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Museum of Work

From print shops and metal work to maritime trade, learn all about Hamburg’s history of work and industry at the Museum of Work.

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History of Hamburg’s Workers

Located on the grounds of a historical factory in the former working-class quarter of Barmbek, the Hamburg Museum of Work presents traditional working technologies from the 19th century to today. Discover the history of work and working life in  industries typical of Hamburg and learn how drastically things have changed since the Industrial Revolution.

At the heart of the complex stands TRUDE, the cutterhead of what was once the largest drilling machine in the world. It was used in the construction process of the fourth bore of the Elbe Tunnel – a true landmark of progress in industry and infrastructure in Hamburg.

Hands-On Approach

Many machines displayed in the museum are still functional even today. That’s why beside the ongoing exhibitions in the halls of the old and new factory, a special highlight is the museum’s workshops in the boiler house. Here you can participate in manufacturing works, such as moulding, casting and milling, or learn about the technologies of letterpress, bookbinding and lithography.

There are also educational programmes for children, such as making elephant-shaped pendants and colourful pins in the metal workshop or learning about the ‘black art’ in the printing workshop. And on the weekends, you can experience how to roast your own coffee, make sweets or work a traditional automatic embroidery machine.

Address

Museum der Arbeit
Wiesendamm 3
22305 Hamburg

Getting There

Take U3, S1 or S11 to Barmbek. The museum is right opposite the station.

Opening Hours

Monday 10.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday – Friday 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, holidays 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.

For more information, see here or here.