Detailed drawing of the northern Bog Trackway No I of Wittmoor in Hamburg area, depicting cross section, top view, and longitudinal cut

Archäologisches Museum Hamburg Und Stadtmuseum Harburg

Archäologisches Museum Hamburg und Stadtmuseum Harburg: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Archäologisches Museum Hamburg und Stadtmuseum Harburg (AMH) stands as a vital cultural institution in southern Hamburg, offering an immersive experience into more than 200,000 years of North German history and the evolution of Harburg from a ducal residence to a vibrant metropolitan district. Established in 1898, the museum’s dual structure fuses archaeology and urban history, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, families, educators, and travelers seeking to understand Hamburg’s heritage (amh.de; hamburg.de).

This guide provides all essential details for planning your visit, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, major exhibitions, educational programs, and practical tips—ensuring a seamless and enriching museum experience.

Historical drawing of southern elder Bog Trackway No II of Wittmoor, Hamburg, Germany showing cross section, top view, and longitudinal cut

Museum Overview: Structure, Locations, and Significance

Dual Institution: Archaeology Meets Urban History

The AMH operates as a unified institution within the Stiftung Historische Museen Hamburg, combining two distinct focuses:

Archäologisches Museum Hamburg (AMH): Specializes in the archaeology, prehistory, and early history of the Hamburg region, holding over 1.5 million objects—one of the largest collections in northern Germany.
Stadtmuseum Harburg: Chronicles Harburg’s transformation through historical documents, photographs, and art, illustrating the district’s unique journey.

This dual approach allows visitors to explore Hamburg’s ancient past and the dynamic narrative of Harburg side by side (museumsdienst-hamburg.de).

Museum Locations

AMH Museumsplatz (Main Building):
Museumsplatz 2, 21073 Hamburg
Hosts core archaeological and historical exhibitions, museum shop, and café (amh.de).
Planet Harburg (Museum Dependance):
Herbert-und-Greta-Wehner-Platz, 21073 Hamburg-Harburg
Located in the former Karstadt-Kaufhaus, this innovative branch focuses on Harburg’s city history and community culture (hamburg-magazin.de).
Satellite Sites:
The Bischofsturm (Bishop’s Tower), Fischbeker Heide Archaeological Trail, and Hollenstedt Hillfort provide additional archaeological experiences.

Getting There:
Both main sites are easily accessible via S-Bahn (S3 or S5 to Harburg Rathaus), with parking and bicycle racks available nearby. Public transport is recommended due to limited parking (seeforfree.de).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

AMH Museumsplatz

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00
Closed: Mondays
Tickets:
- Adults: €6–€8
- Reduced (students, seniors): €4–€6
- Children under 18: Free
- Special exhibitions may require separate admission
- Tickets available onsite or online (amh.de)

Planet Harburg

Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00–17:00
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Friday
Tickets: Free admission for all visitors
Metropolis Kino Cinema: Open Thursday to Sunday, tickets €9 (standard), €6 (reduced) (metropoliskino.de/planetharburg)

Tip: Check the museum’s website for updates on holiday hours and ticketing during special events.

Facilities, Accessibility, and Visitor Amenities

Accessibility:
- Museumsplatz ground floor is fully wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms; some upper floors have limited access.
- Planet Harburg offers ground-floor accessibility.
- Staff assistance and guide dogs are welcome.
- Exhibits feature German and some English texts, with audioguides and guided tours available (amh.de).
Amenities:
- Café at Museumsplatz, museum shop, lockers, and cloakrooms
- Planet Harburg is adjacent to eateries and a lively pedestrian shopping area
- Family-friendly facilities and outdoor play areas
- Free WiFi and digital resources

Exhibitions and Programs

Permanent Exhibitions

Archaeological Experience World (Museumsplatz):
1,300 m² of interactive displays on Food, Death, Mobility, Violence, Innovation, and Materials, with major artifacts like the Duvensee paddle and Daensen folding chair (amh.de).
- Special highlight: 200 m² “Hamburg Transport Map” displaying archaeological finds across the city (hamburg-tourism.de).
Harburg Urban History (Planet Harburg):
Engaging journey through Harburg’s development, featuring multimedia installations, photos, documents, and regular community art projects (archaeologie42.de).

Special and Temporary Exhibitions

Lost Places – Archäologie der Gegenwart:
Photography and multimedia on abandoned sites, extended until April 27, 2025 (besser-im-blick.de).
Stadtmaler Ralf Schwinge: Harburg in neuen Ansichten:
May 23 – September 7, 2025, featuring over 150 works reimagining Harburg’s cityscape (museumsdienst-hamburg.de).

Educational and Family-Friendly Experiences

Workshops and Hands-On Activities:
- Archaeologicum for archaeological experiments
- Family workshops such as shield-making, tape art, and more (registration required)
Guided Tours:
- Thematic tours for all ages, including “Worauf wir stehen” and Bischofsburg tours
Outdoor Experiences:
- Fischbeker Heide Archaeological Trail (open year-round)
Digital Learning:
- AMH Digital platform, virtual tours, audioguides, and online educational resources

Practical Visitor Tips

Plan ahead: Book tickets online, especially for popular exhibitions and guided tours.
Combine visits: Museumsplatz and Planet Harburg are a 10–15 minute walk apart; consider visiting both.
Transport: Use public transport for convenience.
Dining: Try the café at Museumsplatz or local restaurants near Planet Harburg.
Photography: Permitted in most areas; check signage for restrictions.
Group visits: Contact the museum in advance for school or group bookings (amh.de).

Nearby Attractions

Harburg Castle ruins
Historic Lüneburger Straße shopping district
Binnenhafen (Harbor area)
Weekly market “Am Sand”
Other Hamburg cultural sites (hamburg-magazin.de)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Tickets for AMH Museumsplatz are available onsite or online; Planet Harburg is free.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Ground floors at both sites are accessible; some upper floors at Museumsplatz have limited access.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: English-language tours and audioguides are available with advance booking.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography is permitted for personal use except in some exhibitions.

Q: What are the best transport options?
A: S-Bahn lines S3 and S5 to Harburg Rathaus station.

Q: Are family and school workshops available?
A: Yes—see the museum website for schedules and registration.

Health and Safety

As of July 2025, there are no mandatory COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors are encouraged to maintain good hygiene and consider masks during crowded events.

Visual and Digital Resources

Virtual museum tours and interactive maps are available on the official website.
High-quality images with descriptive alt text (e.g., “Bronze Age Daensen folding chair at Archäologisches Museum Hamburg”) help preview the experience.

Summary and Final Tips

The Archäologisches Museum Hamburg und Stadtmuseum Harburg is a gateway to Hamburg’s archaeological and urban past, offering engaging exhibitions, accessible facilities, and a variety of educational and interactive programs. With innovative mediation projects like ArchäoMobil and Planet Harburg, the museum fosters a deep connection to the region’s history (amh.de; hamburg.de).

Plan your visit by checking opening hours, securing tickets online, and exploring digital resources. Stay connected via the museum’s social media and enhance your experience by downloading the Audiala app for audio tours and event updates. Start your journey through time at this essential Hamburg museum destination!