Hamburg's state archaeology museum in Harburg: a hands-on exhibition on prehistory and early history, special exhibitions and local history.
Through November 8, 2026
At Planet Harburg, the Stadtmuseum Harburg shows 40 aerial photographs by photographer Günther Krüger from 1954 to 1969, documenting the reconstruction and transformation of Hamburg and Harburg.
The museum's roots go back to the Museumsverein für Stadt und Landkreis Harburg, a museum association founded in 1898, which first showed its rapidly growing collection in a school and, from 1902, in a commercial school. In 1925 the museum gained its own home: a Gründerzeit villa donated by the sons of the association's first chairman, August Helms – hence its long-standing name, Helms-Museum.
Under Willi Wegewitz, director from 1930 to 1966, archaeology moved to the center of its work and the museum became a recognized research institution. After heavy war damage, one of the first major new museum buildings of the postwar era was built in 1955 on today's Museumsplatz, later extended with a theater hall.
From 1972, Hamburg's state collections of prehistory and early history were brought together here, and in 1987 the office for the preservation of archaeological monuments was added. Today the museum is the state museum of archaeology and home to Hamburg's state archaeology service and the district archaeology service of Landkreis Harburg; its central storage facility holds more than 1.5 million objects.
The permanent archaeology exhibition at Harburger Rathausplatz focuses on discovery and hands-on experience rather than traditional display cases, while special exhibitions are held at Museumsplatz. The museum also includes the Bischofsburg in the city center, a branch at Planet Harburg and archaeological trails; a new venue for Harburg's local history is being created in the vaulted cellar of Harburg Castle (Harburger Schloss).
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Including people with disabilities (full list on the website) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and teens up to 17 free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5companion free · Reduced admission; companion free (according to KulturPerlen). |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Self-guided groups of 10 or more must register through the Museumsdienst Hamburg; flat fee of €20. |
The ticket is valid for all AMH venues. The Bischofsburg and the exhibition at Planet Harburg are free.
Assessed by KulturPerlen. At Harburger Rathausplatz the first floor is step-free, while the second floor can only be reached by stairs (no elevators to the upper exhibition rooms). Accessible restrooms with baby changing tables at Museumsplatz and Rathausplatz. Programs for blind visitors and people with learning difficulties can be booked.
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
The permanent exhibition at Harburger Rathausplatz is designed as a hands-on museum with stations for touching and trying things out. Drop-in workshops and interactive programs for children; during school holidays, tours for grandparents and grandchildren (60 min., €3 plus admission). Children's birthday parties for up to 10 children aged 6 or 8 and up (€130, through the Museumsdienst). Archaeology playground right next to the museum. Strollers are allowed but should be left at the coat check where possible, as there are currently no elevators to the upper exhibition rooms; baby changing tables in both buildings.
Harburg Rathaus
S3/S5 to Harburg Rathaus; several bus stops just a few meters from both buildings.
No on-site parking at the museum.
No dedicated visitor parking; some free parking on adjacent streets, but spaces are usually scarce. The museum recommends arriving by public transport.
Restaurant "Helms Lounge" in the foyer at Museumsplatz (Tue–Sat 9:30–21:00, Sun 9:30–17:00), museum shops. Unattended coat check and deposit lockers.
Bischofsburg for talks and receptions (up to approx. 40 people seated, 60 standing, booked through the catering partner), the Harburger Theater in the museum building (rented through the theater operators), and the Helms Lounge for private celebrations.
Inquiries & details| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Generally permitted for private use without tripod or flash; exceptions for loans and in special exhibitions. |
| Good to know | Guided tours and programs for groups, schools and daycare centers are booked through the Museumsdienst Hamburg. Food and drink only in the foyer. Dogs only in the Helms Lounge; guide dogs welcome. |
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