on creative experience.
Plan Your Route
With vast collections, decide which areas to focus on beforehand to maximize your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe for its superb organization, rich and diverse collections spanning ancient to contemporary art and design, and atmospheric cafe. The bilingual descriptions are a significant plus for international guests. However, some find certain standard exhibits dated and the temporary 'Glitter' exhibition polarizing.
"The space is superbly organised. A very rich selection of themes and collections. Contemporary art is neighbouring with a collection of exhibits from Egypt and ancient Greece. Each exhibit has a bilingual description. Atmospheric cafe. Any visitor will find something of interest. A chic museum shop with a huge selection of books."
Olga Pon
"it was a rainy day in Hamburg. We went to this museum and how fun is it they had a glitter exhibit in a museum of something. I never expect to see They also had many other art deco exhibit and many other important exhibit. It’s a nice way to spend a couple hours and if you have children, they had a workshop that you could make things out of glitter they also have a nice café,
so fun."
harriet miller
"I enjoyed it, plenty of descriptions in English, and some lovely ancient artefacts. Especially good on the early twentieth century, art noveau,etc. Not sure about the (temporary) glitter exhibition. People like and liked to wear glittery things...and...so what. Good cafe, usual German museum thing where you're not sure if your expected to go through a closed door or not (no sign!). But overall great museum. Here's some of my favourites, from the first ever (?) fitted kitchen, by Margarete Schutte-Lihotzky, to a 6000 year old figure, and some lovely pottery."
I L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located at Steintorplatz and is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U-Bahn (subway) lines U1, U2, or U3 to the 'Steinstraße' or 'Hauptbahnhof Süd' stations, or various bus lines that stop nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from the central train station (Hauptbahnhof).
While there isn't dedicated museum parking, several public parking garages are available in the vicinity, such as the 'Parkhaus Gänsemarkt' or 'Parkhaus Hansaplatz'. However, using public transport is generally recommended due to potential traffic and parking costs.
Yes, the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe is largely accessible for wheelchair users. Most exhibition areas and facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility impairments. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Strollers are generally permitted within the museum. There are also often cloakroom facilities where you can store larger bags and coats if needed.
From Hamburg Airport (HAM), you can take the S-Bahn line S1 directly to the 'Hauptbahnhof' (main train station). From there, it's a short walk or a quick transfer to U-Bahn lines that will take you to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. Specific hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official museum website before your visit.
Standard admission prices apply, but there's a special offer: during the last hour of opening on days other than Monday, you can get in for just 5 Euros.
Check the museum's website for current pricing and any potential discounts.Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times or for popular temporary exhibitions. This can save you time queuing at the ticket counter.
While there isn't a regular free entry day, the museum offers a discounted entry fee during its final opening hour on most days, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Your admission ticket typically grants access to all permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, unless otherwise specified for special events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the dazzling 'Glitter' exhibition,
the iconic Verner Panton-designed Spiegel room, and extensive collections of applied arts, design, photography, and ancient artifacts.Reviews are mixed. Some find it a fun, nostalgic, and creative exploration of glitter's cultural impact,
while others feel it's loosely connected and not very inspiring. It's a unique, albeit polarizing, temporary exhibition.The museum often offers guided tours in German and sometimes in English. It's advisable to check the museum's schedule upon arrival or on their website for tour times and availability.
The 'Freiraum' is a special area within the museum, often featuring interactive exhibits or spaces designed for younger visitors and families.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted, especially in sensitive exhibition spaces. Always look for signage indicating photography rules.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe has an atmospheric cafe where you can enjoy refreshments and light meals. It's a pleasant spot to take a break during your visit.
The cafe typically offers a selection of cakes, pastries, coffee, and light snacks, fitting the typical German museum cafe experience.
The museum is located in a central area of Hamburg, so there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the surrounding streets offering a wide variety of cuisines.
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks into the exhibition halls is not permitted. It's best to consume your own food in designated areas or before entering the galleries.
The cafe is generally family-friendly, and if there's a workshop for children, it can be a convenient place for them to refuel.
📸 📸 Photography
The Verner Panton-designed Spiegel room is a highly photogenic space.
The architecture of the museum itself, along with specific art installations and the applied arts collections, also offer great photo opportunities.Yes, phone cameras are generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Tripods and selfie sticks might also be restricted. Look for specific signage in each gallery.
The museum has a significant photography collection, showcasing historical and contemporary works, as well as exhibitions that delve into the medium's artistic and cultural impact.
The 'Glitter' exhibition is designed to be visually striking, so it offers many opportunities for colorful and sparkly photos. Just be aware of any specific rules regarding photography within that particular exhibit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some exhibits might be more abstract, the diverse collections, from ancient artifacts to design pieces, can spark curiosity. The 'Glitter' exhibition, despite mixed reviews, is often a hit with children due to its visual appeal and interactive elements. Ensure to check the museum's schedule for any family-specific events or activities during your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Additionally, consider planning your visit on a weekday morning to potentially avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. The museum's central location also means you can easily combine your visit with exploring other free attractions in Hamburg, making it a cost-effective addition to your itinerary.
🎨 Art & Design Enthusiasts
The museum's commitment to showcasing both historical and contemporary works, from ancient pottery to modern graphic design, provides a comprehensive overview of creative evolution. The temporary exhibitions, like the 'Glitter' show, also offer unique perspectives on materials and cultural trends. Don't miss the chance to explore the well-curated applied arts sections, which are consistently praised for their depth and quality.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure and Controversy of Glitter
Despite mixed reviews, the 'Glitter' exhibition taps into a widespread fascination with the material. It touches upon its 'trashy, kitschy, shrill' reputation while also acknowledging the development of more environmentally friendly 'bioglitter' options. For those interested in pop culture and the evolution of materials in design, it offers a unique, albeit unconventional, perspective. Visitors are encouraged to approach it with an open mind, perhaps even participating in a glitter workshop if available.
Ultimately, the 'Glitter' exhibition represents a bold choice by the museum to engage with a material that is both ubiquitous and often dismissed. It prompts questions about taste, sustainability, and the definition of art and design. Whether it's a highlight or a lowlight depends heavily on individual expectations and appreciation for the subject matter.
Design Icons: Verner Panton and the Spiegel Room
Stepping into this room is like entering a surreal, mid-century modern dreamscape. The design features bold colors, organic shapes, and a playful use of materials that were characteristic of Panton's work. It's a space that immediately captivates visitors and is frequently cited as a must-see attraction, offering a unique glimpse into the design aesthetics of the late 1960s. The room is not just visually stunning but also an important piece of design history, showcasing Panton's influence on interior architecture and furniture design.
For design enthusiasts and anyone appreciating bold, innovative interiors, the Spiegel room is an absolute highlight. It stands in stark contrast to some of the museum's more traditional exhibits, offering a vibrant and memorable experience. Its presence alone makes a visit to the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe a worthwhile endeavor, providing a tangible connection to a pivotal era in design history.
A Journey Through Applied Arts and Ancient Treasures
The museum also boasts significant holdings in design and photography. This includes influential movements like Art Nouveau and Bauhaus, as well as contemporary graphic design and a substantial photography archive. These collections highlight the evolution of aesthetics, technology, and visual culture. A particular point of interest for many is the first ever fitted kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, a groundbreaking innovation in domestic design.
With bilingual descriptions accompanying most exhibits, the museum makes its vast array of objects accessible to a broad audience. Whether you're drawn to historical pottery, intricate furniture, or the evolution of everyday objects, the applied arts and ancient collections provide a comprehensive and engaging experience. The sheer breadth of themes and collections ensures that every visitor can find something to pique their interest.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit