Hamburg: International Maritime Museum Entrance Ticket

Must Do Experiences

• Marvel at the 1:200 scale model of the Queen Mary II, painstakingly built from 1 million LEGO bricks

• Explore the windjammers and cogs that shaped global trade for centuries

• Discover medals, uniforms, and personal artifacts from navies around the world

• Walk through 30 centuries of maritime innovation, from ancient sailboats to modern vessels

Hidden Gems

• The museum’s collection of sailor diaries and personal items offers an intimate, human perspective on life at sea

• Don’t miss the rotating temporary exhibitions — they often feature rare maritime artifacts not on permanent display

• The gift shop has unique nautical memorabilia and model ships that make excellent souvenirs

• Visit the museum’s online archive before your trip to plan which galleries interest you most

What Makes it Special

• One of the largest maritime museums in Europe with over 40,000 exhibition pieces spanning 3,000 years

• Home to the only full-scale Queen Mary II LEGO model in the world, built by a dedicated team of model makers

• Unique collection of windjammer models and historical sailing vessels from every continent

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Visit during the summer months (June to August) when Hamburg’s port is most vibrant and the nearby Elbe waterfront is perfect for a pre- or post-museum stroll. The museum is also magical in December when the holiday season brings a festive atmosphere to the harbor district.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• The LEGO Queen Mary II is the star attraction — get a good angle in the main hall with its dramatic lighting

• Bring a wide-angle lens for the towering windjammer models that dominate the central gallery

• Photography is generally allowed without flash — check with staff for any restricted areas

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Germans take their maritime history very seriously — this museum is a source of national pride. When visiting, take time to appreciate the craftsmanship in the model ships, as German model-making traditions are world-renowned. It’s also customary to speak quietly in museums here, so keep conversations low and let the exhibits speak for themselves.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Hamburg Maritime Days — an annual summer festival celebrating the city’s port heritage with live music, food stalls, and ship tours

• International Fleet Review — held every few years, featuring historic sailing vessels from around the world docked at the port

• LEGO Maritime Exhibition — a special showcase celebrating the Queen Mary II LEGO model with behind-the-scenes looks at the building process

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• The museum floors are well-lit and spacious, but some galleries have narrow passages between large exhibits — watch your step

• Keep valuables secure in the provided coat check lockers

• If visiting with children, keep them close in the main hall where the LEGO model is displayed as it can draw large crowds