Panoptikum Hamburg

About the museum

In 1879, the wood sculptor Friedrich Hermann Faerber opened one of Germany's first wax museums on Spielbudenplatz. It displayed crowned heads alongside curiosities and notorious criminals – for many visitors the first chance to see what famous people looked like, since newspapers at the time rarely printed photographs.

When cinema arrived, most establishments of this kind disappeared; the Hamburg Panoptikum is the only German wax museum from that era still in existence today. In 1943, incendiary bombs destroyed the building, and only a few figures could be saved. A few years after the war, a small exhibition reopened, and in 1959 the Panoptikum moved into a new 1950s-style building on its traditional site, whose facade was preserved during a renovation in 2007.

The museum is still family-owned and run by descendants of the founder. Around 120 wax figures are on display across four floors: historical rulers in period costume, international stars from film, music, sports and politics, and Hamburg local characters. There is also a horror scene and a cabinet of medical history, and new faces are added to the collection regularly.

Highlights

• Germany's oldest surviving wax museum (since 1879)
• Around 120 wax figures on four floors
• Historical figures such as Henry VIII alongside stars like the Beatles and Robbie Williams
• Hamburg celebrities, such as Uwe Seeler
• 1950s-style building on Spielbudenplatz

Permanent exhibitions

• Wachsfigurenkabinett – Around 120 wax figures of historical personalities and present-day celebrities, complemented by a horror scene and a cabinet of medical history.

Founded

1879

Operated by

Familienunternehmen Faerber

Director

Dr. Hayo Faerber und Susanne Faerber

Admission & discounts

Prices valid until December 31, 2026. Reduced tickets only at the ticket desk; online you can buy regular, child, student and senior tickets as well as combination tickets with city tours, harbor cruises, walking tours and Panik City.

Accessibility

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

Several staircases; anyone who can manage three steps can reach the entrance area. Therefore only partly suitable for wheelchair users (free admission). Folding museum stools available to borrow.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available

Free rallies available from the attendants: “Pauli P. Tour für Kids” (up to age 12) and “PanoptikumNews” for teens 12 and up. Because of the many stairs, strollers should be left with the attendants.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available
• Wi-Fi

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit