Deutsches Baumschulmuseum

About the museum

Since the 1970s, people from the Pinneberger Baumschulland, one of the largest contiguous tree nursery areas in Europe, had campaigned for a museum of their own. At first they mainly collected working tools that were being replaced by modern machines in the businesses. Plans for a museum at the arboretum in Ellerhoop-Thiensen initially fell through; the Deutsche Baumschulmuseum was finally opened on May 14, 1994, on the grounds of a former tree nursery in Prisdorf.

In 2001 the museum moved to the grounds of the former Baumschule Otto in Pinneberg-Thesdorf. In the same year the nonprofit friends' association was founded, which has run the house ever since and operates it on a volunteer basis. In the former shipping hall and on the outdoor grounds, the museum shows its permanent exhibition and a new special exhibition every year. In 2019 it received the quality seal "Zertifiziertes Museum", from 2020 municipal funding, and in 2023 an award for its work in education for sustainable development.

The collection includes tools and machines, photos, catalogs, specialist literature, and company documents that document the technical and social change in tree nurseries. In terms of content, the museum connects economy and ecology: forestry nurseries are among the roots of the idea of sustainability. In the long term, the association aims to relocate the museum to Ellerhoop, where the arboretum and the horticultural center of the Chamber of Agriculture are located.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition in six stations from the beginnings to shipping and trade
• Binding machine from 1955
• Transplant bed and high-wheeled tractor on the outdoor grounds
• Model of a Wardian case for transporting exotic plants
• Trading cabinet with trading bell
• Many games and hands-on stations to touch and try out

Permanent exhibitions

• Warum Bäume in die Schule gehen – Six stations – from soil preparation through propagation and transplanting to care, shipping, and trade – explain how tree nurseries raise woody plants; the stations are varied each year to match the seasonal exhibition.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Förderverein Deutsches Baumschulmuseum e. V.

Director

Dr. Heike Meyer-Schoppa

Admission & discounts

For a regular visit the museum states no fixed admission price; donations to the friends' association are welcome. At events with a guided tour (e.g., family tours) €5, children free; admission is free at the season opening and season closing.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

On request, the team offers tours for people with dementia and for people with cognitive impairments or learning difficulties. There are also telephone tours in the series "Bei Anruf Kultur".

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

In the exhibition, many games and hands-on stations invite you to try things out. On selected Sundays there are family tours with a hands-on rally, crafts, and building; children's birthday parties with a tour are possible by arrangement.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A 23, exit Pinneberg-Süd, Rellinger Straße toward Thesdorf station, left onto Bogenstraße, right onto Neue Straße and on to Halstenbeker Straße; the access to the museum is signposted.

Amenities & dining

At events there is often coffee and cake in exchange for a donation.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Small celebrations, children's birthday parties, and group outings with a tour on special dates by arrangement.

Plan your visit