Altonaer Museum, Hamburg, Germany
Date Visited: July 1, 2017
Time Spent: 2.5 hours
Collection: Archives, Building Materials, Library, Maritime Collection, Fine Art, Historic Houses, Decorative Arts
Website: http://www.altonaermuseum.de/de/home
You'd think a museum about the history of a neighbourhood in Hamburg would be small and boring... HA. Somehow, Germany has perfected the local museum, and can turn any history into a grand story.
The museum itself is located not in some grandiose building, rather it fits seamlessly in the streets of Altona making it an integral part of the area. It's quite fascinating, really. Of course the minute you walk in, you completely forget where you are as the comforting walls of quiet history envelop you back into the womb #FreudIssues. It invited you in with a very airy, light lobby and an equally open first gallery. The displays are amazingly informative and interactive, even if you don't speak or read German. Without much description ( or any, really), you're able to understand and appreciate everything.
IT'S A BUILDING IN A BUILDING OMG
While wandering, you'll experience and learn about every part of Altona's development. From its fishing roots, to an old shop display, to even the opportunity to explore an old farmhouse and elaborately decorated historic rooms. You even get a chance to see some clothing, art, and if you have kids, there's even a place for them to play and learn (as if the whole museum wasn't already for that anyways!). There is a very interactive "Optical Wonder Chamber" as part of the permanent exhibitions and it was probably the most fun two adults could have had playing with light and magic lanterns.
Wanna play?? *Insert creepy Chuckie voice*
Altona is a busy neighbourhood and the sheer size of the museum help you to understand the area all while forgetting the hustle and bustle outside. I'm not posting my top 5 artefacts/ pieces as there's just too much and nothing really stood out. But check their collection out online.
Speaking of busts... there's an amazing collection of ship figureheads in the lecture hall area. It's an open area, so you're more than welcome to get up close and personal with them. But viewing them can get confusing as you'll look at some and wonder why anyone would have wanted that on the front of their ship...
Looking at this photo again... it's a bit creepy
If you've already been to the International Maritimes Museum in Hamburg and fear repetition, have no fear!! The content on display, while similar, is also completely different in therms of interpretation and objects. I visited both in the same week and dare I say... understood more about the naval artefacts in Altona?!?! Let's just say the knowledge from the Maritimes Museum carried over #KeepItPC
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