International Maritime Museum, Hamburg

The International Maritime Museum is located in Hamburg’s HafenCity (harbour city). an area of former docklands that houses a number of offices, retail outlets and museums. Formerly part of the Free Port of Hamburg, it was removed from the port’s jurisdiction as it had fallen into disuse. This has allowed for the large former warehouse buildings to be redeveloped. In 2004, the area was awarded a grant to install a world class maritime museum in the docklands’ oldest surviving warehouse.

The building itself was once Quay Warehouse B, built in 1879 by architects Hanssen and Meerwein and designed as a grain elevator. It was renovated and opened as a museum in 2008. Covering ten floors, it is one of Europe’s largest maritime museums. Most of the original exhibits were drawn from the extensive personal collection of Peter Tamm, a local shipping magnate. These included paraphernalia from 19th century and Nazi ships, as well as thousands of historical documents. There are extensive exhibitions on the world’s navies and the history of merchant shipping, including the Hanseatic League. Entry costs 12 Euros for adults, with concessions available. There are also a range of family tickets available.